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Ramadan Kareem, my Muslim friends. Ramadan has commenced? How are you enjoying so far? Time to get closer to Allah spiritually and inspire peace and unity. 

For our non Muslim Friends, Ramadan takes place on a yearly basis. According to Wikipedia, Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, and is observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting to commemorate the first revelation of the Quran to Muhammad according to Islamic belief. Ramadan stems from one of the FIVE PILLARS OF ISLAM ; Faith, Prayer, Charity, Fasting(in Ramadan), and Pilgrimage in Mecca. 

Some of us are not familiar with the customs and purpose of Ramadan, even though it takes place in the North and other parts of the country. So definitely it is wise to know a couple of things about it. Shall we?

So what is Ramadan?

It is believed that Ramadan is celebrated to appreciate and commemorate the time  God revealed the first chapters of the Quran, Islam’s sacred text, to the Prophet Muhammad. Muslims believe that during this period, the gates of heaven are open and the gates of hell are closed.The pre-dawn meal is called the suhoor, while the fast is broken at dusk with the iftar, starting with a few sips of water and some dates.

Abstinence during Ramadan isn’t just restricted to food and water, though. It extends to refraining from sexual activity, smoking, and even to jealousy, anger or other negative thoughts throughout the month. Muslims believe that following these practices during Ramadan will lead to self-purification, self-control and bring them closer to Allah. Many Muslims also attend special prayer services, read verses of the Quran and engage in charity.

During Ramadan, offices and schools in Islamic countries shut early. For instance, government offices in the United Arab Emirates will operate between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. Some counties, such as Abu Dhabi, waive public parking fees near mosques during prayers. Many restaurants remain shut during daylight hours.

When is the Ramadan

The new moon was reportedly sighted Wednesday in some parts of the country including Demoroji in Isa District Sokoto, Bonny in Port Harcourt, Rivers State and  Borno State, Zamfara State. Following the development, Sultan Abubakar directed Muslims in the country to commence the Ramadan fasting which is one of the five pillars of Islam. This is in line with Saudi Arabia’s declaration yesterday and other parts of the world that Ramadan begins on Thursday. The beginning and end of Islamic months are determined by the sighting of the new moon. Addressing a press conference of print, broadcasting and online journalists at the Sultan’s Palace at about 8.15pm on Wednesday, the Sultan said : “Reliable reports of moon-sighting were received from Muslim leaders from across the country which were duly verified and the areas of sighting including Sokoto here, Borno, Zamfara, Bauchi, Rivers, etc. “Consequently, tomorrow Thursday the 17th day of May 2018 is Ramadan 1, 1439 AH. 

Subject to the above, Ramadan is currently commemorated in different part of country with diligence and vigor.

So to our Muslim friends…

 “Ramadan Kareem”, “Ramadan Mubarak” or “Happy Ramadan.”

CRUISE AFRICA

When I hear the name “Zanzibar”, you know what comes to my mind right? Cocktails, sun beach, cruise, tour, safari etc. It sounds so promising and exotic. It gives this sensation that any traveler would have the time of his life. Well that is what I feel too. Ladies and gents, let’s talk about this breathtaking island of Zanzibar.

Zanzibar is a semi-autonomous region of Tanzania in East Africa Zanzibar is comprised of several islands, but two are the larger ones. Ugunja is the largest one and is erroneously called Zanzibar. The other is called Pemba. The island is home to the almost extinct Zanzibar Red Columbus Monkey, the Zanzibar Servaline Genet, and the Zanzibar Leopard. Zanzibar has been home to intelligent humans (Homo sapiens) for more than 20,000 years.

The capital of Zanzibar is called Zanzibar City and its most historic feature is the ancient Stone Town.Due to its proximity to Equator, Zanzibar is warm throughout the year and has equal day and nights (12-hours each) like most of the East African Countries. Apart from tourism, the other economic activity in Zanzibar is spice growing. In fact, the island is sometimes fondly referred to as The Spice Island due to its cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, and black pepper.

Some ancient potteries have been discovered in Zanzibar showing that it was a major trading route for the ancient Assyrians. Amazingly, the shortest war ever recorded by man is the Anglo-Zanzibar War where the British bombarded the Beit al Hukum Palace and after 38 minutes, a ceasefire was called.

Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park Tours

According to InstyleVacations, Jozani Chwaka Bay is home to several animal species unique to the island. Travelers who wander the thick forests of this 19-square-mile park will likely spot the indigenous Zanzibar red colobus and families of Skyes monkeys. Travelers say close encounters with these playful creatures are one of the major highlights of any trip to Jozani, and a lucky few may even spot the indigenous Zanzibar Leopard—a wild cat found nowhere else on earth. 

Mtoni Palace Ruins Tours

Though this ancient structure is indeed in ruins, Mtoni Palace provides visitors with a look into the Arabian royal past that played such an important role in the development of Zanzibar. Visitors can wander through what remains of the old reception hall and trace the Omani family footsteps through the palace garden, palace baths and remnant of the royal courtyard. 
Travelers can tour the grounds aboard a traditional donkey cart and wander through the Persian baths, main palace and beautiful botanical gardens.

Nungwi Tours

This popular beach is sometimes referred to as Little Italy, since it’s often a destination for Italian tourists. So many of these Europeans visit Nungwi each year that locals have picked up on the language and most restaurants serve at least one version of pizza or pasta. 

Still, despite this seeming lack of indigenous culture, Nungwi offers travelers plenty to do, see and experience. Morning and nighttime dive trips are among the most popular activities in Nungwi, since the local fishing industry has left little underwater wildlife close to shores for snorkelers. Sunset cruises to Kendwa, the Mnarani Aquarium and Sea Turtle Conservation, deep-sea fishing and wilderness cycling also rank high among activities for travelers. Most agree that Zanzibar has better beaches, since the shores of Nungwi are populated with locals looking to book excursions, sell wares and solicit visitors. InstyleVacations

Pemba Island Tours

This untouched island off the coast of Zanzibar offers travelers the perfect beachfront escape. Commonly referred to by locals as the “Green Island” because of its lush forests and tropical vibe, it’s Pemba’s incredible stretches of white sandy beach and turquoise blue waters that make it a destination for visitors from around the globe. 

Chake-chake, Mikoani and Wete are some of the most popular cities on the island, and small-scale farms in the rural inland produce cloves, coconuts, bananas and cassava that are common in local cuisine. But it’s Pemba’s unspoiled beaches that draw travelers to this tropical getaway, where a history of (now resolved) political unrest and inaccessibility has left the island mostly untouched for decades. InstyleVacations

Stone Town Tours

Often referred to as Mji Mkongwe—the Swahili word for old town—Stone Town is the oldest part of the Zanzibar and a popular destination for visitors to this incredible island. Pastel-colored mosques and ancient Persian, Indian and European-style stone buildings line the cobbled streets of lively place that was once a hub for spice and slave trade, but today, has become a hub for tourism and travel. Trans-continental influences can be seen in the culture and community of crowded city street corners and are also evident in the richly-spiced food available throughout Stone Town.

Visitors can navigate the maze of narrow passes that connect major city streets to the rest of this lively destination on foot or aboard bikes or motos. It’s the perfect way to explore the island’s unique architecture, which includes former palaces, churches and mosques that date back as far as the early 1800s.  InstyleVacations


The Island of Zanzibar boasts pristine white sand beaches, abundant sunshine, exotic Swahili dishes, a hospitable people and luxury tourists resorts. So if you wish to enjoy a jungle safari with lazing on the beach, then Zanzibar is the place for you. Cruise Africa