Muslims warned against overeating during Ramadhan
Mar 14, 2024
“I discourage you from overeating because it is not good and you should also consider visiting a physician for a routine checkup and read the Quran to get the best out of Ramadhan,” Byamugenzi said.
The minister of Kampala Metropolitan affairs, Minsa Kabanda (right) lead Muslims to serve themselves food during the Iftar party organized by MTN at Serena Kampala Hotel on March 13 2024. (Photos by Ronnie Kijjambu)
Farooq Kasule
Journalist @New Vision
_____________________ Some of the Muslim who attended the Iftar party organized by MTN at Serena Kampala Hotel on March 13 2024. Some of the Muslim who attended the Iftar party organized by MTN at Serena Kampala Hotel on March 13 2024
Muslims have been discouraged from overeating as they fast during the holy month of Ramadhan.
Muslims in Uganda and many parts of the world commenced fasting in the holy month of Ramadhan on Monday (March 11, 2024). Ramadhan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar known as the Hijri.
It is a period where adult Muslims undertake a sunrise to sunset fasting which primarily entails abstinence from food, drink, marital intimacy during the time for the marriage, and any such prohibitions as instructed by God in the Quran.
Speaking at the annual iftar dinner organised by MTN-Uganda at Serena Hotel in Kampala on Wednesday, Sheikh Hamid Byamugenzi said Muslims should not overeat when starting or breaking the fast.
During Ramadhan, Muslims normally eat a morning meal known as daku before sunrise and an evening meal known as iftar after sunset to break the fast.
“I discourage you from overeating because it is not good and you should also consider visiting a physician for a routine checkup and read the Quran to get the best out of Ramadhan,” Byamugenzi said.
Byamugenzi said muslims should take Ramadhan as a refresher course and after it make a self-assessment.
“We fast because we want to attend to the call of our creator and become better people. Therefore, Ramadhan is about individual policing, self-discipline and you should do it to obey God, not a matter of showing off,” Byamugenzi said.
Uganda’s ambassador to Sudan, Dr. Sheikh Yahaya Rashid Ssemuddu appreciated MTN for standing with the Muslim community during Ramadhan.
It is narrated in several hadith (teachings) that the prophet Muhammad said whoever helps a fasting Muslim to break the fast earns a reward similar to the one fasting without decreasing the rewards of the latter.
Chief guest, Hajjat Minsa Kabanda, the minister for Kampala and metropolitan affairs implored the Muslim community to use the month of Ramadhan to foster unity among themselves.
Speaking at the event, Sarah Okwi Bateta, the chief financial officer of MTN Momo highlighted the significance of partnership and MTN’s dedication to driving digital and financial inclusion.
“We are proud to collaborate with Salam TV and Uganda Bureau of Hajj Affairs (UBHA) to support our Muslim brothers and sisters in fulfilling their spiritual journey. This initiative aligns with our ambition 2025 goal of ensuring that everyone deserves the benefits of a modern connected life,” Bateta said.
Bateta said the dinner was a resounding success marking a significant step forward in MTN Uganda's ongoing efforts to support the muslim community during the holy month.
She noted that through partnership, and charity initiatives, MTN remains committed to making a positive impact and fostering inclusivity.
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