The Northern Region Muslims Council has held the second edition of the annual Ramadan Summit in Tamale as Muslims in the country and around the globe prepares to welcome the 2024 month-long period of fasting. The forum brings together Islamic scholars in the region among other stakeholders to deliberate on the significance of the month and how Muslims are enjoined to conduct themselves during the period as stipulated in the holy Quran.
The Chairman of the Council, Sheikh Issah Alhassan Abubakari in an interview with the media highlighted on the importance of the topics discussed during the summit which are: “Observing a peaceful Ramadan, the responsibility of all, Health benefits of fasting on the body and Curbing indiscipline among the youth, the Islamic perspective and remedies.”
He noted this is to ensure that Muslims user in the Ramadan month peacefully and observe it in accordance to the dictates of Allah and Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and live at peace with one another as well as guiding and guarding their tongues during the period against utterances that has the propensity and possibilities to causing damages to individuals who are Muslims or non-Muslims.
“…Islam is a peaceful religion. As Muslims, we need to be leading the path towards ensuring that we live peacefully and we make sure that there is peaceful coexistence among Muslims and non-Muslims” he stressed.
Sheikh Issah also admonished all and sundry to reflect well and live according to the tenets and the dictates of the theme for this year’s summit: “The Month of Self-discipline, Patience and Care for One Another”.
He further urged Muslim leaders in the region and the nation at large to live exemplary lives worthy of emulation emphasizing that, “You cannot be preaching peace and practicing violence”.
Meanwhile, the Northern Regional Minister, Alhaji Shani Alhassan Shaibu, in his address commended the Muslim Council for successfully organizing the summit for the second consecutive time.
“Indeed this theme is apt and appropriate as it seeks to cure every mishap that can create panic and misunderstanding that used to characterise Ramadan period. It is refreshing and useful because we need wisdom to convey Allah’s messages to our followers” he lauded.
The Minister, who is Chairman of the Regional Security Council (REGSEC) acknowledged that the summit last year worked to perfection, saying apart from social media exchanges, sermons and tafsir targeted at the audience and what they needed to benefit fully within the peaceful month of Ramadan. Nothing short of that is expected.
However, he urged the Imams to concentrate and channel their energies and their time on issues that would help promote peace and unity in the region.
“You will all agree with me that Islam stands for peace, hence the urgent need for all Muslims especially Imams, as leaders, to avoid acts that are likely to disturb the peace during and after Ramadan” the Minister emphasized.
