On the Banning of Ramadan Fasting by Chinese Government

  

by Abdulbaqi Jari,

It was all over the news that China has banned all its Muslim population from fasting of Ramadan this year. Though this is not the first time China is doing such a thing, but what baffled me is the continuous persecution of Muslims as they practice their religion – which they have the right to –  in China. Last year also, after banning Ramadan fasting, China organized a lunch which forced Muslim clerics to eat the food publicly. That was  painful and a clear violation of human rights by the Chinese government.

Ramadan is the Ninth month of Islamic calendar. It is the month in which Allah revealed the glorious Quran to Prophet Muhammad (SAW). It is also the month which all Muslims are mandated to fast for Twenty Nine or Thirty days. (Q2, V182). Scholars have listed and explained several reasons and benefits of fasting in the month of Ramadan. Among the reasons are;

1. to increase One in the fear of Allah (Q2, V182): He who has the fear of Allah will be disciplined, good and live a purposeful life.

2. Reflection on the condition of the less privileged ones:  just as Ramadan is among the five pillars of Islam, so is giving out alms.  voluntary alms is more rewarding especially in the month of Ramadan.

3. Purification of the soul: It is In the month of Ramadan that exist Laylatul Qadr (Night of power). The night of power is better than a thousand month (83.4 years) (Q97, V3). That is because, it was on that day that Quran was revealed. (Q97, V1). All doors of Paradise are opened on this month, and all doors of hell at closed also.

Ramadan fasting is not a threat to China nor any of its interest. I see no reason why China will keep calming down on organized  religions. This has violated the right of Muslims to practice their religion, and their right to private life.

Comrade Abdulbaqi Jari

Katsina state

@littafi

08035424321

Credit:newsrescue.com/