An Islamic cleric and National Chief Imam of Al-Habibiyyah Islamic Society, Imam Fuad Adeyemi, has faulted the five-week closure of schools for the Ramadan fast by some northern state governments, including Bauchi, Katsina, Kano, and Kebbi.
The cleric was a guest on the Friday edition of: “Inside Sources with Laolu Akande,” a socio-political programme aired on Channels Television.
He said the full-month Ramadan period is a time for Muslims to be serious with God and be hard working.
Adeyemi said the closure of schools for Ramadan fast does not represent what Islam stands for.
He said: “To me, I see it as political.
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“If you know the history of fast in Islam, they might say there is heat, but the heat here cannot be as hot as Saudi Arabia.
“During a fast, there are lots of things that are done that change the way things are being done.
“For example, when Muslims moved from Mecca to Medina, there was a war that the Arabs waged against the Muslims; they said they wanted to exterminate Islam completely.
“There was a big war.
“The Arabs brought about 1,000 armed soldiers but the Muslims were about 213 in number and they didn’t have military arms.
“It was during a fast.
“They fought and they won – the 213 people won the 1,000 side.
“The point I am trying to raise is that: Ramadan is a time that you are serious with your God.
“It’s not a thing of entertainment but a serious period in the life of a Muslim.
“I remember when we were in secondary school, up to my university level, any exam I have in Ramadan, no matter how unserious I have been, I will come out excellently because of focus.
“Ramadan gives you focus in everything you do.
“So, this idea of closing schools, to me, I’m not part of it, I don’t believe in it, it doesn’t speak well of Islam.
“This is the first time I hear a holiday in Ramadan.
“For Allah’s sake!
“For what purpose?
“You need to work.
“Even on a Friday, Islam does not ask you to lock your shops; it says go and work and when it’s time for prayers, lock your shops and when you finish praying, go back to your shops. Islam is a religion that has rules, you can’t just come one day and introduce a new system
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