Sharjah:Eminent Islamic scholar Sheikh Dr Abdullah Al Kamali has called for strictly adhering to all regulations and guidelines that the UAE has put in place to confront the Coronavirus disease. Speaking at the third session of Sharjah Ramadan Majlis Monday night on the issue of “Common mistakes during fasting,” Dr Al Kamali stressed that all Muslims are required to obey the directives of their leaders and rulers, especially when they are aimed at the safety and wellbeing of citizens and residents.

The Ramadan Majlis this year is being hosted by the Sharjah Press Club of the Sharjah Government Media Bureau online on the social media platform, Instagram, In view of the Covid-19 restrictions.

The Religious session last night was addressed by distinguished Islamic scholars, Sheikh Dr Abdullah Al Kamali and Sheikh Dr Abdullah Al Hammadi, from the UAE and moderated by Emirati journalist Ahmed Sultan from the Sharjah Broadcasting Authority.

Purification of hearts

Tackling the common mistakes and misconceptions during fasting in the holy month, Sheikh Dr Abdullah Al Kamali underscored the importance of tolerance and purification of hearts in this blessed month through prayers and supplications as well as by curtailing our excessive addiction to the smartphone and the Internet etc.

Ramadan is the month of studying the Holy Qur’an, remembrance of Allah and reaching out to the less fortunate through charity and donations in addition to feeding those fasting, pointed out Dr Al Kamali.

One of the most common mistakes is to spend the precious time of this blessed month in idle gossip and useless, unproductive activities, rather than in ‘zikr’ (remembrance of Allah), he added pointing out that the main purpose of abstaining from food and water from dawn to dusk is to attain piety and earning mercy and forgiveness of Allah.      

Corona test does not invalidate the fast

Speaking on the occasion, Sheikh Dr Abdullah Al Hammadi said: “Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam and is mandatory for every Muslim except those who are sick. So those who are affected by the Coronavirus should not fast. They can make up for the lost days after Ramadan when they are healthy. As for the doctors battling this disease, they can also skip fasting now if it is likely to affect their health and hamper their duty. They too can fast after the end of this crisis.”

Answering a question, Dr Al Hammadi stressed that a medical test for Coronavirus does not invalidate fasting. He advised the faithful to spend their time in the sunnah and nafil prayers, the remembrance of Allah (zikr), reading the Qur’an and in seeking forgiveness and mercy of Allah.

The speakers lauded the admirable role that the United Arab Emirates has been playing to stop the spread of the pandemic, offering all possible safety and security to both the citizens and residents as well as offering aid to countries around the world.

The 9^th edition of the Sharjah Ramadan Majlis continues the tradition of tackling a wide range of issues and topics with the participation of top government officials, thought leaders, media figures, sportspersons and social influencers. This year, the Ramadan Majlis offers attractive weekly cash prizes through interactive contest questions.

The fourth session of the Ramadan Majlis will be broadcast live next Sunday, May 17th, at 10 pm and will shine the light on the humanitarian efforts made by the United Arab Emirates.