Ramadan 101: ‘It’s a month of devotion, worship, and becoming better people’

CapeTalk’s Sara-Jayne Makwala King (in for Clarence Ford on Views and News) speaks with Mufti Sayed Haroon Al Azhari, President of Cape Town Ulama Board.

Listen below:

Ramadan is an extremely important time in the Islamic calendar.

Al Azhari says this is a time of removing bad traits, gaining self-discipline, and getting closer to God.

“It is a full month dedicated to devotion, to worship, and to becoming better human beings.”

- Mufti Sayed Haroon Al Azhari, President of Cape Town Ulama Board 

During the month, Muslims will fast during the day and pray every evening.

People who are above the age of puberty are expected to fast, but there are exceptions such as the elderly, the sick, people with difficult jobs, and women who are menstruating.

The fast has multiple purposes, including helping a person gain a ‘higher consciousness’ and understanding the struggles of those who have less.

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Charity work to better the community is also very important during this month.

“You do outwork by helping the community and at the same time do internal work and self-reflection to change yourself.”

- Mufti Sayed Haroon Al Azhari, President of Cape Town Ulama Board 

Scroll up to the audio player for more.