Ramadan fasting begins on Thursday

Muslims in Cameroon join fellow Muslims from around the world in preparation to begin the month of fasting and prayer.

"We had to ensure on Tuesday that the crescent moon indicating the beginning of a month did not appear because we were in the 29th day of Shaban. According to Prophet Muhammad when the glowing moon does not appear on the 29th day, then we shall fast one month of 30 days," explains Cheick Malam Baba, the Imam of Tsinga Mosque in Yaoundé.

It is on the basis of this opinion that Muslims will faithfully begin Ramadan fast tomorrow. The scholar explained that during the fast, an individual is to go without food from sunrise to sunset, to avoid blameworthy words, slander, insults and other bad behaviours.

"It is also forbidden for the faithful to have sexual intercourse during the fasting day, or engage in acts that may lead to the committing of sins," he added.

Ramadan is not only a month of prohibitions and reproof, according to Cheick Baba, this is a time when acts of worship have much value.

"Allah instituted fasting to enable the believers attain piety. This act, when properly conducted, leads us to the referential fear of the Lord," he said.

Thus, it is recommended to the faithfuls to increase invocations, good works at the point of need with members of the family and the neighborhood.

"It is a month of sharing, forgiveness and mercy. Allah spreads his mercy to the believers and accepts the repentance of those who commit indecencies. It is also a month of regular and ample reading of the Holy Quran," said Cheick Baba.