Faith and Resilience: The Lives of Menial Workers During Ramadan

For numerous individuals in Kano State engaging in menial labor, the month of Ramadan brings additional hurdles. They fast from dawn until sunset while fulfilling the physical demands of their jobs, which are crucial for the local economy.

Across the city, workers such as tricycle operators, water sellers, wheelbarrow carriers, bricklayers, market porters, street vendors, and security personnel continue their daily activities, juggling their faith with the need to earn a living.

Musa Abdullahi, a wheelbarrow pusher at Sabon Gari market, shared his perspective on fasting while working, describing it as 'a test of patience and endurance.'

He elaborated, 'From morning to evening, I carry heavy loads for both traders and customers. Normally, I would drink water every two hours, but during Ramadan, I manage without it. It is challenging, yet I remind myself that fasting is for Allah, who provides the strength we need.'

Tricycle driver Ibrahim Ali expressed his difficulty in staying alert during long hours on the job without water or food, stating, 'Fasting diminishes our energy, but we must work because the passengers depend on our families, and we rely on the earnings. I take breaks in the afternoon to avoid exhaustion and resume work until the evening when I can break my fast.'

He noted that daily earnings during Ramadan tend to decrease as fewer people venture out, thus lowering demand for transportation, but added, 'We accept this as part of our sacrifice.'

Usman Haruna, a market porter, described how carrying heavy goods while fasting can be exhausting. He said, 'Sometimes we transport sacks of rice or cement under the sun. Thankfully, the weather has been mild this Ramadan. Even so, without water, it feels like my body is on fire. We motivate each other, reminding ourselves that Ramadan is a temporary hardship, and once we break our fast, we regain our strength.'

Bricklayers face compounded challenges while fasting due to the heat and heavy materials involved in their work. Bashir Mohammed, a construction worker in Hotoro, mentioned, 'We mix cement, lift blocks, and climb scaffolding. It becomes notably difficult when fasting. Some of us shorten our working hours, yet we cannot cease entirely since we get paid daily. No work means no food.'

He added, 'To conserve energy, we start early, around 6 a.m., and finish by 2 p.m., compared to before Ramadan when we would work from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. or later.'

Street vendors have also adjusted their schedules during Ramadan. Balarabe, who hawks face masks and handkerchiefs, reported he relies on evening sales, saying, 'During the day, I tire quickly without water, so I limit my hours to mornings and late evenings.'

Despite the challenges, many workers believe that Ramadan fortifies their faith and resilience. They view fasting as not merely a test of endurance, but a spiritual exercise that fosters patience, self-discipline, and empathy for those less fortunate.

'Ramadan isn't just about hunger and thirst; it represents sacrifice and devotion. Though our jobs are demanding, we trust Allah will reward our perseverance,' Musa, the wheelbarrow pusher, reflected.

The security guards face their own unique difficulties. Abdulkadir Suleiman, a guard at a Nassarawa estate, explained, 'Most of us endure 12-hour shifts, sometimes overnight. Staying alert without food or drink during Ramadan is particularly tough. However, I use that time to quietly recite the Qur’an. By dawn, I'm relieved knowing the fast has begun, but I feel weak by evening. Once I break my fast, my energy returns.'

Water vendors, known as mai ruwa, also find Ramadan especially taxing. Sadiq, a 35-year-old vendor, shared, 'Ramadan is the toughest period for us. We push heavy carts under the sun, typically drinking water as we work, but during this month, we cannot. I occasionally take rests under trees to recuperate. Customers are understanding and often encourage us, saying Allah will reward our efforts.'

Ironically, food vendors also face their own difficulties. Aisha, who fries akara (bean cakes) at Kofar Wambai market, explained her Ramadan struggle: 'Cooking while fasting is quite challenging. The aroma of food can tempt you, but you must persist. Before Ramadan, I would cook for customers in the morning and evening, but now I restrict my work to evenings, which is when demand peaks as Muslims break their fast.'

Tailors may not lift heavy items, but they too contend with challenges related to focus. Yusuf, a tailor in Dorayi, noted that fasting can sometimes cause dizziness, complicating his work. 'I try to work in the morning when I am still strong because I tend to slow down by the afternoon. Many customers delay bringing fabrics until after Ramadan, leading to quieter business.'

Mechanics at roadside garages have shared similar sentiments. Kabiru, a 30-year-old mechanic, remarked that working on cars in the scorching sun can be exhausting during Ramadan. 'Sometimes, we lay mats for a short rest before continuing. We can’t stop altogether as customers need their vehicles. Yet, we remind ourselves that fasting is a form of worship and that Allah witnesses our struggles.'

'When we are hungry, we think of those who lack food, which instills humility in us. That is why Ramadan holds a special place in our hearts,' Kabiru concluded.

In Suleja, workers involved in menial jobs have shared their challenges as well. Operating wood-cutting machines can be physically demanding and pose health risks due to dust and smoke. Bello Ismail, a woodcutter in Abuja timber market, mentioned the difficulties of fasting while managing heavy machinery. He noted that work often commences around 2 p.m., a time when a fasting individual would usually need rest. He added, 'The harmattan wind accelerates the drying of wood, leading to more dust during cutting.'

Despite taking precautions, such as wearing masks and consuming medications like soda water or milk, he highlighted that the dust and smoke inevitably enter their bodies, noting visible signs whenever they spit.

Hamza Dauda, another wood operator, explained that loading and unloading wood from the machine is particularly strenuous during Ramadan. Abdullahi Zubairu, a commercial motorcycle rider, expressed concerns about heat and traffic. He transports vegetables at affordable rates throughout communities but, despite the demands of fasting, he does not take breaks during the day.