Islamic Scholar Advocates for Lasting Generosity and Sacrifice Beyond Ramadan
Dr. Maisuna Mustapha Yahya, a lecturer in the Department of Islamic Studies at the University of Abuja, has called on Muslims to embrace generosity, sacrifice, and moral discipline as essential virtues that should extend beyond the holy month of Ramadan. He delivered this message during a lecture titled "Ramadan: The Month of Generosity and Sacrifice" at the annual Ramadan lecture and fundraising event organized by the Kabusa Garden Estate Muslim Association (KGEMA) in Abuja.
Fasting as a Demonstration of Faith
Yahya explained that fasting remains one of the most powerful ways to demonstrate genuine fear and consciousness of Allah. He stressed that Ramadan is not merely about abstaining from food and drink; its spiritual significance lies in transforming behavior, strengthening faith, and improving relationships with others. "One of the ways to identify a person who truly fears Allah is through fasting," he said. "Ramadan teaches discipline and reminds us that generosity and sacrifice bring us closer to Allah in ways that cannot be compared to the rewards we seek outside the holy month."
Encouraging Positive Behavior and Truthfulness
The Islamic scholar urged Muslims to use the sacred period to reflect on their conduct, noting that Ramadan should inspire believers to avoid negative behaviors such as harsh speech, dishonesty, and hostility toward others. According to him, the month encourages Muslims to cultivate kindness and speak positively to people. "Are you someone who often speaks harsh words? Ramadan teaches us to put a stop to it. It teaches us to speak good words to people and to build better relationships within our communities," he added.
Yahya also warned against lying, describing truthfulness as a fundamental Islamic value that must be upheld by both adults and children. He emphasized that parents must be careful about the words they speak to their children, as these often leave a lasting impression. "We should desist from telling lies. Ramadan teaches us to stop lying, and we should not continue such habits after Ramadan. Parents should remember that whatever they say to their children is stamped in their minds," he stated.
Sustaining Acts of Generosity Year-Round
The scholar called on Muslims to sustain acts of generosity beyond Ramadan, noting that while many people are eager to provide food and charity during the fasting period, such acts should not stop once the month ends. He emphasized that Allah demonstrates generosity to humanity every day, urging believers to emulate that example by supporting those in need throughout the year. "Allah is generous to us every day. So we must also be generous every day. During Ramadan we feed people, but what happens after Ramadan? Our generosity should not end with the fasting period," he said.
He further explained that good deeds performed during Ramadan attract multiplied rewards, noting that while a good act may ordinarily attract tenfold rewards, acts of worship and charity during Ramadan receive far greater blessings. The scholar encouraged Muslims to be mindful of their neighbors and extend support to people experiencing hardship, including those who have lost their jobs or are struggling economically.
Fundraising for Community Development
The event also featured a fundraising session for the completion and furnishing of the Kabusa Garden Estate Islamic Centre, with residents and guests making donations to support the project. Chairman of the Ramadan committee, Mallam Kabir Shaibu, said the centre is expected to serve as a hub for worship, Islamic learning, and community development activities for Muslims living in the estate and surrounding areas. He added that the annual Ramadan lecture aims to strengthen spiritual consciousness among residents while promoting charitable initiatives that support community growth.
