Muslims begin Ramadan
Muslims in Ghana yesterday commenced one-month fasting, in fulfilment of one of the five pillars of Islam.
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The beginning of the Ramadan followed the sighting of the moon on Monday.
Fasting is obligatory for adult Muslims, except those who are ill, travelling, pregnant, diabetic or going through menstrual bleeding.
While fasting from dawn to sunset, Muslims refrain from consuming food, drinking liquids, smoking and engaging in sexual relations.
Based on their interpretation of the Quran, some Muslims also refrain from swearing.
During the period of the fast, food and drinks are served daily before sunrise and after sunset.
The act of fasting is said to redirect the heart away from worldly activities.
It is also designed to cleanse the soul by freeing it from harmful impurities.
Ramadan also teaches Muslims how to better practise self-discipline and self-control and sacrifice and show empathy for those who are less fortunate, thereby encouraging generosity and compulsion.
Those who are unable to fast are obliged to make up for it.
According to the Quran, those ill or travelling (musaafir) are exempt from the obligation, but still must make up the days missed later on (zakat).
Even though fasting is not considered compulsory for children, some of them endeavour to fast as a practice for later life.
By Zainabu Issah & Alima Awudu
