RAMADAN TAKES A TOLL OF FOOD JOINTS (PAGE 29)

Once more the Islamic Ramadan fasting season is with us and as usual, almost all the popular ‘‘Tuo Zaafi’’ and ‘‘Waakye’’ spots in the Tamale metropolis are on ‘‘holiday.’’
Indeed, any regular visitor to the sprawling city at this time of the year would notice the absence of most food vendors and local bar operators in the mornings and afternoons.
Even though they are not on a strike, they are compelled not to cook as a result of the ongoing Ramadan. And being a predominantly Muslim community, the vendors’ risk losing financially because of the very low patronage they are likely to enjoy when they cook.
Most of them usually use the fasting period, that is either 29 or 30 days, to rest and also take stock of their respective activities over the year.
Others who cannot afford to be on ‘‘vacation’’ operate in the evenings from 6p.m. after the fast is broken.
At this time, various versions of the Quran blur out from loud speakers at respective mosques, homes and vehicles. The mosques are fully patronised because some so-called non-practising “Muslims” begin fasting and praying.
During the period, the day actually begins in the evenings when vendors of fruits, porridge, ‘‘Massa’’ and ‘‘Kose’’ display their wares on tables placed by the roadside.
The aroma that emanates from the frying of such local delicacies is so inviting. This no doubt catches the attention of the Muslim faithful who by this time of the day have gone thirsty and hungry. They, therefore, crave for anything that is liquid or food to break their fast.
The Ramadan is observed annually by Muslims all over the world in the ninth month of the Lunar Calendar during which the Holy Quran was revealed to Prophet Mohammed.
The Ramadan begins at dawn and ends after sunset. It spans 29 or 30 days, depending on the day the new moon is sighted.
However, before one embarks on it, one needs to take a dawn meal that is solid or liquid.
This is preceded by the activities of volunteers who go round the homes of Muslims at dawn to wake them up through the beating of drums or instruments.
The five pillars of Islam enjoin every mature, able and sane Muslim to observe the fast. On a particular night in 610 AD, towards the close of the month, Angel Gabriel is said to have appeared and ordered Mohammed to read: The endowment of his Prophethood.
After that night, the rest of the Quran was revealed to him over a period of almost 23 years-from 610 AD to 632 AD.
The Ramadan is also a time for Muslims to refrain from the mundane and devote themselves entirely to Allah. Apart from abstaining from food and drink from dawn to dusk, it behoves all to desist from acts such as gossip, robbery, backbiting, sex, lying, fornication and adultery.
Muslims must also be tolerant and sensitive to the plight of the poor and the underprivileged.