Annually, Muslim faithful worldwide observe the holy month of Ramadan, a time of fasting, reflection, and increased devotion. However, in Nigeria the rising inflation is very disturbing and destabilising, TOPE SUNDAY writes.
Despite the hardship occasioned by the current economic situation in the country, Nigeria’s Muslim community is maintaining its traditions during the holy month of Ramadan.
Nigeria is grappling with an inflation crisis that has caused skyrocketing prices of essential goods and services. The cost of food, in particular, has surged, with staples like rice, beans, and meat becoming increasingly burdensome for many households.
The crisis has created a ripple effect, widening the gap between affordability and the Ramadan festivities. However, despite these economic hardships, Nigerians have not shied away from carrying out charitable acts intrinsic to Ramadan.
Muslims are known for their acts of generosity and benevolence during this auspicious month.
Rising prices of food, fruits
Blueprint Weekend reports that there has been a sustained rise in prices of food items. A module of rice, previously sold at N1,800 a week ago, is now sold for N2,000; while beans, which previously sold at N1,400, is now sold for N1,600 per module.
Also, a medium-sized tuber of yam, which was previously sold at N1,000 in the market last week, is now being sold for N1,300; while a module of grinded corn has gone from N900 in the previous week to N1,200 per module.
Meanwhile, the prices of fruit and vegetables that are more sought after during the Ramadan fast have also skyrocketed nationwide.
In Abuja, our reporter gathered that an apple now sells from N500 upward against its old price of N300.
‘Our survival tactics’
Speaking with Blueprint Weekend, a Lecturer at the University of Ilorin, Dr. Oniye Ridwanullahi Kolapo, who admitted that there was a hardship in the country, called on Muslims to provide emotional support to the needy.
He said: “The holy month of Ramadan is a time of faith, reflection, and sacrifice. It is a time prescribed for all adult, sane, and healthy Muslims around the world to fast from sunrise to sunset. This period also avails Muslims an opportunity to give to the less fortunate and to deepen their spiritual connection to Allah.
“However, this year’s Ramadan comes at a time when Nigeria is grappling with economic challenges majorly caused by subsidy removal, rise in exchange rate, un-increased wages and salary.
“Ramadan is a time of giving and charity, with Muslims encouraged to give more to the needy. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “Whoever feeds a fasting person will have a reward like that of the fasting person”.
“This Ramadan, however, many Muslims may find it difficult to give as they have in the past due to the economic downturn. But even when facing difficult times, the spirit of charity and giving can still be upheld.
“It is the intention and effort put into giving that matters rather than the amount of food items given. Muslims can still give in other ways such as providing emotional support to those in need and making du’a (prayers) for the nation.
“While Ramadan may be challenging this year amidst economic difficulties, it provides an opportunity for Muslims to show resilience, faith, and optimism. Ramadan is a time for charity, spiritual reflection, and acts of worship, and these can still be upheld even in difficult times. “Muslims have the opportunity to adapt to different Ramadan routines and connect more with their faith during this holy month. By doing so, they can make the most of this year’s unique Ramadan experience and emerge with stronger faith and spiritual growth.”
Also speaking, a Mass Communication Student at the Borno State University, Maiduguri, Yusuf Sani, told this medium that he had cut down on his spending during the holy month of Ramadan because of the current economic downturn.
He called on the federal government to introduce a price control panel.
He said: “This year’s Ramadan came at a time when all our basic needs have doubled or even tripled their prices. However, I have minimized the amount of stuff I buy and even decided not to buy milk at all because it is so expensive.
“It’s best for the government to impose a price control panel or committee that will regulate and standardize the products we buy in markets. Also, salaries should be increased sensibly because the food it sends out to people is not reaching even a quarter of who deserve to have it.”
‘Charity, volunteerism essential during Ramadan’
An Ilorin-born Islamic Scholar, Mallam Abdulrahman Aliagan, asked Islamic scholars and leaders to encourage the Muslim community to engage in acts of charity and volunteerism during Ramadan to cushion the effects of the current economic hardship in the country.
Aliagan, who is also an Abuja-based Journalist, and the Publisher of Time Magazine, said: “As an Islamic scholar, I believe that during these challenging economic times, it is important to prioritize the spiritual essence of Ramadan while also considering the economic realities faced by the Nigerian Muslims.
“It is crucial to promote the teachings of Ramadan and emphasize the importance of self-discipline and austerity. Muslims should be encouraged to focus on the essence of fasting, which is self-control, patience, and gratitude towards Allah.
“This can be achieved through sermons, educational programmes, and community initiatives to deepen understanding and foster a strong sense of faith.
“Furthermore, Islamic scholars and leaders should encourage the community to engage in acts of charity and volunteerism during Ramadan. This can include organising food drives or supporting local charitable organizations to assist those in need. By collectively practicing generosity and kindness, we can alleviate the burden of the economic crisis for our fellow Muslims.
“Additionally, individuals and communities should strive to organize cost-effective iftars (the meal to break the fast) and suhoors (the pre-dawn meal). This can be achieved by promoting sharing and cooperation among community members, where each person contributes whatever they can afford, ensuring that everyone has access to nourishing meals during this blessed month.
“Moreover, Islamic financial institutions should play a significant role by providing affordable and accessible financial assistance to support those facing economic challenges during Ramadan.
“This could be in the form of interest-free loans or microfinancing, enabling individuals to meet their basic needs without falling into financial distress.
“Lastly, by engaging in collective dua (supplication) and seeking guidance from Allah, we can find strength and solutions to overcome the economic challenges we face. Communities can come together for remembrance and supplication, seeking divine support and blessings to alleviate the economic difficulties during Ramadan.”
On his part, a Financial Expert and Executive Director, ASHRAAF Islamic Foundation, Ustaz Mahmud Funsho Kasandubu, who noted that Allah did not impose any difficulty on Muslims that is beyond their capabilities, asked them to adapt and cut their coat according to their sizes during the holy month of Ramadan.
“As a Muslim scholar, I understand that observing Ramadan in Nigeria’s economic difficulties can pose certain challenges. However, it is essential to remember that Allah did not impose any difficulty on Muslims that is beyond their capabilities. Thus, Muslims had to adapt and cut their coats according to their sizes during this period.
“One of the key aspects of Ramadan is to imbibe the lessons of patience and moderation in all aspects of life. This includes one’s spending habits and lifestyle choices. Muslims should be mindful of their financial limitations and avoid unnecessary expenses that may strain their resources further.
“In times of economic hardship, it becomes even more imperative for the wealthy Muslims to identify with the less privileged ones. It is our duty as Muslims to show compassion and support to those in need. Wealthy individuals should strive to increase their acts of charity and generosity during Ramadan, particularly by assisting those who are economically disadvantaged.
“Moreover, Muslim scholars should encourage those who used to sponsor programmes on TV and radio to take advantage of social media platforms as a more cost-effective means of reaching a larger audience.
“By reallocating the funds towards charitable endeavors, such as providing aid and support to the poor, we can channel resources towards those who need it most.
“Another vital aspect is the individual obligation of Zakat. Muslims must direct their Zakat towards the less privileged, particularly those who are facing economic difficulties.
“The wealthy Muslims should extend a helping hand towards the healthy poor, recognizing that their financial constraints may intensify during Ramadan,” Kasandubu said.
