Yesterday, adherents of the Islamic faith started a 30-day spiritual journey in consonance with the dictates of their religion. During this period, they are being spiritually cleansed of their sins and also fulfilling a demand of their religion.

Every religion thrives upon discipline. The adherence to the 'dos' and 'don'ts' of religious faiths is what sets them apart from others. They cannot call themselves Muslims or Christians who do not satisfy the requirements of such faiths.

Those who adhere strictly to the religious dictates of their religion are unlikely to infringe upon the laws of the land and would largely stand out as disciplined citizens.

It serves the interest of the nation when citizens adhere strictly to the dictates of their faiths which are largely a code of regulations.

The use of intemperate language on the airwaves in the name of politics is an aspect of indiscipline which the two great faiths abhor. Muslims should not restrict their avoidance of the use of harsh language to only the Ramadan month but throughout the year since, after all, good conduct is a requirement of all Muslims.

It is our hope and wish therefore that the discipline our compatriots are subjecting their bodies and souls to be carried over to the secular world where laws regulate our activities in myriad ways, especially since respect for authority is also required of Muslims.

Unfortunately, some youth in this faith have, in various instances, conducted themselves inappropriately in complete contravention of the tenets of Islam.

The month of Ramadan is the holiest on the Islamic lunar calendar and members of this faith abstain from food, water and human pleasures from dawn to dusk, an exercise which demands discipline to achieve.

The endurance tests are, as it were, to allow adherents to subject themselves to a form of stoicism to enable the faithful to appreciate the enormity of the challenges of hunger and deprivation. The spirit of stretching helping hands to the needy in society is enhanced through fasting, a significant side of the religious obligation we should not lose sight of.

We ask therefore that Muslims remember the nation at this time of her political development. Our country needs such prayers to enable her to wade through unparalleled economic and political challenges.

We are in an election year and the temptations to cheat by those seeking political power is a reality. Let them pray for Almighty God's intervention so that the hearts of such criminally-minded persons would be touched so we would be spared avoidable upheavals.

Let the faithful remember the society's challenged and support them when necessary so that they too can partake in this important obligation.

We wish all fasting Muslims a blessed spiritual exercise.