Farm and fast this Ramadhan -Teso muslims told

Soroti, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT |  As Muslims start the holy month of Ramadhan today, the Muslim community in Teso sub region has been asked to spare some time for farming as they conduct prayer and fasting.

Ramadhan is the ninth and holiest month of the Islamic calendar observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting (sawm), prayer, reflection, and community.

Ramadhan is regarded as one of the five pillars of Islam and lasts 29-30 days from the sight of the crescent moon to the next.

It was during this month that the holy book of the Quran was revealed to the prophet Muhammad during Ramadhan.

However, this holy month has come on the onset of rains and the coronavirus pandemic.

The District Kadhi of Teso Sheikh Asuman Mohamed Ochen now says that the Muslims should not spend all the time fasting without utilizing this rains for farming. Addressing the media this morning, Sheikh Asuman indicated that prayer must not be at the expense of work, but should reinforce it instead.

Poverty levels have been on the increase in Teso sub region in recent years – now hovering around 40% up from 24 % only foru years ago – causing concern among the country’s economic planners.

Sheikh Ochen has also reminded the Muslims to observe the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the prevention of the spread of the Coronavirus as issued by Ministry of Health.

Sheikh Ochen urged the Muslim community not to dodge fasting during this holy month unless one is seriously ill.

He told Muslims to copy the example of Haman by not chewing mirah, smoking  cigarettes or consuming alcohol.

Hamza Moita, Amuria County sheikh in Amuria District also appeals to the Muslims to be humble and helpful to others through sharing whatever little one has during this month of Ramadhan. 

The messages of the Sheikhs are in harmony with that of the country’s chief law enforcer, Inspector-General of Police Martin Okoth Ochola, who has asked Muslims in Uganda to follow the Ministry of Health Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) during the Islamic Holy Month of Ramadan.

He asked them to ensure that they observe self-discipline, sacrifice, and empathy ‘for their loved ones and the vulnerable and help to stop the spread of COVID-19 and save lives of fellow Ugandans’.

Ochola has also directed all territorial commanders in the country to work with the district khadis to ensure that Muslims are enabled to smoothly observe or the requirements of Ramathan despite and amidst the curfew that is still in place.

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