Ramadan

Ramadan is an Islamic festival known as the month of fasting.
It is used to commemorate the first revelation of the Holy Quran to Prophet Muhammad according to Islamic belief.
In today's news analysis correspondent underscores the significance of Ramadan to the Muslim communities and the Nigerian society at large.
Ramadan which is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar is seen as the most precious of all in which it is obligatory for all Muslims faithful from across the world engaged in fasting.
Ramadan is the fifth pillar of Islam.
The word Ramadan comes from the Arabic root ramida or ramad, which means scorching heat or dryness.
During the month of Ramadan, fasting is compulsory for all adult Muslims, except those who are ill, the elderly, travellers, pregnant women, breast feeding mothers, women in their monthly periods as well as diabete patients.
It is expected that Muslims who fast in Ramadan from dawn to dusk, are expected to refrain from from eating, drinking, engaging in sexual acts as well as telling lies, backbiting, cursing and fighting, except for self defence.
The Muslims believe that spiritual rewards for fasting are multiplied within the month of Ramadan.
It is mandatory for all Muslims during Ramadan to offer prayers to Allah for themselves, their families, neighbors, Islam itself, their leaders, the nation among others.
In Ramadan month, Muslim faithful are also required to recite and study the Holy Quran as well as give charity to those in need in the society.
There is the strong belief that in the month of Ramadan, also known as the holy month, the gate of paradise are open while those to hell are closed with the Devil being locked up in chains.
The sighting of the moon, commence the Eid al Fitr celebration, thereby marking the end of Ramadan fast but if no visual sighting is possible due to weather conditions, the fasting continues until the full moon is sighted.
Eid al Fitr celebration is also a way to commend Moslems for ensuring the month of fasting successfully and returning to their normal life of eating and drinking and also to engage in romance with their spouses.
As Muslims from across the world celebrate Eid al Fitr, they should not forget the lessons and teaches of Ramadan that they got during the period.
The lessons should be reflected in their day to day activities, as they strive for righteousness and desist from sinful acts.
Muslims in high position of authorities in politics or private sectors and even heads of families, should adhere to the teachings of contentment, refrain from usurping the belongings of others and corrupt practices.
Muslim cleric, Imams, Mallams and even Islamic scholars should always preach the message of peace and tolerance in the mosque or Islamic gatherings, because no nation can develop in a rancorouse atmosphere.
Nigerians irrespective of their diverse religions should rejoice with their Muslims neighbors as they observe Eid al Fitr.
That way Nigeria will not be a state of religious conflicts but a geographical entity where religious sentiments are put aside for overall growth and development of the country.