By divine providence, this year turns out to be one of those years that Muslim Ramadan and Christian Lent start about the same time. This March should then mean a Holy Month for the nation called Nigeria given the importance – and influence – of these two major religions in the country.

Many Nigerians, including their leaders, love to wear their religions on their sleeves. It is therefore expected that many more will respond to the numerous calls for prayers than usual. It is expected that many will show external signs of piety and wear somber looks as the month wears on.

It is expected that many will pay a greater heed to the doctrines of their religion when it comes to alms giving and curbing of lifestyle excesses. It is hoped however, that many would reach out to the real poor who have been on a different kind of fast due to the economy, when it is time to break the evening fast rather than use the occasion to fraternize among themselves.

A season like this always calls for a deep introspection. It is a season that should remind us of how utterly dependent we are on God and our fellow human beings. It should therefore remind us of our obligation to humanity. Many of the things we enjoy, from the computer I am typing this article on, to the car I am driving and the phone I use in communicating, are other people’s contributions to the world. What is mine contribution? What is yours? Are you and I in the world to consume and not produce? To reap and not sow for other wayfarers? To appropriate and not dispense? Are we using our talents or have we buried them? More importantly, the season reminds us of our frailty. The Lenten season for Christians starts with ashes on foreheads and the pronouncement of ‘dust to dust’ by officiating priests. Simply put, we are dust. That is the core of our being. And what we were, is what we shall return to, often times, unceremoniously. The accoutrements of life, the constant struggle between desires and needs, the unending power play, the pomposity, the needless exhibitions of wealth and power, are all brought into a sharp relief during a season which reminds us that we are at best, nothing but a beautiful flower which blossoms in the morning only to wither at night. This should humble us and cause us to reflect.

 Many of us think of what to give up at the beginning of a fasting season. Is it the denial of food for the body in exchange for the nurture of the soul? Is it the mortification of the flesh for the edification of the spirit? Is it a severance of frivolities for a focus on the bigger picture of eternity? Is it in general, the denial of self for a greater awareness of the hungry, the homeless? How many of the things we give up are truly life changing? Or are they just indulgences? A close friend of mine was attacked by armed robbers a few years ago. The robbers took their time, spending over three hours in his house during which they painstaking went through whatever they considered valuable in the house including shoes that were still in their boxes awaiting grand occasions. My friend was glad that nobody was harmed or molested – that would have left a more permanent scar. But the big lesson he learnt from the encounter was that none of the many valuable things they took needed an immediate replacement. In other words, while some, like his wedding ring, might not be surplus to requirements, they were not existential. He could easily get on with his life without a chain, a bracelet or even a watch. This defines many of our acquisitions as indulgences and questions whether our so called denials during this season are for show or a deep desire for the kind of abstinence which should lead to a better version of ourselves. But it is not only material things that need giving up. Obviously the person who killed his wife because there was no food to break his fast with did not learn to give up anger for the season at least. 

An important, but often overlooked aspect of this season is meditation. Many clerics and philosophers have eulogized the value of solitude. I cannot agree more. Time spent alone with God and your inner self is irreplaceable. It is the time to examine your attitude and actions in public and private places. It is the place for reconciliation and genuine repentance. It is the occasion to examine goals and check inordinate ambitions. The Holy Book says God is spirit and those who worship Him must do so in spirit and in truth. Truth in this context is assumed to mean sincerity of heart and not a public expression of sincerity and piety. It is probably one of the reasons I find it difficult to understand the rationale behind arresting people for not fasting. What is known about the medical history of those arrested? Or of their financial, physical and mental preparedness for the rigours of fasting? Some are probably subsisting on a meagre meal per day. In any case, what spiritual benefit is there in forcing people to fast? What spiritual gain accrues in confiscating the wares of poor food sellers who are struggling to make ends meet? God described the kind of fast acceptable to him as ‘equity, justice and humility’ (Micah). And an old testament prophet (Joel) said of fasting ‘rend your hearts and not your garments’. Coercion should have no place in how people fast and enforced religion must be discouraged. Jesus also warned against practicing piety before men in order to be seen by them, for then, ‘you will have no reward in heaven. Let your fasting not be seen by men but by your Father who sees in secret and who will reward you’. I hope our leaders who make a circus of breaking their fast by making political visits will take heed. Let the President have his solitude. Let him use this period to spend more time with his God. He should have many things to atone for and it is a time for atonement. Perhaps God will listen to him and show him how to lead Nigeria with a sincerity of purpose.   

Nigeria needs healing. She needs to be exorcised from the demons which torment her and have brought her to this sad place. Let all good Christians and Muslims, indeed all people of good conscience, use this Holy Month to pray for our country. May God answer us and heal our land.