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Tag: Ramadan

  • Ramadan: Atiku urges Muslims to pray for Nigeria’s unity

    Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar  has urged Muslims to use the Ramadan period to pray for unity in the country.

    He made the call in a statement in Abuja on Thursday, as Muslims the world over commenced fasting in the holy month of Ramadan.

     

    The former vice president, who decribed Ramadan as period of recompense, piety and separation from sin, said Muslims must be ready to sacrifice and pray to Almighty Allah who made Ramadan a blessing for them.

    He added that the holy month of Ramadan was an avenue for every Muslim to reflect on the past, with a view to seeking forgiveness from Allah.

    He admonished Muslims to manifest the spirit of love, oneness, charity, reflection, obedience and other tenets of Islam during and after the Ramadan.

    He noted that “the 29 or 30 days of fasting should be dedicated to moving closer to Almighty Allah.

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     “As a Muslim, I believe so much in prayers, especially the ones offered during Ramadan because this is a period of purification when a Muslim is expected to, more than ever before, show piety in all areas of life.

    “So, any prayer offered at such period is always acceptable as the Almighty Allah is merciful and benevolent.”

    Atiku wished Nigerian Muslims a fruitful Ramadan and appealed to them to imbibe honesty, love and peace during the period and beyond.

  • Ramadan: Let’s pray for people in difficulties – Aregbesola

    Osun State Governor,  Rauf Aregbesola, has urged Muslims to approach the Ramadan season with best practices and show love to their neighbours.

    Aregbesola, in a Ramadan goodwill message on Thursday in Osogbo, urged Muslims to be sober and do things with moderation.

    The governor also admonished Muslim faithful to remember the poor, sick and those in difficulties in their prayers and work of charity.

    He said: “l am most pleased to see the beginning of this year’s Ramadan.

    ” Ramadan is that period when Muslims worldwide engage in fasting – a physical and spiritual act of self denial, cleansing, prayers, fellowship and charity.

    ” As one of the pillar of Islam, Ramadan is also a time of deep consecration to spiritual matters .

    “It is therefore time of spiritual awakening and commitment to the tenets of Islam.

    “As we celebrate this great festival of the religion of peace, may the peace and comfort of Allah (SWT) rest upon us , our family, community, state and the nation.

    ” This is wishing all Muslims Ramadan Kareem, with love and grace on behalf of the government and good people of Osun.”

    Similarly, the Osun House of Assembly has congratulated Muslim faithful on the commencement of Ramadan.

    The Assembly, in a statement signed by the Chairman of the House Committee on Information and Strategy, Mr. Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, urged Muslims to use the period to renew their commitments, virtues of love and peace as taught by Prophet Muhammed.

     

    NAN

  • Eating right and keeping well during Ramadan: An expert guide

    Swapping fried food for grilled goodness, ditching samosas, swerving sugar and salt, and spending nights drinking as much water as possible could help millions of Muslims across the globe tackle the challenges of Ramadan.

    Students and academics at Birmingham City University in the UK have come up with a guide which aims to help people observing the month of Ramadan to make sure they eat right and look after their systems.

    Academics and students on the University’s Sport and Exercise and Nutrition  courses, including Dr Huda Al-Kateb, Dr Matt Cole and PhD researcher Ayaz Safi, have written up a guide featuring tips on nutrition, hydration and exercise to help people fasting for Ramadan to keep to a regular routine as much as possible.

    The points were written up based on analysis of the common foods consumed during the month, along with reflection on what foods are best at providing sufficient energy throughout the day. The experts have also featured advice on energy and activity to support wellbeing.

    The experts have written up a guide on tips for things to try out, avoid or swap for the month to look after the body:

    · WATER, WATER AND MORE WATER DURING NIGHT TIME HOURS –

    Experts advise to drink as much water as possible during Iftaar and Suhur times, especially if hot weather is expected during the day.

