Ramadan Abroad: A Senegalese Official’s Experience in Geneva

Geneva – For over 25 years, Muhammadul Amine Kébé has balanced a career as an international civil servant with his deep faith as a Tijaan Muslim scholar. Originally from Thiès, Senegal, Kébé recently reflected on his experiences observing Ramadan outside of his home country, offering insights into the challenges and spiritual opportunities presented by observing the holy month in different cultural and geographical contexts.

Adapting to New Ramadan Rhythms

Kébé described his first Ramadan experience outside of Senegal as taking place in England, where shorter winter days created a different rhythm. He likened the daily routine to a normal schedule, punctuated by the extended opportunities for spiritual practise during the long nights. He also recounted years spent observing Ramadan in Geneva during the summer months, noting the physical demands of fasting with extended daylight hours.

Did You Know? Muhammadul Amine Kébé is an economist and a scholar of Islam, originating from Thiès, Senegal.

A Unique Religious Ruling

Kébé shared a specific instance where his expertise was sought to address a unique religious question. While travelling to Norway, he encountered the challenge of determining how to observe Ramadan in a region experiencing nearly 24 hours of daylight during the summer. The question centered on how to apply Islamic guidelines for fasting when the period of darkness was reduced to just four or five hours, between 10:45 PM and 3:30 AM.

Kébé invoked a provision allowing for adjustments during travel, referencing verse 185 of Surah Al-Baqarah (S2), which addresses fasting for those who are ill or travelling. This verse states that those unable to fast should make up the missed days later. He emphasized that the core principle of Ramadan is devotion to God and that flexibility is permitted to ensure the practise remains accessible.

Advice for Those Observing Ramadan Abroad

Kébé offered guidance to Senegalese individuals experiencing Ramadan outside of their home country for the first time. He advised against focusing on the perceived difficulties of the fast, such as its length or the challenges of a new environment. He stressed that fasting is a purely devotional act, rewarded by God according to His mercy, and that others may face even greater hardships. He encouraged focusing solely on devotion to God.

Expert Insight: Kébé’s reflections highlight the adaptability inherent in religious practise and the importance of finding ways to maintain faith and devotion even when faced with logistical or environmental challenges. His emphasis on focusing on the spiritual intent of the fast underscores a core tenet of Islamic belief.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Muhammadul Amine Kébé’s profession?

Muhammadul Amine Kébé is a Haut-Fonctionnaire International (Senior Civil Servant) in Geneva, and an economist.

Where is Muhammadul Amine Kébé originally from?

Muhammadul Amine Kébé is originally from Thiès, Senegal.

What did Kébé advise regarding complaining about the difficulties of Ramadan?

Kébé advised against commenting on the hardship, length, or difficulty of the fast, emphasizing that it is a devotion to God who rewards according to His mercy.

As more people travel and live in diverse environments, how might religious communities continue to adapt traditions while preserving their core values?