The Islamic religion consists of five basic pillars that guide the practice and lifestyle of every Muslim.
Ramadan is considered a critical pillar that is observed by Muslims in the ninth month of the Islamic calendar.
Muslims, during this period, partake in fasting for 30 days with the intention of bettering themselves in the principles of faith and with the goal to change their character for good.
The purpose of Ramadan goes beyond denying oneself food and drinks to a more significant aspect of asserting good morals and values founded on Islamic principles.
In the sermon of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) on the last Friday of Sha’ban (the month before Ramadan), regarding Ramadan; he said,
“…Oh, people! the month of Allah (Ramadan) has come with its mercies, blessings, and forgiveness. Allah has decreed this month, as the best of all months. The days of this month are the best among the days, the nights are the best among all nights and the hours are the best among all hours.”
This sermon reiterates the significance and sanctity of the month of Ramadan in the sight of the Almighty Allah.
Ramadan comes with a motive to discipline the mind and body, the idea being that abstaining from food and drink prompts you to realize and reflect on the luxuries you have in life, hence, learning to be grateful for the mercies of your creator.
The entire month of Ramadan is divided into three categories.
These categories represent a prayer for apology, mercy, and escape. It is noted that the first two sections are made of ten (10) days but the last section can be nine days from time to time depending on the number of days that make up the month.
In the first section, the Muslims pray for kindness for themselves, their family, and their friends. In the second section, they seek forgiveness for their sins from Allah. Thirdly, they seek freedom from the punishment of sins for themselves, family and their deceased compatriots.
In a nutshell, the basic principle of Ramadan is to give up on evil and achieve all good characteristics that can build a society devoid of injustice, corruption, and envy, as well as convey happiness and peaceful life.
Fasting comes with several benefits. Just to mention a few;
Psychological benefits
Throughout the holy period of Ramadan, there is an emphasis on charity (zakat) and thinking of those in need in order to find ways to unify our community. Ramadan offers Muslims an opportunity to reflect on the blessings of Allah and how to pass on the proceeds of these blessings to people who otherwise may be in need.
The socially active lifestyle that often goes hand-in-hand with being charitable can help improve our self-esteem as we become immersed in meaningful activities while helping us to combat feelings of loneliness and isolation.
Health benefits
Besides spiritual cleansing, fasting allows the body to detoxify the digestive system as Muslims in this period, refrain from drinking and eating for at least a day. When the body starts eating into fat reserves to create energy, it will also burn away any harmful toxins that might be present in fat deposits. This returns the body to its blank state, supporting a consistently healthy lifestyle.
According to a study by American scientists, the mental focus achieved during Ramadan increases the level of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor, which causes the body to produce more brain cells, thus improving brain function. It promotes clarity of the mind and reduces stress, especially when fasting leads to a distinct reduction in the amount of the cortisol hormone, produced by the adrenal gland.
Ghana has demonstrated excellent qualities in respect of religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
The major religions in this country have cooperated peacefully with each other with very minimal difficulty. The 1992 constitution of this country frowns upon religious discrimination and provides for individuals’ freedom to manifest and practice their religion without difficulty.
It is against this background, that I make a clarion call on various heads of academic institutions especially our second-cycle institutions to continue to create a congenial atmosphere for young Muslim students to safely observe this year’s Ramadan without any form of glitches or disturbances.
I conclude with the emphasis, that Ramadan must serve as a moment of reflection upon our deeds and an opportunity for us to forgive each other and tidy our relationships for the appeasement of our creator and the betterment of society.