Ramadan Fast 2020

Monday, 4th May

Ramadan Mubarak, let  us learn to cultural acceptable level, the essence of been our brother's keeper. For example, the third pillar of Islam is on giving out of a specified  percentage of the accrued profits of our acquired  wealth and when it is in terms  of farm products, there are equally percentages that we must part with for donations, for the purpose of poverty alleviation and hunger eradication. This is about Zakat operation. This is inline with the need to get fulfilled  to the scripture compliant level   to gain the favor of God. Quran 92 : 5-7 refers ''So he gives in charity and fears Allah and in all sincerity testify to the best, that is the essence of caring and sharing and been philanthropic . Almighty Allah, He will indeed make smooth for him, the path to Ease.'' The period of Ramadan offers us the opportunity  to build a positive mindset in this direction. Ramadan Kareem.

Tuesday, 5th May

The concept of charity affords the rich to be philanthropic in nature, as being experimented under Sodaqat, that is voluntary alms giving as a normal way of life. But this must be done to the empowerment level of the needy.

The almighty Allah identified    some troubled spots that must be addressed to have a normal, safe and secured society. For example in Quran 9 : 60, it is declared ''Alms are for the poor and the needy and those employed to administer the funds. To institutionalize this, the apex body of the Islamic  family need to take this up as a project for the  rich individuals and Islamic sects to follow. Such funds mus be extended to those whose hearts have been recently reconciled to truth; for those in bondage and in debt; those in the cause of Allah;  and for the wayfarer : thus it is ordained by Allah. And Allah is full of knowledge and wisdom.''

To prevent violence  and insecurity, this must be a task that must be culturally entrenched. Ramadan Kareem.

 Wednesday, 6th May

During this  Ramadan, redemption feeding is another source of  reaching  out to the poor(Fidyatu Toham), which the rich can use to atone for its inability to fast. This equally must extend to the  level of empowerment.

Crisis and challenges of eradicating the Almajiri is now  a monstrous challenge  for Government and the society because of the socio-economic and sociological challenges associated to its eradication.

However, the concept of been our brother's keeper whereby the rich ones support Government 's efforts may effectively address this area this is because  rehabilitation without vocational training support and engagement will never be sustainable and satisfactory  for the victims of this social menace.

Religious leaders must place emphasis on how to make operational  Sodaqat, Zakat and Fidyatu Toham, that is voluntary alms giving, to become our natural ways of life, for the needy and the poor to be effectively taken care of. Ramadan Kareem.

Thursday, 7th May

Zakat L' Fitri, that is alms giving to climax the Ramadan fast, may be in monetary terms or food materials, most especially grains by the family for the purpose of reaching out to the poor through  the coordinating Imam, who must be God fearing in the distribution.

Muslims must continue to recite Quran 90 to get acquainted with the importance of making charity as an atonement of sins that have not been criminalized.

The excerpts from this chapter refers '' But man has not made haste on the path that is steep and what will explain to thee the path  that is steep, it is freeing the bound man or the giving of food in a day of deprivation, to the orphan with claims of relationship or to the indigent down in the dust. Such giver must equally be of those who believe in God, enjoying patience, constancy  and self-restraint and also enjoying deeds of kindness and compassion.''

Decide to be one today. Ramadan Kareem.

Friday, 8th May

Every nation where kleptocracy characterize governance, self centered thoughts  dominates the  lives  of the elite, always records poor  tales of poverty, hunger, homelessness, armed robbery and characteristic state of insecurity.

The almighty Allah therefore warns against miserly behavior in the Holy Quran 92 : 8-12. '' But he who is greedy miser and thinks himself self sufficient and gives the lie to the best, that is (charity), he will indeed make smooth for him the path to Misery nor will his wealth profit him when he falls headlong into the pit. Verily will take upon us to guide.''

This is why the Holy Quran 13 : 18 declared ''for those who respond to their lord  are all good things, but those who respond not to Him, even if they had all that is in the heaven and on earth and as much more in vain offer it for ransom. For them will the reckoning  be terrible, their abode will be hell,-what a bed of misery.''

The ravaging coronavirus pandemic attests to this.

Uphold charity and shun miserly life to eradicate poverty and hunger for ensured peace in the land. Ramadan Kareem.

Prof. Sabitu Olagoke

Founder, Spiritual Head and Grand Imam Shafaudeen-in-Islam Worldwide,Wakajaiye, Ibadan, Nigeria