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Tag: Ramadan

  • Ramadan: Ekiti commissioner seeks prayers against insecurity, hardship

    Ramadan: Ekiti commissioner seeks prayers against insecurity, hardship

    The Ekiti State Commissioner for Youth Development, Gold Adesola Adedayo, has called on the Muslims ummah to use the holy month of Ramadan to pray against insecurity and hardship in the country. 

    Adedayo stated this in a statement on Monday congratulating Muslim ummah, particularly the National Council of Muslim Youths Organization (NACOMYO) on the commencement of the Ramadan fasting.

    The commissioner urged the Muslims to 

    exhibit piety and sacrifices during the 30 days of Ramadan fasting and deploy the opportunity availed them by the month to seek Allah’s face for Nigeria to overcome challenges of security, joblessness and poverty. 

    Adedayo appealed to Muslims youth to particularly consider themselves as agents of change and spread the gospel of peaceful co-existence among all religions for the nation to be at peace.

    “Let me congratulate the Muslim youth in Ekiti and Nigeria as they commence on this holy journey that will last for 30 days. This is immense sacrifice needed to build the world and underscore the huge contributions mUslims are making to the global community. 

    “Ramadan represents a strategic pillar in Islam. It underscores love, spiritual uplift, unity, sacrifice, holiness, endurance, and courage. All these are necessary features the citizens must display and demonstrate for the nation to progress and develop.

    Read Also: UPDATED: Sultan announces Monday as first Ramadan

    “As Muslims begin this holy journey, I know that the most troubling evils bedeviling our youth are spiraling spate of joblessness, poverty and insecurity. I beseech you to offer prayer supplications for Nigeria to subdue all these daunting challenges.

    “As youth and future leaders , consider yourselves as potent weapons of change. Spread the gospel of unity by your preachings, conducts and comportments, so that our nation can be in peace and harmony to frontally confront whatever challenges we have.

    “The Government of Governor Biodun Oyebanji has demonstrated to be lover of all faiths. This he demonstrated by his uncommon fraternity with Christians and Muslims and they way he ensured fair representations in government. He deserves your support in form of prayers.

    “As Ramadan offers us this opportunity, we must consider it as patriotic duty to help Ekiti and Nigeria in prayers, so that we can reach the promised land and rejoice together as one nation that attained prosperity through unity and hardwork.”

  • Sudan army General rules out Ramadan truce

    Sudan army General rules out Ramadan truce

    Senior Sudanese Armed Forces, General Yasser al-Atta has said there will be no truce in Sudan during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan unless the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary group leaves the homes and sites of civilians.

    The statement follows an appeal by the United Nations Security Council for a truce during Ramadan, which begins this week. The RSF said it welcomed the truce call.

    Al-Atta’s statement, issued on the army’s official Telegram channel yesterday, cited recent military advances by the army in Omdurman, part of Sudan’s wider capital.

    It said there could be no Ramadan truce unless the RSF complied with a commitment made in May last year at Saudi and US-mediated talks in Jeddah to withdraw from civilian homes and public facilities.

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    It also said the RSF leader, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, commonly known as Hemedti, should not play a role in Sudan’s future politics or military.

    The statement follows the UNSC’s appeal for a respite from the 11-month-old conflict during Ramadan.

    Fourteen countries on the 15-member council on Friday backed the resolution proposed by the United Kingdom, with only Russia abstaining from the vote.

  • UPDATED: Sultan announces Monday as first Ramadan

    UPDATED: Sultan announces Monday as first Ramadan

    Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar has declared Monday, March 11, as the first day of Ramadan, 1445 AH which marks the commencement of the Ramadan fast by the Muslims across the country.

    Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar in which Muslims observe one month fasting.

    Making the announcement Sunday in his palace in Sokoto, Abubakar said the commencement of the fast followed reports of sighting of the moon across various states of the federation which marked the end of the month of Shaaban 1445 AH.

    He said that reports of the moon sighting were received from Muslim leaders and organisations across the country.

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    “Upon due verification and authentication by the states and national moon sighting committees and states confirmation, as well as routine scrutiny, the sighting of the new moon of Ramadan signifies the end of Sha’aban 1445AH.