    · LEARN THE IMPORTANCE OF BALANCE –

    When fasting your body is deprived of nutrients that your system needs. The experts emphasise that it is soimportant to make sure that when you can eat, you keep your meals balanced so that you feed your system enough nutrients from each group.

    · THINK ABOUT THE ALTERNATIVES –

    Swap deep frying for grilling, baking or shallow frying and swap heavier foods for lighter alternatives. For example, swap cake and chocolate for fruit and yoghurt.

    · FITNESS AND FASTING CAN WORK TOGETHER –

    Gym enthusiasts can stick to their routine of working out every day. Light exercises are great to keep blood flowing and the system working. Cardio exercises are also fine to do when fasting as long as you don’t overdo it.

    · EXCESS SALT CAUSES EXTREME THIRST DURING THE DAY –

    Experts say that meals with high salt are not ideal to eat during night time hours because they can cause thirstiness during the day and is best to be avoided.

    · KEEP ENERGISED WITHOUT WATER OR SNACKS –

    Experts advise that there are small things you can try each day to keep you alert and maintain your energy. Things like taking small breaks from revision or work and going on small walks, writing daily to-do lists or listing what you’re finding difficult and working on combatting these, and planning meals to make sure you’re eating the rights things to get good energy levels can all have a bit impact.

    Dr Huda Al-Kateb, Programme Leader BSc Food and Nutrition at Birmingham City University, said:

    “During Ramadan, the hunger and dehydration might affect our cognitive abilities which often means that our ability to make wise choices when it comes to what food and drink that we consume during after the period of breaking the fast.

    “We as a generation are much more aware of our health and wellbeing now so it is a good time to make people aware of what is and isn’t good to eat during Ramadan.”

    The month of Ramadan,  sees a large number of Muslims across the world observe 30 days of fasting during daylighthours, which means they cannot eat any food or drink any water or other drinks until the sun sets. The month teaches self-discipline, resilience
    and awareness of what it can be like for those living in poverty.

    Ayaz Safi, a PhD Researcher and Assistant Lecturer in the Sports Science department, has also contributed to the list of tips. He said:

    “Ramadan is a very challenging month for everyone who observes it and we’re fortunate to have experts in the University who can advise on the do’s and don’ts to make sure people look after themselves, eat the right things and overcome another challenging month.

    “I regularly fast, so many of the points are what I have learned along the way. Making small changes like swapping foods, balancing your meals and doing light exercise can help you stick to as normal a routine as possible and make a difference to how you get through the day.”

     

  • Buhari greets Muslims as Ramadan begins today

    President Muhammadu Buhari last night sent his greetings to Muslims as the 30-day Ramadan fast begins today.

    Sultan of Sokoto Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III last night declared today as the first day of Ramadan, 1439 AH.

    Making the announcement in his palace in Sokoto, the Sultan 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 1439 AH.

    The Ramadan moon, according to the religious leader was sighted in Gombe, Sokoto, Zamfara, Bauchi, Port Harcourt, Maiduguri, Minna and Dutse.

    “In accordance with the Islamic injunctions, we announce today Wednesday 1439A.H which is equivalent to May 16, 2018 has marked the end of the month of Shaaban 1439A.H. which followed reliable reports duly verified and certified by states and national moon sighting committees. Consequent upon which tomorrow Thursday May 17, 2018 is first of Ramadan’.’’

    In his message to the nation on the beginning of the Ramadan, the President said fasting is not just merely meant to stay hungry or thirsty, but an opportunity to strive for inner purification and self-accountability.

    The President, in a statement by his spokesman Garba Shehu, said “It is meant to inculcate righteousness and discipline,”

    He enjoined fasting Muslims to increase their love for humanity, acts of charity, kindness, generosity and gratitude.

    He called on Muslims and all Nigerians to always remember men and women who are less fortunate than themselves and to help the government in confronting the challenges facing the nation.

