Be wary of social media during Ramadan, says cleric

MUSLIMS across the country have been advised to be cautious in their use of social media during the ongoing Ramadan.

Speaking at a Ramadan seminar organised by The Muslim Congress (TMC), Kwara State, in conjunction with other Islamic bodies, the guest lecturer at the event, Dr Nafiu Ahmed Arikewuyo Al-Jawharih, said that such step would ensure proper focus and discipline to guard against immoral distractions while the month-long fasting lasts.

He said: “Muslims should deactivate their social media accounts because of unsolicited immoral content. The negative impact of this on our fast is extremely damaging.

“Some Muslims have had the opportunity to fast for 35 years but don’t have a single point with Allah because of their actions prior to Ramadan and during the holy month. Yet, a single Ramadan with proper connection with Allah can make all the difference as some Hadiths have shown.”

The guest lecture said while Ramadan fast requires abstinence from food and drinks, “our ears, eyes – indeed, all parts of our body – must be involved in the exercise.”

Dr Ahmed, who is a senior lecturer at Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, listed taubah, lowering of gaze, reading the Qur’an with its meanings and revival of iman as part of the prerequisites for accepted Ramadan fast.

In his welcome address, the Deputy Chairman, Organising Committee, Mr Bashir Olalekan Ariyo, said Muslims need to consciously observe Ramadan in line with the importance attached to the month by Allah.

He said the aim of the programme was to provide the Muslim Ummah with the right attitude and strategy to benefit maximally from the fast, noting that losers in the month are the most unfortunate.

Biola Azeez