    He called on all Muslims to use the glorious month of ramadan to pray for leaders and the country and dedicate the period to the worship of Allah.

    Abubakar also called on wealthy individuals to support the poor , needy and vulnerable persons inorder to cushion the effects of the current hardship being experienced in the country.

    ” I wish all Muslims Ramadan Kareem”, he prayed .

  • BREAKING: Sultan confirms sighting of Ramadan crescent

    BREAKING: Sultan confirms sighting of Ramadan crescent

    … Nigerians to begin fasting Monday

    The Sultanate has confirmed sighting of new crescent of Ramadan.

    This was confirmed by the Sultane on its Twitter page @moonsightingng in the evening of Sunday, March 10.

    The statement said that the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Saad Abubakar will make official announcement soon.

    Read Also: Senator Ningi’s claim on 2024 budget false, misleading, says Presidency

    The tweet read: “The Sultanate has confirmed a single sighting claim and His Eminence the Sultan will soon make an announcement. Ramadan Mubarak.”

  • BREAKING: Ramadan: Saudi announces moon sighting

    BREAKING: Ramadan: Saudi announces moon sighting

    …as Nigerians await Sultan’s declaration

    The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has announced the sighting of the lunar month of Ramadan, which signals the beginning of the Islamic lengthy fasting.

    The Kingdom announced its Twitter platform, @Haramaininfo, on Sunday, March 10.

    The tweets partly read: “Crescent of Ramadan 1445/2024 has been sighted in Saudi Arabia!

    Read Also: Senator Ningi’s claim on 2024 budget false, misleading, says Presidency

    “Subsequently, Ramadan 1445/2024 begins tomorrow, 11 March 2024.

    “Taraweeh Prayers will begin in the Two Holy Mosques after Isha Prayers.”

    However, Nigerins Muslims await the announcement of the moon sighting by the Sultan of Sokoto, HRM, Saad Abubakar for the commencement of the 1445 AH Ramadan.

  • Ramadan: Katsina govt distributes relief packages, foodstuffs to less-privileged

    Ramadan: Katsina govt distributes relief packages, foodstuffs to less-privileged

    The Katsina state government, in collaboration with 34 local government areas, has allocated over N7 billion for the procurement of grains to be distributed to the underprivileged during the Ramadan fasting period.

    The government has set aside N3 billion to purchase food items, including 25kg bags of rice, to be distributed free of charge to the elderly, disabled individuals, and other vulnerable members of society in Katsina state.

    Governor Dikko Umar Radda confirmed these allocations during the inauguration of committees at both the state and local government levels, which are responsible for overseeing the distribution process.

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    He also revealed that 33,000 vulnerable and elderly individuals across the 361 electoral wards within the state have been identified to receive free rice and stipends to support their soup ingredients.

    He said: “To ensure equitable access, the government has capped the purchase of grains at ten measures per buyer, with each bag of maize, millet, and guinea corn priced at N20,000, below the current market rate.

    ‘’to ensure accountability in the distribution process, local government committees must remit proceeds from grain sales to the state committee for deposit into government accounts’’.

    ‘’Committees at the local level are also responsible for monitoring cooking points and overseeing distribution at the ward level.’’

    Meanwhile, Governor Radda has appointed Mallam Khalil Musa Kofar Bai as chairman of the committee. Other members of the committee include representatives from various councils and organizations serving as members. The committee is tasked with ensuring effective coordination of the exercise across the state.

  • Five top healthy fruits during Lent, Ramadan

    Five top healthy fruits during Lent, Ramadan

    As the Lent period continues for Christians and the Ramadan fast approaches for Muslims, here are some fruits recommended for consumption during fasting to bolster your immune system.

    It’s important to note that during this fasting period, hard foods should be consumed with care.

    Banana

    Banana should be consumed during fasting as it helps in increasing energy level in the body. Research has shown that there is really no feeling of hunger after consumption and it also increases the strength of the body.

    Bananas contain nutrients like potassium, carbs, magnesium, fiber. Some people would love to consume banana with milk during the fasting period.

