By  Hebrews Pouyeli Kumako 

The Yorùbá Chief Imam for Ketu South Municipality of Volta Region and Proprietor of Al-Munawwarat Academy, , has appealed to the Government of Ghana, the Ghana Education Service (GES), and school authorities nationwide to ease academic pressure on Muslim students during the Holy month of Ramadan to enable them observe the fast in a spiritually fulfilling manner.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with News Volta, the Chief Imam emphasized that Ramadan is a sacred period of fasting, prayer, discipline, sacrifice, and deep spiritual reflection, during which Muslims abstain from food and drink from dawn (around 4:45am) until sunset (about 6:15pm), while intensifying prayers and acts of worship.

According to him, many Muslim students, especially those in boarding schools and high-pressure academic environments, face serious physical, mental, and spiritual challenges during Ramadan, which sometimes weakens their spiritual bond with Allah.

“Ramadan is not just about abstaining from food and drink; it is a complete spiritual journey. When Muslim students are overwhelmed with academic pressure and rigid school routines, it becomes difficult for them to fully observe their prayers, reflection, and acts of worship. This breaks their spiritual connection with Allah,” he explained.

Chief Imam Abdul Lateef Abdul-Salam called on school authorities to adopt flexible and compassionate measures to support Muslim students, including:

• Providing early pre-dawn meals (Suhoor) before fasting begins.
• Ensuring timely meals for breaking the fast (Iftar) immediately after sunset.
• Allowing regular prayer times and short periods of rest, especially during intense fasting hours.
• Creating a supportive environment that respects Islamic religious obligations.

He stressed that these measures would not disrupt academic work but rather enhance students’ spiritual strength, emotional well-being, discipline, and moral character, which ultimately reflect positively on their academic performance and conduct.

“When students are spiritually balanced, their hearts are calm, their minds are focused, and their discipline is strengthened. This helps them become better students, better citizens, and better leaders for the future,” the Imam added.

Ramadan as a Season of Mercy and Forgiveness

The Chief Imam also used the opportunity to remind Muslim students and the general public that Ramadan is a season of divine mercy, forgiveness, and spiritual renewal. He encouraged students to use the period to strengthen their faith, purify their hearts, seek Allah’s forgiveness, and cultivate love, patience, humility, and compassion.

“Ramadan teaches us self-control, kindness, and forgiveness. It is a time to cleanse our souls and renew our commitment to peace, unity, and righteousness,” he said.

He further appealed to government institutions, educators, parents, and faith-based organizations to work together to protect the spiritual rights and wellbeing of Muslim students, describing such support as essential for national harmony, religious tolerance, and social cohesion.

Chief Imam Abdul Lateef Abdul-Salam concluded with prayers for peace, unity, and divine blessings upon Ghana, asking Allah to grant strength, wisdom, and success to all students observing the fast during this holy season.

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Source News Volta