… Urges Muslims to show kindness to less privileged during Ramadan
BY IDAHOSA MOSES
The Chief Imam of Benin, Sheikh Abdulfattah Enabulele, has condemned the recent decision by some northern state governments to close schools for five weeks in observance of Ramadan fasting.
Speaking in Benin on Thursday, he criticized the move by the governors of Bauchi, Katsina, Kano, and Kebbi states, which affects all levels of education, from nursery to tertiary institutions.
The decision has sparked widespread criticism from various organizations, including the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), Civil Rights Groups, and ActionAid Nigeria (AAN). These groups argue that the abrupt closure disrupts students’ education and financially impacts teachers and school staff who rely on their salaries.
They described the action as unconstitutional, discriminatory, and insensitive, saying it hampers educational development.
Reacting to the controversy, Sheikh Enabulele stated that Islam does not support shutting down schools for Ramadan, as knowledge-seeking is fundamental to the faith. Instead of a total closure, he suggested that schools could adjust their schedules by closing earlier in the day.
“It is completely un-Islamic. There is no Quranic verse or prophetic teaching that supports this behavior. Muslims should understand that fasting does not mean stopping daily activities, including learning,” he said.
He stressed that education is empowerment, and depriving students of learning opportunities is counterproductive.
“If we truly value education, we should not halt academic activities for fasting. The best alternative would be reducing school hours rather than shutting them down entirely,” he added.
Sheikh Enabulele urged state governments to reconsider their decision to ensure that students continue their education while observing their faith.
Meanwhile, the Chief Imam of Benin, Sheikh Abdulfattah Enabulele, has called on Muslims to embrace kindness, charity, and community support during Ramadan.
Speaking in Benin City while receiving members of the Edo State Chapter of the Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria (MMPN), he emphasized the importance of sharing food with the less privileged and offering prayers during the holy month.
He urged wealthy Muslims to support those in need so that everyone could partake in the fast, reinforcing Islam’s teachings on peace, unity, and good neighborliness. “Muslims, especially the rich, should extend kindness and share food with the less privileged so they can also fast,” he said.
Sheikh Enabulele also advised members of the MMPN to uphold Islamic values in their media work, discouraging misinformation and negative narratives about Islam.
He urged journalists to use their platform to promote peace, security, and economic development.
“Islam values human life and abhors violence, fraud, and all forms of corruption. As media practitioners, you have a responsibility to correct misconceptions and promote the true teachings of Islam through your reporting, conduct, and attitudes,” he stated.
The Chief Imam pledged his support for the association’s efforts to provide accurate and balanced coverage of Islamic matters.
In his remarks, MMPN interim chairman, Abdullah Abdul-Kadir, said the visit aimed to strengthen collaboration with the Chief Imam’s office, foster positive narratives about Islam, and address misinformation.
He emphasized the need for a working relationship to highlight the contributions of Muslim leaders and organizations in building a better society.
The MMPN, founded decades ago and registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) in 1997, reaffirmed its commitment to working with religious leaders to enhance understanding and promote positive community engagement during Ramadan and beyond.
