The Holy Month of Ramadan is not only meant for fasting and abstinence. It is also a month when good and God-fearing Muslims remember the poor and needy. It is a time when Muslims extend a helping hand to those in need, a time for sharing and caring.

In the light of this, President Yahya Jammeh's annual Ramadan gift of sugar to Muslims throughout the country is a tradition worthy of commendation. The annual gift is a perfect illustration of the President's compassion and love for humanity in general and Gambians in particular. It is also a perfect embodiment of the fundamental principles enshrined in Islamic teachings and African ideals of good neighbourliness.

Our religions, particularly Islam, require us to share part of the wealth entrusted to us by the Almighty Allah with the economically underprivileged, especially during this period of generosity, compassion, forgiveness, love and prayers. The same is true of our African ideals, which form part of the bedrock of our common identity as citizens of this earth.

A point well worth mentioning is the fact that President Jammeh's  move is politically colourless, as the distribution is not based on party politics or any other forms of sectionalism.

In recent times, humanity has degenerated into fraticidal conflicts inflamed by animosity and hatred, and has been afflicted with uncountable diseases, famine and other forms of natural disasters, such as flood and drought. The man-made catastrophes must not go unchecked.

Ramadan presents a rare opportunity to put a halt to the seemingly endless stream of these ugly scenes which permeate our common history by reflecting on our common ideals to bridge the gaps created by our differences. In this way, we will be able to reach out to those who are suffering and are in need of our compassion, love, and caring.

President Jammeh has manifested an example that we must all emulate. His assistance will greatly help the poor and needy, as it goes a long way towards reducing the burden of household expenses.

Additionally, the annual traditional assistance of President Jammeh in providing Iftar in mosques across the Greater Banjul Area daily after the breaking of the fast is another manifestation of his love and concern for humanity and the needy people of this country, especially the less privileged. This is further buttressed by the fact that whatever is generated from his Kanilai farms is utilised for the benefit of Gambians.

Therefore, Gambians, especially the Muslim Ummah, need to support President Yahya Jammeh and his government, as it was only with the advent of his administration that this worthy tradition was instituted. Of all the leaders of the world, it is only  President Jammeh who renders such assistance to the Muslim fraternity during the month of Ramadan. His love and care for his people is manifested in all spheres and aspects of life.

President Jammeh has played his part. It is now the responsibility of others to make sure that the gift reaches Muslims throughout the country and that it is shared accordingly. If properly distributed, the gift will benefit every household in the country.

Regional governors, district chiefs and others concerned with the distribution of the gift should ensure that the Ramadan gift reaches every Muslim in accordance with President Jammeh's call for accountability, transparency and probity.