On April 2nd, 2022 the setting sun painted the sky in a kaleidoscope of blues, purples and oranges in broad strokes and just then enthusiasts spotted the crescent moon which marks the onset of the holy month of Ramadan.
It is that time of the year again when Muslims across the globe rejoice in the month of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar during which believers of Islam fast from dawn to dusk and abstain from eating, drinking, smoking and intimate relations during their fasts. Ramadan fasting is a fard act (compulsion) for the believers. Muslims pray for peace and guidance, avoid sins, give back to the society in form of zakat (charity) or engage in humanitarian activities such as feeding the underprivileged and introspecting on oneself as the rewards are multiplied in many folds.
Ramadan is derived from the Arabic root ‘Ramida’ or ‘Ar-Ramad’ which means ‘scorching heat’ and is one of five pillars of Islam that include Imaan (profession of faith), Salat (Prayer), Roza (fasting), Zakat (almsgiving) and Hajj (Pilgrimage to Mecca).
Ramadan is known to hold significant value as Allah revealed verses of the Holy Quran to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) for the first time on the night of Laylatul Qadr (The Night of Power) through Angel Jibreel.
It is believed that all devils are chained in hell and the gates of Jannah (Paradise) are opened and the gates of Jahannum (Hell) are closed which gives more tranquillity whilst praying to the Lord like no one to disturb them.
Muslims wake up in the early hours of the morning to eat suhoor or sehri (pre-dawn meal) which comprises food such as dates, fruits, parathas, kheer, milk, tea, etc. and begin their fast by praying Fajr salat (Morning prayer). In the evening, the rozedaar break their fast with dates (Sunnah of the Prophet) and a meal popularly called Iftar consisting of kebabs, tikkas, cutlets, biryani, desserts, fruits, etc.
‘How well you stuff your samosa shows how excited you are for Ramzan!’
Special evening prayers called Taraweeh are held during which portion of the Holy Quran are recited. During the end of Ramzan intense prayers takes place on Laylatul Qadr (The Night of Decree)
The Student Life
Ruba Aga says, “The essence and beauty of Ramadan are divine. As a student, it is a mammoth challenge to balance Ramadan and studies. I juggle between both and try to cope with it adroitly. My morning starts with waking for suhoor and then scooting to college, afternoons are devoted to swotting duas, reflecting over myself and pondering over learnings of the Quran. Evenings commence by preparing iftaar with mom and then rushing towards the mosque in my vicinity, where Muslims gather in unity for Taraweeh prayers. My heart is tranquil, my mind is repose and I feel euphoric in this beautiful month. The struggle is real but at the end of the day, it’s all worth it”.
Post-Pandemic Reflections
Samreen Ishtiaq Khan adds, “Ramadan has been a month of spiritual upliftment, healing, peace, contentment, happiness for me and my family. The heart and soul are so drained physically, mentally and emotionally during the remaining 11 months because we neglect our spiritual growth throughout. Ramadan is the month when we get back to our main purpose in life. Ramadan has been a warm delight with sincere seclusion with the family, heartfelt duas, delicious iftaar meals and loads of Barakah (prosperity & blessings). The pandemic brought our lives to a standstill but during this month I’m ignited with a spark of hope, faith and gratitude and forgiveness.”
Spiritual Detox
Qamar Shaikh says, “Ramadan is a spiritual detox under the guidance of the heavenly book Quran one gets true essence of Sharing is a duty, not a favour, love over hatred and power of Allah’s promise to help the doers of Good.”
Work-life Balance
“Ramadan is a month of worship and purity. Right from Day 1 to Day 30, we Muslims are always in haste for the sun to set and break out fast. The way a strong connection is built between us and our Lord, the same way is created with family when we sit and feast together. The excitement of trying new dishes and praying in mosques is unmatched. It is onerous to manage work whilst fasting but I try my optimum to strike a balance and rush home before iftar. I buy groceries, pray, spend time with loved ones and run errands. Though it gets hectic the feeling of bliss and gratitude arises amidst everything,” says Zainul Aga.
After the gap of two years, Ramadan is in full glory in Bandra with markets laden up with people, light, glitter and food stalls as COVID 19 restrictions are no longer in place. So everyone despite their ethnicity is enjoying fasting and feasting and most importantly sharing.
At the end of Ramadan when the crescent moon will be sighted Eid ul-Fitr will be celebrated by offering Eid prayers and wishing each other ‘Eid Mubarak’ and sharing sweets and gifts. So have you witnessed Ramadan in Bandra?
