Ramadan 2022 timetable and Ramadan rules in Nigeria: what and when to do
Muslims across the world, Nigeria included, are now in the holy month of Ramadan. This critical period in the Islamic calendar is marked each year. It is a period for self-reflection, seeking atonement for sin, and showing love and generosity towards the less fortunate. The Ramadan 2022 timetable guides every Muslim in observing the approved times for prayer and fasting. Ramadan Kareem to all Muslim sisters and brothers in Nigeria.
Source: UGC
Ramadan refers to the ninth month of the calendar in Islam. Muslims engage in fasting (sawm) to mark the Holy Quran's initial disclosure to Prophet Muhammad during this month. The fasting practised during this holy month is one of the five primary pillars of Islam.
When is Ramadan 2022 in Nigeria?
Ramadan 2022 begins on the 2nd of April and ends on the 1st of May. Ramadan 2022 is starting on the same date in Lagos, Kano, Kaduna, Ibadan, Zaria, Port Harcourt, Maiduguri, Jos, Benin City, Aba, and other cities.
How long is Ramadan? This holy month lasts 29 or 30 days, depending on the time the crescent moon is sighted.
The five pillars of Islam
Islam is centred around five essential pillars that guide the believers.
- Shahada meaning faith
- Salat refers to praying five times each day while facing Mecca.
- Zakat is centred around helping the poor.
- Sawm meaning fasting
- Hajj means making a pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in every Muslim's lifetime.
The history of Ramadan
Why is Ramadan celebrated? The Holy book was first revealed to Prophet Muhammad during the powerful night (Laylat al-Qadr), and Ramadan is a celebration of this revelation.
This obligatory month of sawm shows one's fear of God and oneness with Him. It is also a month of repentance, generosity, love, and perseverance. Ramadan was first observed in 624 CE during the second year of Hijra.
Ramadan meaning
In Islam, Ramadan is the month of sawm. Every adult Muslim should restrain from drinking, eating, smoking, and having sex between dawn and sunset. One is only permitted to break the fast after the sounding of the adhan (the muezzin's call to worship).
Ramadan prayers
Source: UGC
Besides fasting, prayers are an essential part of the holy month of Ramadan. Here is a look at some important prayers during this period.
- The prayer for Breaking the Fast
- Prayer for forgiveness
- Prayer for the first ten days of Ramadan
- Prayer for the second ten days of Ramadan
- Prayer for the third ten days of Ramadan
- Prayers of Zikr
Ramadan facts and requirements
Fasting is acceptable and valid if one meets two crucial things:
There must be a genuine intention (niyyah) to fast before dawn. This purpose should not be expressed verbally. Instead, it should be from the heart and driven by obedience to Allah.
One must exercise self-restraint from any deeds that could nullify the fast. Achieving this requires discipline and the fear of Allah.
Ramadan rules
In the Quran, sawm means abstinence from something. It is a guard that teaches Muslims to control their desire and to live in moderation. The month reinforces self-restraint and piety, which are holistic and righteous living elements. In this obligatory month, every able human being (mukallaf) must observe these rules.
- Obligatory fasting: Every adult Muslim who has experienced puberty should fast regardless of their gender.
- Taking sahur: Taking a pre-dawn meal (sahur) is recommended. The meal is Sunnah, and taking sahur is considered a blessing. It is best to take sahur during the last 30 minutes before dawn or the Fajr prayer.
- Taking iftar: One must take their after-fast meal (iftar) soon after sunset. According to Shariah, sunset is marked when the sun's disk goes beyond the horizon and disappears.
- Abstinence from false actions and talk: Muslims must not quarrel, argue, or initiate disputes during this Holy month. Insulting words must be avoided. Instead, one must be disciplined and ethical. Sawm is a reflective and peaceful period, so one must not boast or excessively talk about their fasting. It is forbidden to show others a hungry stomach, quick temper, or dry lips. Being a person of good cheer and high spirits is advised.
- Engaging in charitable acts: Muslims should be generous to others during sawm. A generosity that is not driven by show-off should be exercised.
- Reading the Quran: One must also be more prayerful and read the Quran more often. Every Muslim should read the Holy Book at least once during the month of fasting.
Deeds that are permitted during fasting
Below are some deeds that are permitted during the fasting period.
Having a bath/taking a shower
One is allowed to shower, even if it is driven by overheating or thirst. Likewise, swimming is permitted as long as the person fasting does not swallow the pool water.
Rinsing the nose and mouth
One may rinse their nose and mouth with water. This must not be done vigorously because excessive water could make one swallow some of it. If one consumes water when rinsing, the fast becomes invalid.
Injections
If the injections are for medical or nutritional reasons, they may be taken as advised by the experts.
Using eye drops or eyeliner
One may use kohl eyeliner or drops even if its taste can be felt down the throat.
Consuming food by accident
The accidental ingestion of food or involuntary consumption does not invalidate a fast.
Tasting food
Sawm is not cancelled if one tastes food with their tongue, as long as the food is not swallowed.
Using suppositories
It is okay to douche or have an enema done. Cleaning the behind via injection of a liquid for therapeutic reasons is allowed. Similarly, using a suppository or any other medicine in the private region is permitted.
Brushing teeth
One is allowed to brush their teeth using a toothbrush or mswaak. However, swallowing the water or mouthwash invalidates fasting, so one must be cautious.