  • Ramadan unites Muslim world

    The Baba Adinni of Yorubaland Edo and Delta States, Chief Sarafa Tunji Ishola, yesterday said the Holy month of Ramadan is key to Muslim unity.

    “It is in this spirit I wish the Muslims in the World Ramadan Kareem. I urge them to co-exist peacefully with people of other faiths. In essence, the unity and oneness of Muslims across the World are manifested,” Chief Ishola said.

    Governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Gombe State, Mr. Muhammad Jibrin Barde, urged all Muslims in Gombe State to pray for the peace and progress of the state.

    Barde in a statement by Jonathan Justice, also sought prayers for the security and unity of the country.

    He said it was the duty of all, irrespective of religion, to also pray for the country.

    “I call on all Muslims and non-Muslims alike to strive to imbibe in greater measure, the virtues of piety, self-discipline, tolerance, equity, fairness and sympathy for the less privileged which the Ramadan promotes.

    “I urge all of you to re-open their minds, during this Ramadan season, to Islam’s true lessons of love and peaceful co-existence with others,” Barde said.

  • Ramadan: Buhari greets Muslims, urges them to show more love for humanity

    President Muhammadu Buhari has challenged Muslim ummah to use the opportunity offered  by Ramadan to increase their love for humanity, acts of charity, kindness, generosity and gratitude.

    The President gave the challenge in his Ramadan message to Muslims issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, in Abuja on Wednesday.

    President Buhari, who greeted the Muslims in Nigeria and across the world as they commenced the 30-day Ramadan fast, noted that Ramadan was a period to inculcate righteousness and discipline.

    According to him, fasting is not just merely meant to stay hungry or thirsty, but an opportunity to strive for inner purification and self-accountability.

     “It is meant to inculcate righteousness and discipline,’’ he said.

    He stated that the Holy Prophet Muhammad used to spend very generously on the poor and the needy during this period.

    The President, therefore, urged Muslims in the country and all over the world to copy the good example.

    He called on all Nigerians to always remember “men and women who are less fortunate than themselves and to help the government in confronting the challenges facing the nation.’’

    The President prayed Allah to grant all Muslims the strength to successfully complete the fasting period.(NAN)

  • Sultan announces Thursday beginning of Ramadan fasting

    Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, the Sultan of Sokoto has declared Thursday as the first day for the beginning of the Ramadan fasting in Nigeria.

    Abubakar announced the citing of the new crescent in Sokoto on Wednesday in a broadcast.

    He said the new moon was sighted in various places across the country that includeed Sokoto, Niger, Yobe, Port Harcourt, Borno, Gombe, Jigawa and other areas.

    The Sultan said that reports of the moon sighting were received from Muslim leaders and organizations across the country.

    “Opun due verification and authentication by the national moon sighting committee and states committees’ confirmation, as well as routine scrutiny, the sighting of the new moon of Ramadan signifies the end of Sha’aban 1439 AH.

    ”In accordance with Islamic law, Muslim Ummah are to commence fasting on Thursday accordingly.”

    He enjoined all Muslims to devote themselves fully to the worship of Allah throughout the holy month, and use the period to pray for the progress, peace and prosperity of the nation.

    “We further called on Nigerians to continue to live peacefully with one another irrespective of religious and tribal difference,” he said.

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

    Fasting in the month of Ramadan, one of the five pillars of Islam, is a compulsory religious obligation on all adult Muslims. (NAN)

  • Saudi says Ramadan fasting to begin on Thursday

    Saudi Arabia said that the Ramadan fasting will begin on Thursday across the globe, the official Saudi news agency SPA reported on Tuesday.

    The new moon of Ramadan was not spotted on Tuesday evening and Wednesday will mark the last day of the Islamic month of Shaaban, SPA said, citing religious authorities in the kingdom.

    The beginning and end of Islamic months are determined by the sighting of the new moon.

    Egypt’s Mufti, the country’s top religious authority, said in a televised speech that the holy month will start on Thursday in the most populous Arab country.

