Editorial

The Holy Month of Ramadan - the most important month in the Islamic calendar - has arrived. As usual, Muslims are expected to distance themselves from food, water and other frivolous acts from dawn to dusk, as prescribed in the Holy Quran. In this sacred month, Muslims are expected to intensify their worshipping of the Almighty Allah and be reminiscent of the poor who remain hungry and starved even beyond Ramadan, in order to be sympathetic.

The Islamic religious literature speaks volumes about the significance of this month. Each year in this month, Muslims commit themselves to the best practices in Islam, share with other and endeavour to be closer to God the Almighty. The Gambia, is blessed to have people who are  religiously tolerant, and hardly does a religious activity of one group disturbs another. People in this country regardless of religious affiliation live in peace and harmony.

Now that it is Ramadan time, Muslims and even non-Muslims are urged to conduct themselves in a manner that conforms to the principles of humanity and tolerance. Ramadan is a blessed month; it calls for the purification of mankind. Such purification cannot be achieved if we do not submerge ourselves in the service of the lord.

In the special month of the Ramadan, we have to endeavour to do away with our social engagements like beach parties and nightclub extravagances. Our dress codes particularly for the women also need to be look at. Dresses that are exposing should be avoided. Let us be down to earth and humble and be willing to share with others and always endeavour to do good.

This is a month that we should be competing among ourselves to be closer to God and not the otherwise. The Islamic Council and other Islamic institutions should also play their part to ensure that people exercise discipline and a high sense of morality during this month. Sermons, which are geared towards enlightening the people to internalise and adopt good characters, in the mosques, can help shape the behaviour of people.

As Muslims in The Gambia join the rest of the Islamic Ummah to perform the fasting and prayers, we wish the entire Muslims of this country a happy Ramadan.  May the Almighty Allah continue to shower His blessings on this country and our dynamic leadership.