Muslim scholars in Nigeria have called for self purification and detachment from vices as the holy month of Ramadan approaches.
The call was made at the Annual Pre-Ramadan Seminar jointly organised by seven Islamic organisations in Kwara State, reports Daily Trust.
They include The Muslim Congress, Standard Bearers Islamic Organisation, Al Muminaat Organisation, Organisation of Thadhamunul Muslimeem, Al Khawaatul Muslimaat and The Achiever Ambassadors Islamic Foundation.
The event was themed: “Ramadan, Self-purification and detachment from vices” and drew participants from across the state.
Organisers said the programme was aimed at preparing Muslims spiritually and socially ahead of Ramadan.
Delivering the keynote lecture, Associate Professor Hamza AbdulRaheem of Al-Hikmah University described Ramadan as a sacred period designed to instill discipline, patience and devotion in believers.
“Ramadan is a sacred period of fasting for Muslims. It is a time when believers learn the true value of self discipline, patience and devotion,” he said.
Quoting Prophet Muhammad (SAW), AbdulRaheem added, “Whoever fasts during the month of Ramadan with sincere faith and pure intention, seeking the pleasure of Allah, will have his sins forgiven.”
He stressed that Ramadan is meant to purify Muslims spiritually and bring them closer to Allah, noting that the rewards attached to fasting in the month are abundant.
The scholar, however, warned against the misuse of social media, especially during Ramadan.
“In today’s world, social media plays a significant role in people’s lives. It can be used for both permissible and forbidden purposes,” he said.
On the positive side, he noted that social media provides access to scholars, Qur’anic recitations and beneficial lectures that strengthen faith when properly utilised.
However, he cautioned that some individuals fast while engaging in sinful online activities.
“Some individuals fast during Ramadan but engage in sinful activities online, such as viewing immoral content. This is a serious concern, and such actions can drain the rewards of fasting,” he warned.
He urged Muslims to consciously avoid platforms and content that contradict the spirit of Ramadan.
“A fasting Muslim should strive to engage with content that strengthens faith, visiting platforms that discuss Islam, reading and listening to the Qur’an, and benefiting from uplifting speeches, rather than content that contaminates one’s faith or negatively influences others, especially our children,” he added.
In his remarks, Engr. Ariyo Bashir Olalekan, State Coordinator of the Zakat and Sadaqah Foundation and Chairman of the Organising Committee, underscored the essence of Zakat and Waqf and their connection to Ramadan.
He described Zakat as one of the five pillars of Islam and a divinely ordained right of the poor in the wealth of the rich.
“Zakat is not charity given at will, but a divinely ordained right of the poor and less privileged in the wealth of those whom Allah has blessed with abundance,” he said.
According to him, every Muslim whose wealth reaches the minimum threshold (Nisab) and remains in their possession for a full lunar year is obligated to pay Zakat.
“For the year 2026, the Nisab has been estimated at approximately ₦12.5 million based on the value of gold, while the Nisab based on silver is about ₦1.7 million. Any Muslim whose wealth meets or exceeds this threshold is required to pay 2.5 percent of that wealth as Zakat,” he explained.
He described Waqf as an Islamic endowment in which a property or asset is permanently dedicated for the sake of Allah, while its proceeds are used for charitable purposes.
He explained that buildings, land or other assets can be designated as Waqf, with the income generated deployed to support the donor’s family, maintain the endowment and fund charitable causes.
Such proceeds, he said, could be used to assist orphans, widows, hospital patients and other vulnerable members of society, thereby guaranteeing continuous reward for the donor even after death.
He further highlighted the spiritual link between Ramadan and Zakat, noting that acts of worship performed during the holy month attract multiplied rewards.
“Voluntary acts done during Ramadan attract rewards equivalent to obligatory acts performed outside the month. When a Muslim performs an obligatory act such as Zakat during Ramadan, the reward is multiplied many times over, provided the intention is sincere,” he said.
He emphasised that sincerity of intention remains the foundation of acceptance.
“The key is renewal of intention. When Zakat is paid purely for the sake of Allah, with a heart attached to Him, the spiritual reward becomes immense,” he added.
Olalekan said payment of Zakat during Ramadan, aside personal benefits, carries far reaching social impact as many needy Muslims receive food, healthcare and relief at a critical period.
He urged Muslims to embrace Znakat and Waqf as structured instruments of social justice, compassion and collective responsibility embedded in Islamic teachings.
