Muslim Worldwide commenced the month of fasting, prayer and reflection, commemorating the first revelation of the Quran to Muhammad according to Islamic belief.

The month lasts 29–30 days based on the visual sightings of the crescent moon, according to numerous biographical accounts compiled in the Hadith.

Sequel to the year’s commencement on 6th of May, Bodija and Alesinloye market leaders in Ibadan, Oyo State capital in Nigeria, had revealed the necessity of Ramadan among human race.

In an interview session on Thursday with CEOAfrica, these markets’ leaders affirmed on the need to observe the fasting as it is a command from God.

Alhaji Abdulfatai, Alesinloye market’s president clarified that “Ramadan sets a balance between the rich and the poor”.

“Both classes are expected to fast, for it was commanded by God.

 “If the way life is during Ramadan is the way it is during the remaining 11 months of the year, life won’t be in dismay at any time,” he added.

Reflecting Ramadan’s connection with God, he affirmed that “It is a month to move closer to God, and withdraw from what he doesn’t want”

“Whosoever turns back from sin during Ramadan should not backslide after Ramadan.

“No one knows when one will die,” he added.                                                                       

The women leader of Bodija Market, Alhaja Sikiratu Adebayo also said “people should embrace the month, being a command from God.

“It’s not the time for gossip, stealing and what have you, because it is of honour.”

In respect to the effect of Ramadan on trade, Alhaja Adebayo revealed that “Trade moves faster because people will be glad to buy nourishing food in respect to the felicitation”

Similarly, Alhaji Ismaila Aderemi, the former chairman of Bodija market said “Ramadan has nothing to do with the price of goods.”

“It is God’s plan.” he added.                                                                                                                                                      

Alhaji Aderemi concluded that “God commands us to observe Ramadan.

“He has nothing that could warrant us competing with him. It is for us.

“We should not misbehave”

While responding to what the significance of Ramadan is, he said “The month of Ramadan is powerful among others.

“It tenders care, easiness and forgiveness”

In same vein, the current chairman of Bodija market, Alhaji Hamid Adebukola in his words added that “it is a month of honour.

“Even God honours it himself.”

“When the season comes, it tenders joy. When it ends also, it’s like it should not end,” he added.

These four devoted market leaders thereby reiterated the significance of Ramadan on human race, and its influence on the trade, on Thursday, at Bodija and Alesinloye market in Ibadan, Oyo State Capital in Nigeria.