Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim

The Chief Imam of Nagazi-Uvete Jumu’ah Mosque and the late Alhaji Abdur-Rahman Okene Mosque in Okene, Kogi State, Imam Murtadha Gusau, has called on Muslims to begin comprehensive spiritual, mental and physical preparations ahead of the 1447 AH (2026) Ramadan fast, describing the holy month as a period of discipline, mercy and moral renewal for individuals and the wider Ummah.

KANO FOCUS reports that Imam Gusau made the call in a sermon titled “Preparation for Ramadan and the Prophet Muhammad’s Sermon on Its Coming”, delivered on Friday, Sha’aban 11, 1447 AH, where he stressed that Ramadan is not merely about abstaining from food and drink, but a holistic exercise in self-restraint, compassion and devotion to Allah.

He noted that with the numerous challenges facing the Muslim Ummah globally — particularly in countries such as Nigeria and Palestine — the need to maximise the spiritual benefits of Ramadan had become more urgent.

“Ramadan is a marathon, not a sprint. It rewards consistency, patience and sincere effort from beginning to end,” he said, quoting the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) as saying that during Ramadan the gates of mercy are opened, the gates of Hell are closed and devils are chained.

The cleric urged Muslims to begin preparations early by strengthening their spiritual routines, renewing intentions, improving the quality of prayers and increasing Qur’anic recitation. He encouraged believers to learn new chapters of the Qur’an for prayer and to combine recitation with understanding through translations and tafsir.

Imam Gusau also emphasised the importance of charity, describing sadaqah as a defining feature of Ramadan, and encouraged Muslims to develop the habit of giving generously, especially to the poor and vulnerable.

On mental preparation, he advised Muslims to avoid anger, false speech and harmful behaviour, stressing that fasting without moral discipline is meaningless. He also cautioned against excessive use of social media, urging believers to be intentional with their time during the holy month.

“Ramadan is an opportunity to assess our mental health, manage stress and distance ourselves from distractions that weaken our spiritual focus,” he said.

Addressing physical preparation, the Imam advised Muslims to gradually reduce excessive eating, caffeine intake and unhealthy habits ahead of Ramadan, while maintaining balanced meals, hydration and regular exercise. He described fasting as a natural detoxification process with proven health benefits.

He further reminded Muslims of the Prophet Muhammad’s compassionate approach to fasting, noting the flexibility allowed for travellers, the sick and those under hardship, as well as the encouragement to ease burdens on others during the month.

Imam Gusau highlighted the special significance of the last ten days of Ramadan, urging Muslims to seek Lailatul Qadr and to engage in I‘tikaf as a means of spiritual renewal in an age increasingly dominated by material distractions.

Quoting extensively from the Prophet Muhammad’s famous Ramadan sermon reported by Salman Al-Farsi, the cleric underscored themes of mercy, forgiveness, generosity and kindness to neighbours, orphans and the needy.

“Ramadan is a month of repentance, reflection and returning to Allah. It is a time to discipline our desires, uplift the less fortunate and strengthen our relationship with our Creator,” he said.

Imam Gusau concluded by urging Muslims to build spiritual momentum in the remaining days of Sha’aban through voluntary fasting, increased worship and sincere repentance, praying that Allah grants the Ummah the strength to observe Ramadan with devotion and humility.

Imam Murtadha Gusau is the Chief Imam of Nagazi-Uvete Jumu’ah Mosque and the late Alhaji Abdur-Rahman Okene Mosque in Okene, Kogi State