Abdulkarim Abdulmalik, an Islamic teacher, author and publisher, is a PhD (Islamic Studies) research student at the University of Abuja and Chairman of the Governing Board of the Guild of Interfaith Media Practitioners Nigeria (GIMP-Nigeria). He speaks with ADEMU IDAKWO on the significance of Ramadan, how Muslims can maximise the spiritual opportunities of the holy month, the values it promotes, and how both Muslims and non-Muslims can foster mutual understanding, compassion and harmony during the sacred month.
What is the significance of Ramadan in Islam, and how can Muslims make the most of this holy month?
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. It is a sacred period when Muslims fast from dawn to sunset to strengthen faith, discipline and closeness to Allah. The revelation of the Qur’an to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) began in this month. Muslims therefore take advantage of the period to intensify their prayers, recite the Qur’an more frequently, give charity and engage in acts of kindness.
How can Muslims balance fasting with their daily responsibilities and duties?
Muslims can maintain balance by managing their time properly, eating nutritious meals during Suhur (the early morning meal) and Iftar (the evening meal for breaking the fast), taking adequate rest and remembering that Islam encourages moderation and a strong sense of responsibility in both spiritual and worldly affairs.
What are the most important values that Muslims should focus on during Ramadan?
Several values stand out during Ramadan. These include taqwa (God-consciousness), compassion, patience, forgiveness, humility and self-discipline. Ramadan is a period of self-renewal that encourages Muslims to purify their hearts and improve their character.
How can non-Muslims support their Muslim friends and colleagues during Ramadan?
Non-Muslims can show support by being mindful of fasting hours, offering flexible schedules where possible and taking time to learn about Ramadan. They may also share goodwill or join Iftar gatherings in the spirit of solidarity, mutual respect and religious harmony. This was recently demonstrated when Charles III hosted a historic Iftar at Buckingham Palace in the United Kingdom, with similar events also held in countries such as China and Russia.
What is the importance of charity and giving during Ramadan, and how can Muslims incorporate this into their daily lives?
Charity is strongly emphasised because Ramadan is a time of mercy and generosity. Muslims are encouraged to increase their giving through Zakat, Sadaqah, feeding the poor and supporting those in need. These acts reflect the compassion and social responsibility emphasised in Islam.
How can Muslims maintain their spiritual focus and motivation throughout Ramadan?
Muslims can maintain focus by setting daily spiritual goals, attending the night prayers known as Tarawih, reading the Qur’an regularly, avoiding unnecessary distractions and surrounding themselves with spiritually uplifting activities.
What are some common misconceptions about Ramadan that you would like to clarify?
One common misconception is that Ramadan is only about abstaining from food and drink. In reality, it is primarily about spiritual purification, self-control and moral development. Another misconception is that Muslims cannot work or function effectively during Ramadan. On the contrary, Ramadan encourages productivity and discipline rather than idleness.
How can Muslims use Ramadan as an opportunity to improve their relationships with family and community?
Ramadan encourages family gatherings during Iftar, reconciliation and forgiveness, visits to relatives and participation in community prayers. These activities strengthen family ties and promote unity, compassion and togetherness in society.
What role do prayer and Qur’an recitation play in Ramadan, and how can Muslims increase their spiritual practice?
Since Ramadan commemorates the revelation of the Qur’an, prayer and Qur’an recitation are central acts of devotion. Muslims deepen their worship by observing additional prayers such as Tarawih, remembering Allah frequently and reading or listening to the Qur’an daily.
What message would you like to convey to Muslims and non-Muslims alike about the true spirit of Ramadan?
Ramadan carries a universal message of peace, self-discipline, compassion and spiritual renewal. It teaches people to care for the less fortunate, encourages the fair distribution of wealth and inspires individuals to seek forgiveness while working toward a just and compassionate society.
What is the value and meaning of Laylat al-Qadr?
Laylat al-Qadr is believed to be the night when the first verses of the Qur’an were revealed. The Qur’an describes it as a night “better than a thousand months.” Worship on this night through prayer, supplication and reflection, brings immense spiritual rewards and forgiveness for the believer.
As Ramadan draws to a close, what message do you have for the Muslim Ummah?
As Ramadan draws to a close, my message to the Muslim Ummah is to hold firmly to the values that this sacred month has instilled in us.
Ramadan is not only about fasting from food and drink; it is a time for spiritual renewal, self-discipline, compassion, and deep reflection.
The lessons of patience, humility, generosity, and devotion that we practiced during Ramadan should not end with the month. Instead, they should guide our actions throughout the year. Let us continue to strengthen our relationship with Allah, show kindness to the less privileged, and promote peace, unity, and understanding within our communities.
As we prepare for Eid al‑Fitr, may the spirit of Ramadan remain in our hearts. May Allah accept our prayers, fasting, and good deeds, forgive our shortcomings, and grant us the opportunity to witness many more Ramadans in good health and faith.
Above all, let us remain united as one Ummah, supporting one another, standing for justice, and spreading compassion wherever we are.
Those in the positions of authority, What can you advise them to learn from Ramadan?
For those in positions of authority, Ramadan offers powerful lessons in leadership, humility, and accountability.
Ramadan reminds leaders that authority is a trust from Allah and must be exercised with justice, compassion, and sincerity.
During this holy month, everyone, rich or poor, powerful or ordinary, experiences hunger and thirst. This should teach those in leadership to better understand the struggles of the people they govern and to make decisions that ease the burdens of the less privileged.
Leaders should also learn the values of discipline, patience, and self-restraint that Ramadan teaches. Just as Muslims control their desires while fasting, those in authority should restrain themselves from greed, abuse of power, and injustice. Most importantly, Ramadan reminds leaders that they are accountable not only to the people but also to Allah. Therefore, they should lead with honesty, fairness, and a genuine commitment to the welfare of society. If leaders carry the spirit of Ramadan into their governance, communities and nations will experience greater peace, justice, and progress.
Leadership
