Scholars emphasise importance of self-reflection ahead of Ramadhan
By Ahmed Idriss
Ramadhan 2025 is fast approaching, and Muslims around the world are preparing for this sacred month, which is not only about abstaining from food and drink from dawn to dusk, but also a month of devotion and self-reflection.
Delivering his Friday sermon last week at the National Mosque, Old Kampala, the director of Sharia at Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC), Dr Ziyad Swalleh Lubanga, encouraged Muslims to prepare for Ramadhan, emphasizing that such preparation is a well-established traditions dating back to the time of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his righteously guided companions.
“Preparing for Ramadhan is necessary at the personal, national, and global levels,” he said.
On a personal level, Dr Lubanga emphasized the importance of mending one’s relationship with Allah by seeking forgiveness for past sins. “This is a time for self-reflection and for strengthening our connection with our Creator. As human beings, we are bound to make mistakes, so it is crucial for us to seek Allah’s forgiveness,” he said.
He also encouraged Muslims to observe voluntary fasts on Mondays, Thursdays, and the white days (13th, 14th, and 15th of Shaban) as a means of preparing for Ramadhan. “The Prophet (peace be upon him) used to fast in Shaban in preparation for Ramadhan, so we should follow his example,” he urged.
He called on Muslims to prepare to support those in need during the holy month.
“There are brothers and sisters who will struggle to find food while fasting. We must prepare to assist them. Look at our brothers in Palestine, who are returning to burnt homes without any provisions. It is our duty to send them food,” he said.
He also encouraged corporate organizations and government agencies to arrange Iftar dinners, noting that such gatherings help bridge gaps and strengthen bonds with the Muslim community.
“Hosting Muslims for Iftar is important because it fosters unity and brotherhood,” he remarked.
Elsewhere, renowned Islamic scholar and motivational speaker Mufti Ismail ibn Musa Menk, through a social media post, urged Muslims to use the remaining days before Ramadan to draw closer to Allah.
“As we get closer to Ramadhan, it is time to ponder and recalibrate our lives. It is time to get closer to the Almighty. Make a commitment to strive towards better worship all round. Put in extra effort and time for Him,” Mufti Menk stated.
This year, Ramadan is expected to begin on either Friday, February 28, or Saturday, March 1, and will conclude at the end of March. In preparation for the holy month, the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques (Makkah and Madinah) released a list last week of seven Imams who will lead the Taraweeh prayers at Masjid al-Haram.
The list is headed by Sheikh Abdul-Rahman As-Sudais, the Grand Mosque’s chief Imam. The other Imams include Sheikh Maher Al-Muaiqly, Sheikh Abdullah Juhany, Sheikh Bandar Baleelah, Sheikh Yasir Dawsary, Sheikh Badr Al-Turki, and Sheikh Waleed Al-Shamsan.
In the Middle East, Muslims are expected to fast for shorter hours this year compared to previous Ramadan seasons, according to predictions by astronomers.
On the first day of Ramadan, the fasting duration is expected to be 12 hours and 58 minutes. However, this will gradually increase to 13 hours and 13 minutes by the 11th day. By the last day of the month, those observing the fast will abstain from food and drink for approximately 13 hours and 41 minutes.
