Food or radio TV sponsorship? Nigerian Muslim community debates priorities amid economic strain ahead of Ramadan
As the holy month of Ramadan gets closer, Muslims in Nigeria find themselves torn between two noble causes: giving food to the poor or supporting spiritual enrichment programmes through radio and television among other platforms.
This contest has emerged against the backdrop of surging inflation across Nigeria, posing significant challenges to communities already grappling with economic difficulties.
Prices of goods and services are on the high side in Nigeria as the West African country struggles with its worst economic downturn in several years.
The dilemma highlights the compassionate spirit of Ramadan, traditionally a time for charity, reflection, and spiritual rejuvenation. However, with the rising cost of living amplifying financial hardships for many, the allocation of resources has become a matter of intense discussion within Muslim communities on Facebook.
On one side of the debate, advocates emphasize the urgency of addressing immediate material needs by sponsoring the poor. With inflation exerting pressure on vulnerable populations, including Muslims in the country, they argue that direct assistance is essential to alleviate suffering and ensure necessities are met during the holy month.
Conversely, proponents of supporting radio and television programs contend that investing in spiritual guidance and education is equally vital, especially in times of economic uncertainty.
Dr. Sanusi Haruna Lafiagi of the Department of Islamic Studies, Al Hikma University, Ilorin, Kwara State, noted that “During Ramadān, the heart is more receptive to admonition than in any other month of the year. Thus, we need quality and soul lifting lectures to cleanse our hearts and rejuvenate our faith. Sponsors of Ramadān programmes should ensure that only those who are qualified knowledge and moral wise are given the slots.”
Another user who backed the argument of the Dr. Sanusi said, “Truth, ya ustaadh. Abolition of radio programs should be a no-go area. There are many people living in an extremely remote area that the only thing that make them cognizance (sic) of the happenings in the city and world generally is only radio. Whenever I visit my maternal grandmother, the only thing that makes me feel alive, aside nature, is radio programs. One has to go to a certain mountain-like place before one is able to call or browse.”
A user, ابوبكر محمد however disagreed with the lecturer, saying “An hungry stomach nothing u want to tell him that will change his mind. I stand to tell u that a program should be stopped or limited this fasting people should channel the monies(sic) to feeding the poors (sic). “
He added, “Me as a somebody that battle with electricity supply in our street, I don’t even know the day we watched a program on any channel last on TV. Imagine sponsoring a TV program that people won’t watch. They should just sponsor people on food kawai.”
Others on the same page of argument with the lecturer stressed that such on and off-air Ramadan programmes can provide solace, guidance, and moral upliftment to individuals navigating challenging circumstances, ultimately enriching the spiritual experience of Ramadan.
On his part, a marriage law practitioner and an Islamic marriage counsellor, who is also the publisher of Halal Sex and Intimacy, explained that the sponsoring on-air programs and feeding the poor can go hand-in-hand by those who are willing to commit their wealth into it.
He said, “there is food for the mouth and the soul. Both are essential. The food for the mouth is what we eat and the food of the soul is sermons and lectures. In my humble view, those sponsoring beneficial programmes on radio and television should not be discouraged. They are contributing their own quota to the spiritual development of the Muslim community. Only Allāh knows how many people they feed apart from sponsoring those programmes.”
He added, “On the other hand, sponsoring people on Hajj or ‘Umrah is not a misplaced priority if the persons being sponsored are sound in knowledge, aqeedah and ibādah. Only those who are qualified should be sponsored. What is the essence of performing Hajj or ‘Umrah without understanding Taoheed and knowing the rules guiding the exercise? Anyone who is offered Hajj or ‘umrah can request for the money. If he is given, fine. If he is not given, that is his own portion.”
In his contribution, Mallam Abu Imran argued that it is normal for people to restrict their thoughts to food alone when hungry.
He said, “By Allāh in whose hands is my soul, if you were to give me two choices, either to be fed for free for the rest of my life or get a ticket for hajj, I will opt for hajj, go there and come back to this hustling life where we find food today and go hungry some other time.
“It is natural for people to restrict their thoughts to food alone when hungry, but that is when they are most prone to the whispers of shaitaan, and when they should be even more cautious of their spiritual needs.”
The discussion reflects a broader dilemma faced by communities worldwide as they seek to balance compassion with practicality in the face of economic adversity. Ultimately, the decision rests on finding a harmonious approach that addresses both material needs and spiritual well-being during this sacred time.
The core values of Ramadan—empathy, charity, and devotion—remain top of mind for Muslims as they debate over how best to allocate their resources. The ultimate objective is still the same, whether it is achieved through investing in spiritual enlightenment or sponsoring the poor: to promote societal cohesion, compassion, and resilience in the face of financial difficulties.
