The fanfare in the form of singing and dancing that characterises the ongoing 'Wanterr' - fall in the prices of goods - in markets has been denounced by the president of the Gambia Supreme Islamic Council (SIC) who stressed the need for the Holy Month of Ramadan to be respected. Imam Momodou Lamin Touray was speaking Tuesday in an exclusive interview with this reporter at his office along the MDI road in Kanifing.

His comments came in the wake of the launch of 'Wanterr' in Gambian markets in anticipation of the Muslim feast of Eid-I-Fitr (Koriteh) that is just a week away. 'Wanterr', a period that offers a rare opportunity for the average person to shop at very low prices, is characterised by drumming, singing and dancing, all aimed at attracting the attention of potential customers. It is a special period that comes at the tail end of Ramadan with markets swarming with people coming to buy a variety of things for their families. But in the view of this scholar, 'Wanterr' could still be done in the absence of singing and dancing. He said such activities are prohibited especially in this holy period. He added that they do not conform to the teachings of Islam, and called on traders to desist from such activities. "It is very disheartening when you take a walk to the markets and come across people singing and dancing in the Holy Month of Ramadan. That is really not right and those doing it should desist as it is unIslamic," he advised. He urged members of the business community to seek their luck decently and not to try and force their way by any means possible.

Last 10 days

Commenting on the importance of the last 10 days of Ramadan, the SIC supremo said although all other days are important, this special period has an edge in the sense that Night of Power falls within it. "So I appeal to all Muslims to take advantage of this last 10 days and strengthen their commitment to the cause of Allah in order to get more rewards from God," the erudite Imam added.

Sighting of the moon Quizzed on the issue of moon sighting, the SIC prexy congratulated all Muslims for the unison in beginning the Holy Month, and expressed hope that such will be replicated for the coming feast.

"People should understand we at the Council will never mislead them because we will be held accountable for whatever we do here by the Almighty Allah. I urged all Imams to comply with the announcement of the Supreme Council in order to avoid differences among the Muslims," he concluded.