What the rest of the world needs to learn from Ramadan fasts —Dawud Noibi

The Executive Secretary of the Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN), Professor Dawud Noibi, speaks with SAHEED SALAWU on what next for Muslims and, indeed, the rest of humanity as the curtain drew on the holy month of Ramadan this year, last week.

With Ramadan fasting over, how can Muslims ensure that the benevolence of Allah, the abundance of which they have enjoyed for the past couple of weeks, does not end with the holy month?

Allah’s abundant mercies are not limited to any particular period. Although good deeds in the month of Ramadan attract more immensely benevolent rewards, Allah’s mercies continue to descend on the righteous even when the month is over. Those who do not allow the great lessons of the month-long fasting, as stated in Qur’an 2:183, to be lost on them after the month is over should rest assured that Allah’s benevolence will continue to descend on them even after the month has ended.

What are those things that Muslims should focus on from now on to keep them from transgressing the bounds of Allah as the restrictions brought on by the month of Ramadan are no more there?

Restraining oneself from eating and drinking, etc, during the day in the month of Ramadan is not an end in itself but a means to an end. The ultimate goal is for fasting to help in deepening one’s God-consciousness which enables one to restrain oneself from what is normally permissible, namely, eating and drinking, etc, during the period of daylight, simply because Allah has so directed. That you were able to carry out that directive is a demonstration of ability on your part to exercise self-restraint even from what is normally permissible. It follows that restraining oneself from all things forbidden by Allah is something you should be able and willing to do. Like fasting in the month of Ramadan, the obligatory five daily prayers are also a means of strengthening a Muslim’s resolve to adhere to Allah’s commands at all times as stated in Qur’an 29:45. So, these prayers and other obligations go a long way in reinforcing the lofty lessons of fasting.

How should Ed-el-Fitr be celebrated?

The most important element of the celebration of Eid-el-Fitri is the two-rak’ah prayer after sunrise observed usually at the prayer ground. You should have a formal bath at home and put on good clothing. Following the congregational prayer, the Imam delivers a khutbah (sermon) which should address current issues relevant to the society. On the way to and from the prayer ground, worshippers chant the glorification and praise of Allah. No one should fast on the Eid Day. Muslims exchange pleasantries on this day of joy.

Are there any cardinal lessons that the rest of the world can learn from the month of Ramadan?

The rest of the world is to learn from the Muslims’ observance of the Ramadan fasts, a deep sense of spirituality which is otherwise missing from the current global approach to life. As Prince Charles, heir to the British throne, has emphasised consistently, the West in particular needs to be invited to relearn spirituality from the Muslim world.

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After Ramadaan, attention generally shifts to preparation for hajj. How would you advise the prospective pilgrims? What are those things that should be uppermost in their minds?

As MUSWEN has done year after year over the past few years through the pamphlets that it produced and distributed to pilgrims, intending pilgrims should be well educated about the significance of the various rites of hajj. In addition to encouraging them to learn more about the principles and practice of Islam in general, that is the only way to ensure that they benefit maximally from their pilgrimage for their own good and that of the country at large.

How would you describe the lot of Muslims in Nigeria and particularly the South-West?

Nigerian Muslims in general and those of the South West in particular could fare much better than we are doing at present. Globally, Muslims have a significant role to play in helping humanity to follow the path of Allah. We have not been playing that role mainly because of the imposition of the secular culture of the West on Nigerian Muslims, including those of the South West, through colonialism. We owe it a duty to strive through peaceful democratic means to reclaim the right to live our lives according to the teaching of our religion.

There seems to be tension among leaders due to the forthcoming elections in the country, leading to exchanges of angry words. What is your advice for them?

The lessons of Ramadan fasts discussed above will go a long way in solving the perennial problems usually created by politicians, especially in the run-up to elections. Consciousness of accountability to Allah on Judgement Day for everything done by each individual will surely help in curbing the greed that often makes most politicians behave in a devilish manner.