In a global display of unity among Muslims, the Government of Saudi Arabia announced the commencement of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, scheduled to begin tomorrow, March 11th. Fasting, considered one of the fundamental pillars of Islam, will last for twenty-nine to thirty days.

Saudi Arabia’s top Muslim authorities publicly declared Monday as the official start of Ramadan, a decision likely to be mirrored by the Gambia Supreme Islamic Council, pending their official announcement. Across Gambia and the wider region, anticipation grows for the sighting of the crescent moon in the late evening, marking the start of this sacred period.

However, amidst the spiritual significance of Ramadan, challenges loom for many in the country. Gambia is grappling with soaring prices of basic food items, steep rental costs, and other daily necessities, casting a shadow over the festive atmosphere.

During Ramadan, Muslims are called upon to abstain from eating, drinking, and other sinful behaviors from dawn until sunset, fostering spiritual reflection, communal gatherings, and acts of charity. The month is characterized by recitations of the Holy Quran, nightly ‘tarawih’ prayers, and communal meals known as ‘iftar,’ symbolizing shared compassion and solidarity.

While fasting is obligatory for most adult Muslims, exemptions exist for those who are chronically ill, traveling, elderly, breastfeeding, pregnant, menstruating, or mentally unwell. Despite these exemptions, the spiritual rewards of fasting are believed to be abundant during this sacred period, with Ramadan serving as a time for purification of the soul and solidarity with the less fortunate, in commemoration of Prophet Muhammad’s first revelation.