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    Orange

    In order to increase the energy of the body, eat oranges during fast. Nutrients like vitamin C, phosphorus, fiber, iodine, sodium, calcium are found in oranges.

    Orange contains 84 to 89 percent water. Consuming this helps in keeping the body hydrated. Consuming oranges helps in controlling cholesterol levels. Along with oranges, lemon water can also be consumed.

    Apple

    Apple is rich in nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin B, and potassium and helps remove the deficiency of fibre in the body. You can also consume fresh homemade apple juice during the fast.

    By drinking apple juice, metabolism remains good and the body gets strength. Consuming apple also increases immunity and reduces oxidative stress. During the fast, small pieces of apple can be cut and eaten in the morning and after night meal.

    PawPaw

    Eating pawpaw, also known as papaya increases the immunity of the body. Papaya is rich in antioxidants. Papaya can be consumed during fasting.

    Consuming papaya is also beneficial to overcome the problems related to digestion,the presence of Papain in pawpaw aids in digestion of proteins. People who have constipation and acidity problems should also include papaya in their diet.

    Coconut

    Coconut can be included in the diet during the fast as it keeps the body hydrated. Consuming coconut is also considered beneficial to overcome the lack of energy in the body. Along with eating coconut, one can also consume coconut water during the fast.

  • DSS urges Nigerians to refrain from economic exploitation in Lent, Ramadan

    DSS urges Nigerians to refrain from economic exploitation in Lent, Ramadan

    The Department of State Services (DSS) has called on Nigerians to refrain from economic exploitation, sabotage or profiteering during during the Lent and Ramadan.

    The Service dentified with the Christian and Muslim faithful at their Lent and coming Ramadan seasons respectively.

    Director, Public Relations and Strategic Communications, DSS National Headquarters, Abuja, Peter Afunanya, in a statement on Friday, also urged residents to remain vigilant against public dangers especially Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).

    “The DSS recognises the significance of these sacred rites and enjoins worshippers to promote understanding, compassion and respect for one another during and after the exercises. It appeals to stakeholders to refrain from economic exploitation, sabotage or profiteering during these important obligations.

    “This is more so that illegal practices such as price gouging or unethical marketing tactics are ungodly; violate fairness and can undermine the true essence of the holy events. As believers, it is incumbent upon us to uphold good standards and ensure that everyone can observe the religious duties with ease and dignity.

    Read Also: Declare a state of emergency now!

    “Furthermore, the Service encourages clerics and religious leaders to uphold empathy as well as prioritise cooperation and conflict prevention beyond the periods under reference. Similarly, the media is encouraged to utilise their platforms to foster informed and accurate engagements that (can) enhance the achievement of national security objectives and interests.

    “Likewise, residents are advised to remain vigilant against public dangers especially Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). Also, the general public is urged to stay informed about potential threats; avoid crowded or suspicious areas and report to relevant security agencies any strange objects, activities and movements of hostile elements. In the same vein, the Service calls for tolerance, bonds of brotherhood, dialogue and peaceful coexistence among the populace.

    “Overall, the Service recommits to provision of strategic intelligence to other sister agencies in order to achieve a safe and secure country. As we undertake these spiritual journeys in the Lenten and Ramadan periods, let us remember to love and share the values that unite us.

    “Let us reaffirm our commitment to the values of mercy, tolerance, forgiveness, being our brother’s keepers among others and by these, advance more inclusive and equitable society for us all,” the statement reads.

  • 10 things to note during Ramadan season

    10 things to note during Ramadan season

    It’s essential to note that Ramadan is the ninth month of the Muslim calendar and holds significant importance for Muslims.

    It’s the month when the Holy Qur’an was revealed from heaven, serving as guidance for both men and women, a beacon of direction, and a pathway to salvation.

    As Ramadan season is fast approaching, below are 10 benefits that are expected during the fast:

    1. Emancipation: This blessed period comes with a big bonus, ransom from hell and admission into paradise.

    2.  Reflection: This is a time for us all to rethink and reform our ways. Remember how Allah favoured you to witness the last Ramadan. Some did observe the previous fasting but are companions of the grave today. Think about the numerous sins you’ve committed and determine not to return to them. Express gratitude for all the favours Allah has endowed you with and commit yourself to be a better person in Ramadan and beyond.