Kissing and other forms of displaying affection
One is allowed to kiss or embrace their spouse if they can control themselves.
The condition of janaabah after Fajr
Sawm is not invalidated by being in janaabah after dawn (Fajr). Janaabah refers to the ritual impurity following release or intercourse.
If one finds themselves in this state after Fajr, they must take a full-body bath (ghusl) before continuing with their fast.
Perfumes and scents
One can use and breathe in fragrances and perfumes. Doing so does not invalidate fasting.
Acts that bring more rewards from Allah
Source: UGC
Some actions during Ramadan are said to bring added favour from Allah. Here is a look at the most prominent ones.
- Hurrying to break the fast at sunset
- Breaking the fast by eating an odd number of dry or fresh dates is the most commonly consumed Ramadan food. Other healthy foods are recommended.
- Using mswaak to clean the teeth — this is a piece of root that is obtained from the Arkaak tree.
- Increasing the recitation of the Quran — studying the Quran more brings favour.
- Praying the Taraweeh after Isha
Actions that invalidate sawm
Every Muslim who is fasting should avoid things and activities that nullify their fast. When the fast is broken, 'qadaa' is required. This refers to making up for the days that one did not fast. Here is a look at the things that invalidate fasting
- When a woman starts her menstrual period or post-delivery bleeding, the fast becomes invalid, even if it is moments to sunset.
- Engaging in sexual intercourse or any sexual activity such as self-stimulation leading to release in men or secretions in women makes the sawm invalid. Sex while fasting is forbidden. Those who do so must make up for the days (qadaa) and practice kaffarah. The latter means compensation by feeding 60 people living in poverty for each of the days the fast was broken or fasting for 60 days after the Ramadan period is over.
- The deliberate consumption of some food, smoking or drinking water or alcohol makes the fast invalid. If this is done, one must perform both qadaa and kaffarah.
Exemption from fasting
There are unique situations that may exempt Muslims from fasting. When these conditions occur, one is required to make up for the fast later. Those who cannot make up for the fast should feed one poor person for each day they are unable to fast. This is known as paying 'fidiya.' Exemptions from fasting are made if:
- One is travelling (they should make up for these days)
- One is temporarily ill (they should make up the days after they recover)
- One has a permanent illness (they should pay fidiya)
- A woman is experiencing post-delivery bleeding or menstruating (They should make up for the days once the bleeding stops)
- A woman is pregnant and weak (if sawm during pregnancy causes weakness, the woman can make up the days later or feed one poor person for each missed day)
Nigerian Ramadan food timetable
The food timetable is usually published as a general guide. One is free to adjust it to their favourite meals. Common meals to break the fasting include Mango Lassi, Efo riro, rice, moimoi bread, yams, fish, bread, and fruits.
Nafilat for Ramadan 2022 in Nigeria
Source: UGC
When will Ramadan end? Have a look at the Ramadan nafila timetable to help you understand the day Ramadan will begin and end. The Ramadan 2022 dates have slightly varied prayer times based on the moon's movement.
At the end of Ramadan, the festival of Breaking the Fast, also known as Eid al-Fitr, is celebrated. The date varies depending on the exact time that the local religious leaders spot the moon. On this day, a special prayer (salat) is said.
Afterwards, people enter an abundant feast where different foods are served. Sharing the feast is encouraged.
Ramadan 2022 begins on the 2nd of April in Nigeria. The period will run until the 1st of May. During this period of sawm, all Muslims are encouraged to adhere to all the Ramadan rules. May this period be filled with peace, love, understanding, and harmony in the local communities. Ramadan Kareem to all the Nigerian Muslims!
READ ALSO: Happy Ramadan wishes, quotes and greetings to send to your loved ones
Legit.ng recently published an article on happy Ramadan wishes, quotes and greetings to send to your loved ones. According to the Islamic calendar, Ramadan is the holiest month. Usually, it is the ninth month of the religion's lunar calendar, and during this time, Muslims across the globe fast and pray.
For 30 days, Muslim brothers and sisters will enter into intense prayer and fasting, from dawn to dusk, to mark this annual event. It will be a month-long period of pure reflection and sacrifice as they seek forgiveness and spiritual renewal. The best way to show your unwavering support to them is through these amazing quotes and goodwill wishes.
Source: Legit.ng
Mercy Mbuthia (Lifestyle writer) Mercy Mbuthia is a content writer with five years of experience writing on various topics, including biographies, entertainment, and lifestyle. She joined the Legit team in 2019. Mercy earned a Master of Science (Food, Nutrition & Dietetics) from Dedan Kimathi University in 2022. Her articles have appeared on several media sites such as The Health Channel, The Nation, Tekrati, ValiantCEO and Celebrity Leader. In 2023, Mercy finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques. Email: mercymmbuthia18@gmail.com
Jackline Wangare (Lifestyle writer) Jackline Simwa is a content writer at Legit.ng, where she has worked since mid-2021. She tackles diverse topics, including finance, entertainment, sports, and lifestyle. Previously, she worked at The Campanile by Kenyatta University. She has more than five years in writing. Jackline graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Economics (2019) and a Diploma in Marketing (2015) from Kenyatta University. In 2023, Jackline finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques and Google News Initiative course in 2024. Email: simwajackie2022@gmail.com.
