President Muhammadu Buhari has sent best wishes to Muslims as they commence 30 days of Ramadan fasting, urging that they use the season “to project the best and finest virtues of Islam by personal conduct, and not precept.”
In a goodwill message to mark the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan, issued by his spokesman, Malam Garba Shehu, on Wednesday in Abuja, Buhari said:
“Let us use this opportunity to put the best teachings of Islam into practice, such as kindness and the love of humanity. This is an occasion for deep reflection and greater fear of Allah and avoidance of all evils that harm humanity.”
According to the president, Ramadan is characterized by abstention from food and drinks from dawn to dusk, which brings both the rich and poor to share the experience of hunger together, thereby strengthening the bonds between haves and have-nots.
Buhari added that “as we begin these 30 days of fasting season, let us not forget that Ramadan is not only about abstention from eating and drinking, but it is a reminder to refrain from all kinds of evil and transgressions that harm humanity.”
The president is not happy about the manner some traders artificially increase the price of their goods during the month of Ramadan.
“I am particularly aware of the activities of traders who artificially increase the prices of their goods, including food at the beginning of every month of Ramadan. This kind of exploitation is against the spirit of Ramadan and the spirit of Islam,” the President said.
President Buhari added that wealthy individuals and organizations should share food and drinks with the less fortunate members of society because by sharing our blessing with others Allah will multiply our reward.
