As the Azaan echoes through the streets, calling Muslims to prayer, it marks another day of fasting in observance of the holy month of Ramadan.
In Sierra Leone, where temperatures are soaring, the challenge of fasting amid scorching conditions is palpable. Despite this adversity, people like Fatmata, a dedicated fruit seller, remain steadfast in their commitment to fulfilling their religious obligations.
Fatmata talks about the difficulties of enduring the scorching sun: “When the sun is hot, we have to cover ourselves with parasols. It’s not easy. I have to find a cool place to lie down until the sun goes down a little. Then I come back to continue my activity.”
The intensity of the early heatwave in West Africa, reported by an international team of scientists in February, has exacerbated the challenges facing Muslims fasting in Sierra Leone.
With temperatures exceeding 40°C becoming commonplace, this has reshaped the dynamics of Ramadan rituals. To shed light on the intersection of the climate crisis and religious teachings, Africanews sought the advice of Dr. Ahmad Ramadan Jalloh, an Islamic scholar.
Dr. Jalloh contextualizes the situation based on Islamic teachings: “We have a Hadith – a statement from the Prophet Muhammad telling us about the heat that will occur on the Day of Judgment. Allah will reward those people who fasted during the hot season with special water that they will drink. This is something that can encourage those of us who are fasting in this kind of climate, which is so hot here at the moment in Sierra Leone.
In addition to spiritual encouragement, Dr. Jalloh emphasizes the importance of taking precautions and preserving the environment in the face of rising temperatures.
The World Meteorological Organization’s confirmation that 2023 was the hottest year on record, with an average surface temperature of around 1.45°C, highlights the urgency of addressing climate change.
Health experts, such as Dr. Abdul Khaliq Kalokoh, advocate practical solutions to beat the heat: “We can rehydrate ourselves with water, that’s the first recommendation. Secondly, we can also take things like watermelon, fruits like pineapple These fruits can help us retain a lot of water in our body. Dr. Kalokoh also recommends drinking two to three liters of water between Iftar (breaking the fast) and Suhoor (pre-dawn meal) to alleviate dehydration.
As Muslims in Sierra Leone persevere through the heat of this Ramadan, the global call for action on the climate crisis remains urgent. Amid the spiritual devotion of fasting, there is a poignant reminder of the interconnectedness between faith, climate and resilience.
Through faith and adaptation, communities face the challenges of climate change, embodying the spirit of perseverance and responsibility.