There has been a sharp reduction in the crime rate in Tamale, according The Finder’s survey in the metropolis.
A number of residents have reported on changes in the everyday lifestyle of majority of residents within the metropolis, two weeks into the Holy Month.
They say there are far less reports of thefts in the Holy Month as compared to the previous months.
While a number of prostitutes interviewed by The Finder bemoaned the low patronage of their services, religious-minded residents are rejoicing over the drastic reduction in the number of prostitutes walking the street.
Some of the young men who had gained notoriety for their open search for women for paid sex appear to have had a sudden change of heart as they now prefer to spend their time reading the Koran and going to the mosque.
Residents generally appear more humble and respectful.
Night clubs and drinking spots services have also been deserted.
Residents, especially the religious ones, expressed satisfaction at the change in majority of the residents in the Ramadan period.
“You hardly recognize some of the women you know already because of the way they dress, covering almost every part of the body,” Adam Hardi, who is a dealer of electrical appliances on the stretches of the busy beggars’ lane said.
Others have also maintained that even without stringent laws, the people can make the society more disciplined and wondered if social vices perpetrated during other months were intentional?
The one-month long Ramadan restraints its adherent from food and water during the fasting period from dawn to dusk including abstinence from social vices such as theft and promiscuity.
Other serious factors that could make one’s fasting invalid include looking lustfully at women, insulting and backbiting.
Imams and Muslim clerics have been preaching extensively during, and especially after the Ramadan period. They do so from 3am till the break of the fast, where portions of the Holy Quran are explained in details.
In general, the practices of Ramadan are meant to purify one’s self from thoughts and deeds which are counter to Islam. By removing material desires, one is able to focus fully on devotion and service to God. Many Muslims go beyond the physical ritual of fasting and attempt to purge themselves of impure thoughts and motivations such as anger, cursing and greed.