- This is what genuine Muslims must do even now that fasting is over
The annual fasting observed by Muslims across the world ended yesterday. And today, Muslims all over the world mark the end of Ramadan fasting with the Eid-el-Fitri celebration. The festivity comes on the first day of the 10th month of Islamic lunar calendar, and has become one of two festivals of Islamic significance; the other being Eid-el-Kabir. After a month-long ascetic life and spiritual supplications to the Almighty, Eid is expected to usher in infinite bliss for devotees. Today is an occasion of gleefulness and thanksgiving. All good Muslims should take advantage of the day to vow never to go back to what Allah frowns at, and to show gratitude to Him for sparing their lives.
Despite today’s air of indulgence, we call for modesty in celebration. We expect Muslims to avoid depraved conducts. Good Muslims should take advantage of the day to be sensitive to and share the feelings of those around them. That is why the lessons of the holy month must reflect in the way they relate with friends, non-Muslims inclusive.
Muslims whose fast is based on imaan, sincerity, should truly expect reward, Ihtisaab, from Allah. Those that have imaan as thrust of their dealings with fellow beings will have their sins forgiven. Others will have to satisfactorily answer questions such as: was their fast performed with true belief and full surrender to Allah? Was it done because Allah imposed it on Muslims or for other selfish reasons? Have they gained anything from the month of Ramadan Were they positively inclined towards fellow beings? Have they overcome all their prior weaknesses and cruelty?
We have no doubt that obedient Muslims, not killers and terrorists, like Boko Haram insurgents, despoiling the name of Allah, are assured of reward from Almighty Allah. Surprisingly, these fake Islamists hiding under the guise of the ’religion of peace’ to perpetuate evil have shown gross contempt for the holy month. The terrorists destroyed the usual tranquillity of unity and spiritual rebirth of the holy month through senseless bombing of innocent souls and outright destruction of properties.
We wonder what has happened to the pious habit of Qur’an recitation, especially during Ramadan, and imbibing the lessons therein. The Boko Haram insurgents should realise the futility of their actions quickly. All human beings are expected to be their brother’s keeper and should cultivate and indulge in things that would make the community and the entire world one peaceful place for all to live in. We doubt whether the terrorists could, in all conscience, proclaim this. The suicide bombing of fellow beings before, during and after the month of Ramadan is barbaric.
So, in the spirit of Ramadan, we call on the governments, institutions, the people and especially Boko Haram insurgents to have an attitudinal change that would not negate the commandments of Allah. What should be done now is to continue to practice and sustain the virtuous preaching learnt during Ramadan for the sake of all. The talk of restoring security in the country must start with adhering to the tenets of Allah by both Muslims and non-Muslims. This is realisable only if stakeholders in the nation’s project are honest with themselves as all Muslims professed during the Ramadan period.
Moving our country forward entails being our brother’s keeper; and desisting from inflicting terror and evil on humanity. That is the greatest lesson that can be learnt from the just ended fasting.
