Ramadan, one of the five pillars of Islam, is a blessed month for the Muslim Ummah. This spiritually fulfilling and physically demanding period offers a unique opportunity to spend quality time with Allah, fostering a deeper connection with the Lord. It is a time for spiritual discipline, generosity, and self-reflection.
In Northern Nigeria for example, where the scorching sun and intense heat can be particularly challenging for students, taking a holiday during this month becomes even more important. The extreme weather conditions can lead to exhaustion and discomfort, making it difficult to focus on one’s spiritual practices. Therefore, a holiday allows students to recharge and prepare themselves spiritually and mentally for the fast.
To ensure we make the most of this blessed month, the governments of Katsina, Kano, Kebbi and Bauchi states have directed all schools–public and private–to proceed on holiday for the whole month of Ramadan, when Muslims observe the 2025 fasting.
This initiative, no doubt, acknowledges the unique challenges faced by students and educators during this time. By granting a holiday, the governors recognize the importance of allowing students, teachers, and other stakeholders to fully observe the holy month without the added stress of academic commitments.
According to the governments, the holiday will enable everyone to engage in the spiritual, social, and communal activities inherent in Ramadan. It creates an environment where families can gather for iftar, participate in tahajjud (night prayers) and partake in charitable activities, which are crucial elements of the month.
Although the decision have sparked unnecessary debate across various regions of the country, it remains a practical choice for the affected states. It is indeed a positive step towards enhancing the observance of the holy month for the Muslim community in Northern Nigeria.
Students in the affected states of Kano, Katsina, and Yobe have offered compelling testimonies that counter any doubts about the appropriateness of the Ramadan holiday, despite some criticisms. Many of them have expressed their gratitude on social media, talking about how the holiday allows them to participate in spiritual activities and spend time with family.
In several schools, students noted that the extended holiday allows them not only to observe fasting but also to participate in community events, prayers, and acts of charity, which are essential components of Ramadan. They expressed that this break from academic responsibilities provides them with a chance to focus on personal growth and spiritual reflection.
Ramadan is a revered month for spiritual growth, renewal, and a deep sense of oneness with Allah. It is a perfect opportunity to engage in personal prayers, express your pains, recite the Holy Quran, and seek forgiveness. Fasting—one of the five pillars of Islam—cultivates acts of charity, self-discipline, and mindfulness.
Aside the spiritual benefits of fasting, research has shown that fasting can improve working memory and verbal memory in adults. For instance, studies found that young men who fasted for 16 hours experienced weight loss while maintaining muscle mass.
In addition to personal growth, Ramadan fosters a sense of community and social bonding among Muslims. There is an emphasis on praying in mosques, sharing iftar (the evening meal to break the fast) at each other’s homes, and reducing feelings of isolation. The holy month is filled with events that unite people, offering opportunities to meet new individuals within the community.
*Miss Abubakar is a 300-level student of Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria, Kano.
