Muslims urged to unite, pray as Ramadan starts

By Gift Sitima:

Grand Mufti for Malawi, Sheikh Muhammad Uthman Ntalika, has called on Muslims to engage in good deeds as they are observing 30 days of fasting and prayers in the holy month of Ramadan.

This follows the National MoonSighting Committee’s announcement that the First Ramadan 1446 is corresponding to Sunday, March 2 2025, when Muslims in the country started fasting.

Ntalika said fasting during the month of Ramadan is one pillar of Islam, such that “it is recommended for all Muslims who are medically fit to fast and do charity work”.

“Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam, meaning that it is one of the fundamentals. During this month, we, Muslims, are encouraged to love, give and share the little we have with one another. If you look around, you will find that there are many people who are suffering because they do not have food and other basic needs.

“Therefore, it is the responsibility of every Muslim to make sure that they do good things all the time and share the little resources they have because Muslims are commanded to do so,” Ntalika said.

On his part, Muslim Association of Malawi (Mam) Publicity Secretary Sheikh Dinala Chabulika asked Muslims to pray for the country.

“Ramadan brings us closer to Allah and let us take this opportunity to pray for our nation, which is going through economic hardship. Let us ask Allah to make it easy for us,” Chabulika said.

Ramadan, which is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar, is one of the most sacred times for Muslims.

Muslims believe that the month is full of rewards, one when Allah pours His grace and mercy on the faithful.

They also believe that the Holy Qur’an was sent down from heaven “as a guidance for men and women, a declaration of direction, and a means of salvation”.

During this month, Muslims observe a strict fast from dawn until sunset. They are not allowed to eat or drink (even water) during daylight hours.

Chabulika said fasting is a private act of worship, bringing about nearness to Allah, as well as a form of spiritual discipline and a means of empathising with those who are less fortunate.