The president of the Gambia Supreme Islamic Council (SIC) Imam Momodou Lamin Touray, has once again appealed to members of the business community, notably traders in basic commodities, to to "have mercy" on Muslims and not take advantage of the Holy Month of Ramadan to increase prices of essential commodities, thus making them to go beyond the reach of the people, especially the less privileged.

Touray, an erudite and outspoken scholar, who is also the deputy imam of State House Mosque, was speaking Monday during his traditional Ramadan interview with the Daily Observer at his office at the SIC headquarters along MDI road in Kanifing.His remarks came amidst widespread concerns over the prices of some basic commodities, among them sugar, which has in recent times risen to D8 per cup.  

The SIC boss said: "It is unfortunate to observe that when Muslims' special worshiping periods such as the Holy Month of Ramadan draw nearer, some of those traders who are endowed with wealth by the Almighty Allah do not consider having mercy on the people, especially the poor and the needy. It is not all traders that are in such habit, but many of them see these periods as a chance to boost their undertakings, thereby causing hardships on people especially the poor. "Why one or two months before the Holy Months of Ramadan the price of sugar is at a certain price, and as the Ramadan draws nearer it skyrockets?

What doubts us in this situation is that had it been that a cargo [ship] of sugar just [anchored] at the ports, then we may suggest that it is the cause for the price increment. But we are all here and we are not aware of the new arrival of sugar cargo, the same sugar that we are having has a sudden increment on its price." He noted that such increment is due to the fact that whenever Ramadan is approaching, the demand for sugar increases amongst Muslims. He continued: "We appeal to those traders engaged in selling foodstuff to be reasonable in their pricing. We are not advocating for their downfall, but for the sake of Allah, the Holy Month, and Prophet Muhammed (Peace Be Upon Him), if you are making a profit of D10 before Ramadan, please reduce it to two during this period. You would only notice that your profit in terms of dalasi is being reduced, but the reward it would give you would be unestimated."

Meat
Imam Touray also urged butchers to make meat affordable for Muslims during the 30-day period of fasting. The Islamic religion, according to him, is one based on mercy, pointing out that this is why the Almighty Allah put Zakat [charity] as a fundamental pillar especially for the needy. He again reiterated that they are not advocating for the losses of the traders, but a fair and just deal for the people.

Extravagancy
Imam Touray also observed that many people especially those who are well off are in the habit of spending unnecessarily during the Holy Month of Ramadan. He urged such people to buy what they can consume and share the rest with the needy. "You would see some people buying lots of things for the evening fast break, but would end up consuming few out of the lots, and throw the rest away when there are people who find it difficult to get food to break their fast," he stated.

'Indecent dress code'
Imam Touray also frowned at the dressing of some people in the society, especially young girls, urging them to cover themselves decently at all times, more so in this Holy Month of Ramadan. He challenged parents and landlords, amongst others, to take responsibility and advise their children on how to dress in a responsible and decent manner. He equally challenged tailors to nurture faith in God and distance themselves from sewing clothes that would expose the bodies of women that are supposed to be covered.

The SIC president finally underscored the importance of the Holy Month of Ramadan, which he said creates an opportunity for Muslims to repent, strengthen their faith and seek the blessings of the Almighty Allah. "It is a month full of peace and blessings; and as such, Muslims should not allow unIslamic practices to go unchecked," he concluded.