A renowned Islamic scholar, Sheikh Abdulfatai Raji As-Thaqofy has advised Muslim faithfuls to utilize the medicinal benefits of fasting especially in the month of Ramadan and look beyond it as a religious obligation.
Sheikh As-Thaqofy, gave the advice on Tuesday at the 2026 Ramadan Lecture organized by the Ogun State chapter of Freelance and Independent Broadcaster’s Association of Nigeria (FIBAN).
The lecture themed “Fasting Beyond Hunger: Sustaining Hope and Integrity in an Era of Economic Inflation, was held in Abeokuta, the state capital.
Delivering his lecture, “Benefits Of Fasting” Sheikh As-Thaqofy said some animals that humans can employ for medical purposes were first endowed with sustainability by God through fasting as a sacrifice.
He underlined that people only view fasting as a religious obligation, particularly during Ramadan, as a way for Muslims to obey Allah’s will.
Sheikh As-Thaqofy added that doctors also prescribe it to their patients who are struggling with specific illnesses to speed up their recovery, even though scientific evidence has shown the benefits of fasting for human health.
He told Muslims that they are the primary beneficiaries of fasting, one of the pillars of Islam, and advised them to seize the chance and not take it for granted.
Earlier in his address, the chairman of the day, the Asiwaju Adinni of and Amir Hajj of Ogun State, Alhaji Samsudeen Apelogun called on media professionals and Nigerians at large to uphold integrity, sustain hope and strengthen compassion in the face of prevailing economic challenges, describing integrity as their greatest capital.
Alhaji Apelogun, represented by Imam Mikhail Adesanya, the Eketa Adinni of Remo Kingdom, also emphasized that fasting during Ramadan goes far beyond abstaining from food and drink, describing it as a spiritual discipline aimed at attaining Taqwa (piety) and moral consciousness.
Quoting Qur’an 2:183, he reminded participants that fasting is prescribed to develop righteousness and self-restraint, noting that in times of inflation and economic hardship, ramadan teaches resilience, empathy, and social responsibility.
Citing a Hadith of the Prophet Muhammad, SAW, as recorded in Sahih Bukhari, he stressed that fasting without integrity is incomplete, warning against falsehood, dishonesty, and unethical practices, especially in difficult economic periods.
Utilize health benefits of fasting beyond religious obligation – Cleric to Muslim faithful
