IT is 7:00am and the streets of Tamale are quite. Human and vehicular traffic in the central business district is virtually non-existent. Only a few traders and passengers can be seen beginning the day’s activities.
Where have the people gone to? And what about the many food vendors who usually sell in the morning? Have they embarked on a strike action or there is a state of emergency in Tamale.
If you were a first time visitor to Tamale, you would probably be asking yourself these questions, but do not be deceived.
The people of this sprawling city have not travelled out to anywhere and there is neither a boycott by the traders nor any curfew in place. It is Ramadan season and the Muslim-dominated area is still at sleep.
A large number of Muslims in Tamale who wake up at dawn for meals go back to sleep and wake up later in the morning. Therefore, many of them go to work a little late, be it formal or informal workplaces. You may agree with them or criticise them for it, it’s your opinion.
The annual 30-day fasting, which is a critical aspect of the Islamic religion, commenced nationwide on Monday, August 1st, 2011, although not all Muslims in Tamale began on this day.
Depending on one’s faith, fasting could either be an opportunity for one to demonstrate his or her faith through great sacrifice or a difficult period as one has to do without food and water for a long period.
Indeed, fasting in the holy month of Ramadan, the ninth in the Islamic calendar, is compulsory upon every Muslim, even though there are exceptions, particularly for people with acute conditions.
To fast means to abstain from food, drinks, sex and immoral conduct for a specified period. Food is usually taken only at dawn and in the evenings.
The essence of fasting is to, among other things, enable Muslims to rededicate their lives to the will of Allah through selfless devotion and also ask for forgiveness.
As early as 3:00am each morning, sounds emanate from homes and mosques in the various neighbourhoods, as calls for prayer and Quranic recitals blare out from loud speakers in the mosques.
Human activities in the various houses combine to create a day-like atmosphere as cooking utensils come into contact with each other, women shout on top of their voices and young people drum to wake others up.
During the day, the actions of many Muslims reflect the fact that we are in Ramadan season.
Apart from dressing wholly and ‘holy’ and avoiding acts such as violence, petty quarrels, gossip and love-making, some Muslims show additional traits that indicates that they are in a fasting mood.
If you are not careful and you irritate the type that show anger due to hunger, you would surely not like their response. Individuals of this type talk less during the fasting season and do not want to be bothered or overworked.
At sunset, the city comes alive, as traffic intensifies due to the hurry of many road users to get home and break the day’s fast.
It’s a spectacle at the various business areas as food vendors and fruits sellers cash in on hungry, moody and anxious Muslims who overwhelm these sellers in their bid to get some meals and fruits to break their fast.
Like Muslims in any part of the world, those in Tamale rely on oranges, bananas, dates, pineapples, mangos and watermelons, depending on the season, to break their fast and boost their appetite for the heavy meals that may follow later in the evening.
In fact, the communal and hospitality spirit of Muslims in Tamale is so high that at break of fast, a Muslim can join other Muslims anywhere in the city to break his or her fast. If nothing at all, you’ll get some ‘koko’ and some oranges.
Equally conspicuous is the gathering of Muslim adherents at various prayer sites. They are not planning any civil or political action, but simply listening to preachers and Islamic recitals.
Aside reminding themselves of Quranic verses, they also believe that this activity helps them to avoid troubles, whilst getting more blessings from Allah.
So, if you find yourself in Tamale between Monday, August 1st and Wednesday, August 31st, join the Muslim community to celebrate this holy month and enjoy the sumptuous meals that may be served on the day of ‘Eid’ul Fitr’.
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