    3. Forgiveness: One of the numerous benefits of Ramadan is earning Allah’s forgiveness. It is important to the point that the Messenger PBUH said: “Cursed is he who witnesses the blessed month but doesn’t earn Allah’s forgiveness”. So repent and brace for Allah’s mercy, it’s in abundance.

    4. Steadfastness: Since the goal of Ramadan is to attain piety, then you should brace up with good deeds. Increase your goodness not only in the blessed month but beyond. Ramadan gives you a chance to scale up righteousness and keep it as a habit.

    5. Protection: In the famous hadith of Muadh ibn Jabal (RA), he reported the Prophet PBUH to have said: “…fasting is a shield…” Not only does it ward off evils and immoralities from us, but it also prevents us from following the footpath of Shaytan. So, if you find people keeping to bad habits in Ramadan and blaming it on Shaytan, remind them of this hadith.

    6. Accountability: Ramadan helps you stay on track. You consciously take into cognizance what you say, eat, do etcetera. Most often, people get to abandon their sinful ways as a result of reformation. This is because the holy month gives room for reflection to assess one’s progress as the days count.

    7. Detoxification: Abstaining from eating and drinking enhances the metabolic process of the body. This is done by naturally expelling body toxins and systematically reducing the rate of food consumption. So it’s not about how much you eat and store, it’s the patience and perseverance that keep the body in shape.

    8.  Growth: One of the significant benefits of Ramadan is the opportunity for personal growth and transformation. It’s a time to transition from our past selves to a renewed and spiritually uplifted state, laying the foundation for the year ahead.

    Ramadan serves as a teacher of piety, urging us to uphold virtuous deeds and refrain from wrongdoing to the best of our ability. Those who succeed in this endeavour can consider themselves fortunate to have reaped substantial rewards from this blessed month.

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    9. Humility and Empathy: We submit to Allah’s injunction by fasting in this holy month. It’s one of the pillars to be established by every faithful Muslim. Through this as well, we can express gratitude to Allah for His endless bounties on us. We feel the pains of the poor and this reminds us of the virtue of supporting the needy.

    10. Bonding with the Qur’an: It is the month in which the Qur’an was revealed and the Angel Jibril used to revise it with Allah’s Apostle. Muslims familiarize themselves with the Qur’an day and night through recitation, memorization, listening and also learning the exegesis. One of the best parts of it is the reward that comes with completing the recitation of the whole Qur’an in the sacred month.

  • Malta Guinness fetes Muslim faithful in Ramadan

    As the Holy Month of Ramadan progresses, and in the spirit of giving, Malta Guinness is celebrating with Muslim faithful around the country.

    During this season of fasting, Malta Guinness will visit mosques in the cities of Abuja, Kano, Kaduna and Bauchi to share the non-alcoholic malt drink with Muslim faithful.

    The first of these visits held at the National Mosque, Shehu Shagari Mosque and Kubwa village central Mosque on the 22nd, 23rd, and 24th of May respectively.

    The Malta Guinness team joined Muslims in breaking the day’s fast, praying with faithfuls and donating a number of ablution kettles to the Mosques.

    Assistant Brand Manager for Malta Guinness, Ife Odedere noted that: “by celebrating Ramadan with Muslim faithful across the country, Malta Guinness is reaffirming its position as the non-alcoholic malt-brand that fuels the greatness of Nigerians everywhere, no matter where they are or what they do. These visits provide a platform to showcase the energy-giving attributes of Malta Guinness, which revitalises the bodies of Muslim faithful as they break their fast,”he said.

    In addition to these Mosque visits, Malta Guinness also supports a number of already existing TV and Radio Ramadan programmes that educate and inform Muslims on best practices during the holy month.

    Over the next few days, Malta Guinness will visit other mosques in Kaduna, Kano and Bauchi to spread the message of greater giving, this season of Ramadan.