    Also, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan and Iraq’s Sunni Muslim minority also announced that the holy month of Ramadan will start on Thursday.

    During Ramadan, Muslims have to abstain from eating, drinking and smoking from dawn to sunset.

    Devout Muslims also mark the month by intense worship, performing special nightly prayers and reading Islam’s holy book, the Koran.

    Fasting is one of Islam’s five pillars, alongside declaration of monotheism, prayer five times a day, alms-giving, and the pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia. (dpa/NAN)

  • kano approves N345M for Ramadan Feeding

    Kano state government has earmarked the sum of N345 million for this year’s Ramadan feeding programme.

    The state Commissioner of Information, Youth and Culture, who is also the state chairman Ramadan Feeding Monitoring Committee Malam Muhammad Garba disclosed this while flagging off this year’s Ramadan feeding programme at the premises of Kano printing press.

    Garba stated that the present administration has sustained the annual feeding programme in order to alleviate the suffering of the less privileged in the state.

    He said the committee would monitor the preparation and distribution of the meals to ensure the success of the feeding programme.

    Garba however, warned that the government would not hesitate to terminate the contract of any cook or distributor found to be sabotaging the programme.

    He also  appealed to the wealthy people in the state to complement government’s effort by contributing their own quota to ensure the success of the programme.

    He listed food items distributed for the first 10 days for 130 centres to include 3,000 bags of Rice, 1,170 bags of Millet, 780 bags of Flour, 1,170 bags of sugar, 1,950 cartons of pasta 2,340 jerrycans of groundnuts oil, 780 Jerry cans of palm oil and 390 bags of dates fruits among others.

    He said each centre will be  receiving N10,000 daily for the purchase of cooking ingredients for the whole month of Ramadan.

  • Ramadan: Prices of foodstuff skyrocket in Enugu

    Prices of some food items have soared in Enugu State midway to rainy season and beginning of Ramadan by Muslims.

    A survey conducted by newsmen in some markets in Enugu on Monday showed that prices of foodstuff had increased by about 90 per cent Ramadan: Prices of foodstuff skyrocket in Enugu.

    At Akwata Market in Ogbete, a basket of tomatoes which cost N9, 000 in March now sells at N17, 000 while a paint container of tomatoes costs N2, 500.

    Also, a bag of onions which previously cost N9, 000 now goes for N11, 000 while fresh pepper which was previously sold at N9, 000 a bag now goes for N5, 300.

    A tomato dealer in Ogbete, Mrs Udoka Eneh told our reporter that the increase was due to the off season.

    “Tomatoes were in abundance in March and early parts of April but are usually costly during the rainy season and because tomatoes are perishable, we cannot stock it.

    “Again, Nigeria do not also practice preservation of agricultural produce which makes people to import tomatoes from Cameroon this season, thereby, making it more costly,” she said.

    Eneh said that they lost some of their customers due to high cost of the product; people who could not afford it had resorted to tin tomatoes.

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    According to Mr Ebuka Njoku in Kenyatta Market, farmers usually experience acute shortage of tomatoes at the beginning of every rainy season.

    The tomato dealer also attributed the high cost to religious fast by the Muslims.

    Njoku noted that when Muslims fast, it affected the movement of food items from the North.

    He said that the patronage they got were from retailers, people who do ceremonies and restaurants owners.

    Mrs Uche Mba, a mother of three, said that because of the high rate of tomatoes, she had switched to coconut rice, fried rice and vegetable stew instead of their regular jollof rice and tomato stew.

    The survey also showed that the prices of melon (egusi) had also increased as the cup of hand peeled melon which previously cost N75 a cup now sold for N180 and a cup of machine peeled is sold at N170 as against N60 sold in March.

    Mrs Vero Ugwueze, a melon dealer said that melon was also off season and most melon farmers had switched to water melon farming.

    She said that the price would hopefully drop in August when new melon comes out.

    NAN