Chief Imam of Benin, Edo State, Mallam Abdul Fattah Enabulele, speaks to Adeyinka Adedipe about the significance of Ramadan and what Muslim faithful should abstain from.
When you look at the glorious Qur’an, a complete revelation of Allah’s love, Chapter 2, Verse 183 states: “O you who believe, fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may attain righteousness.” The month is a time to draw closer to God, seek forgiveness for sins, and attain salvation. Among the ten people God has promised paradise are men and women who have engaged in fasting.
The benefits of Ramadan are numerous. It offers the opportunity to practice all that is good, assess and remodel one’s conduct, and engage in sober reflection, self‑restraint, and spiritual rejuvenation. It tests whether the fear of Allah resides within you, and every good deed performed during this period is rewarded. Ramadan acts as a shield against evil; believers are not expected to fight, commit immoral acts, or visit beer parlours or brothels. The month is meant for reciting and discussing the Qur’an, thereby earning its special reward.
Beyond abstaining from food, drink, and sexual intercourse with one’s legitimate spouse during daylight hours, Muslims must also maintain good conduct. Drinking alcohol after breaking the fast is not appropriate; alcohol is forbidden for Muslims at all times, and one should not work in its production, sell it, or serve it. In Islam, sins are classified as minor or major. Minor sins can be expiated through fasting, prayer, and Jumʿah service, whereas major sins require sincere confession and repentance. If a major sin is committed against another person, one must apologize to the offended individual. Sins such as lying, backbiting, and character assassination must be avoided throughout Ramadan.
Fasting involves every part of the body. Sexual intercourse with one’s spouse is permitted after breaking the fast, during the night before the next day’s fast begins. Regarding food prepared by a boyfriend or girlfriend, the presence of a romantic partner can be tempting. The safest approach is to obtain food elsewhere to avoid temptation, though if self‑control is assured, one may accept the meal.
If people revert to prohibited behaviours after Ramadan, the fast becomes a wasted effort. Ramadan should be a springboard for continued righteousness. Every Muslim is an ambassador of Islam and must live an exemplary life. What is forbidden during Ramadan remains forbidden outside it. Practices such as the five daily prayers, Zakat, and other acts of worship carry rewards that extend beyond the month. Returning to old ways after Ramadan indicates a lack of seriousness and wastes the opportunity for spiritual growth.
There is no real conflict about the days of fasting. The Islamic month is either 29 or 30 days, determined by the sighting of the moon. The month preceding Ramadan is Shaʿbān; if the moon is sighted on the 29th day of Shaʿbān, Ramadan begins the next day. If not, Ramadan starts after a full 30 days of Shaʿbān.
Regarding women from other states residing in Edo who sell alcohol in sachets, not all are Muslims, though some are. Some Muslim traders even consume alcohol during Ramadan. Only Allah knows the true state of each worshipper’s heart. Trading in alcohol during the fasting period, or at any time, conflicts with Islamic belief. Intoxicants, including hard drugs and palm wine (even when considered medicinal), are prohibited because they cause mental imbalance. Those who are ill should take appropriate medication, not intoxicants.
In these difficult times, the Imam advises generosity and kindness. Economic hardships, such as restricted access to bank funds and the adverse effects of the naira policy, have caused suffering. If Allah blesses you, consider cooking for others, providing food to break the fast, or giving money and assistance. Such acts please God, earn the prayers of angels, and lead to forgiveness of sins.
Mistrust among people should not diminish the spirit of sharing during Ramadan. God commands the promotion of harmonious relationships within families and society. Those who sow discord, rancour, or fighting will face severe punishment. When harmony prevails in families, it extends to the nation.
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