As the Muslim Ummah prepares for the Holy month of Ramadan, Alhaji Momodou Lamin Touray, the newly-elected president of the Gambia Supreme Islamic Council (GSIC), has urged Muslims, notably those in the business sector to reduce the prices of basic foodstuffs and be honest in their dealings with the masses.

Some business people and vendors are in the habit of raising prices of basic commodities during the month of Ramadan; an act that is contrary to the spirit of the blessed month in the Islamic calendar.

Speaking in an interview with the Daily Observer, Imam Touray urged people not to take advantage of the Holy Month of Ramadan to hike prices, which according to him, would be to the detriment of Muslims, especially average Gambians.

"Anyone who is faithful to God and to his religion and believes in the Day of Resurrection, will never take advantage of this Holy Month to exploit the people. It is sad to see a businessman increasing the prices of foodstuff at the expense of Muslims, when they should rather have mercy on their fellow Muslims and give as much Zakat (charity) as possible," he said

According to the veteran Imam and erudite scholar, Ramadan creates an opportunity for Muslims to repent, purify their faith and seek the blessings of Allah.
"It is a month full of peace, and blessings; and as such, Muslims should not allow unIslamic practices to go unchecked," he said.

Imam Touray also urged businessmen not to promote their business and services through music, dancing and drumming during this period, as it is against the teachings of the religion.

Moon sighting

On the commencement of fasting, Imam Touray disclosed that the first sighting of the moon is on Sunday, August 31. If the moon is sighted on this day, he went on, "We will start fasting on Monday, September 1".

"But if Muslims sight the moon on Monday, September 1, then the following day will be the starting day of fasting," Imam Touray explained.

He advised Muslims to immediately report information to GSIC if the moon is sighted in any part of the country.

The GSIC President Touray then called on the Muslim community to nurture unity, honesty and good neighbourliness throughout this period and beyond. He also prayed to Allah to enable the Muslim Ummah to see His servants through a successful Ramandan.