Ramadan is regarded as the best month of the year for Muslims as it was the month in which the Quran was revealed to Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) on the night of Laylat Al Qadr, one of the last ten nights of Ramadan.
The first day of Ramadan is traditionally marked by the sighting of the crescent moon with the naked eye, and is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar.
Ramadan lasts for one complete moon cycle, which is usually 29 or 30 days. The moon sighting determines the duration. Nowadays, astronomical calculations have started taking precedence over the age-old tradition of moon sighting by the naked eye to determine the dates.
The supreme mufti Sheikh Kasule Ndirangwa has said that according to calculations, Ramadan is most likely to fall on May 5or 6.
Ndirangwa advised all Muslims to be faithful, avoid behaving badly and respect fasting during Ramadhan by becoming closer to God and also being more kind to the needy.
“Avoid all things that God refused during Ramadan such as quarreling, fornication, drinking alcohol, gambling and others” he said.
“Muslims should focus more on reading the Quran, supporting the poor and giving the food to needy to break their fast. They should also play talawq (evening and night players),” he added.
Ndirangwa advised Muslims to pray for themselves and the deceased during Ramadan since Allah opens the gates of paradise and closes the gates of hell, and also chains up the devils.
“Ramadan, is a special month since Allah made al-Qadr (the night of power) in this month. During Ramadan, every night Allah has people whom he redeems from fire or hell,” he said.
“On the night of Al-Qadr, people pray the whole night asking God for rewards and forgiveness of their sins,” he added.
This year’s 30-day fasting period will end with Eid al Fitr on or about June 3 or 4, depending on the sighting of the moon.
Hajji Nsereko Mutumba, public relations officer at Uganda Muslim Supreme Council advised Muslims to practice patience, repentance, discipline and sacrifice.
“Muslims should pay sadaq (sacfrice) during this month and continue helping poor and the widow to break their fast. They should go for darasa (Muslim conferences) to gain more knowledge on islam,” he said.
