Muslims prepare for Ramadan
As the month of Rhamadan approaches, Muslims from Machinjiri zone last Saturday organised a pre-Ramadan gathering at Mkwate Mosque to prepare for the holy month.
The aim of the meeting was to remind each other about the principle of Rhamadan, which starts next month.
Sheikh Ahmad Chienda of Limbe Islamic Bureau stressed the importance of fasting in this month.
He discouraged the faithful from finding excuses to participate in Ramadan, with sickness being the major reason many use to abscond.
“Those who are genuinely sick and are on medication; and the mentally ill are excused. Travelling must never be taken as an excuse not to fast because we no longer travel on foot,” said Chienda.
Fasting for Muslims is the abstinence from food and worldly desires from dawn to dusk, observing Islamic ethics in the process.
They are only permitted to eat immediately after sunset and to partake in a meal called sehri.
Some of their requirements during this period include reading of the Quran, sharing and helping the needy. Muslims are expected to pray five times a day and do good during this time of the year
One of the meeting organisers Salimu Kumpita said the gathering was timely to remind Muslims and strengthen their faith.
“This is not a punishment, but it teaches us how the poor feel when they are hungry. It is a time to align ourselves to the teaching of the Quran.
