By Michael Pepsin Avorgah, GNA
Denu (V/R), Feb 16, GNA — Alhaji Ahmed Zumari, Chairman of the Volta Regional Council of Zabarma Chiefs, has called on Muslims to seek holiness and exercise discipline as they observe the holy month of Ramadan.
He said Ramadan was a sacred period of spiritual purification and self-restraint, urging the faithful to strictly adhere to the teachings of the Holy Quran to attract peace and blessings from Allah.
In a message to mark the beginning of the fasting season, Alhaji Zumari reminded Muslims that Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, was one of the five pillars of Islam and obligatory for every able Muslim.
The month, which begins and ends with the sighting of the new moon, requires Muslims to abstain from food, drink, sexual relations and all social vices from dawn to sunset.
Quoting from the Holy Quran, Chapter 2, Verse 183, he noted that fasting was prescribed for believers to help them attain piety and consciousness of Allah.
He explained that while fasting was compulsory, Islam made provisions for those whose age, health conditions or other genuine circumstances would not permit them to fast.
Alhaji Zumari urged Muslims to embrace Ramadan as an opportunity for self-reflection, spiritual growth and moral excellence.
He encouraged the faithful to increase acts of charity, prayers and recitation of the Quran, while avoiding behaviours that could undermine the sanctity of the holy month.
The Zabarma Chief also highlighted the social importance of Ramadan, noting that it strengthened unity and compassion among Muslims as families and communities gathered to break the fast and pray together at mosques.
He appealed to Muslims in the Volta Region and across the country to use the period to pray for peace, unity and national development.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/George-Ramsey Benamba