A month of sacrifice, a period of fasting, the time of bonding relations. Ramadan is a holy month, filled with pious deeds. It is the 9th month of the Islamic Calendar and is the month when the Holy Quran was revealed. It is the time when Muslims, refrain from eating, and fast for a period of 30 days. It is a month of fervor and enthusiasm, as people around the world, even from other religions come together and connect with each other.
The month of Ramadan is the month of unity and relationships, just like Christmas, Diwali and other festivals, Ramadan is a time when people unite together and share different views with each other. It is a month of spiritual reflection, self-discipline and devotion towards god. During this blessed month people are encouraged to donate and provide charity (‘Zakat’ in Arabic) to the poor in the form of food and also in the form of financial assistance. Ramadan is a month of hope, to many struggling people, as they expect alms and donations from others. Ramadan teaches us that the wealth that we give to the poor is not out of our generosity, but it is their right.
The true ethos of Ramadan is not about eating or drinking for long time or doing lots of pious deeds, it’s about praying and asking forgiveness for the sins that were committed. The practice of fasting is done to attain self-purity and become free of all bad deeds, thoughts and views. It is the month that is holier than a thousand months. Ramadan is the flowering season of virtues, it is a new chapter for every individual and it is an opportunity to develop one’s righteousness and morality.
Fasting helps one understand the difficulty of staying for hours without food and water. It is also a type of exercise for the body and the mind. Fasting can be done as a method for physical fitness and mental health, and helps prevent various diseases. Fasting also serves as a reminder of the plight of those who do not have sufficient food and water. Islam is a religions that advices people to be moderate at all causes, and even in the matter of food.
People start the fast early in the morning, waking up and having a pre-dawn meal (Suhur). And then breaking it during the evening, after hearing the Adhan from the mosque. Fasting for almost 12-13 hours, hungry but determined not to give up and then patiently waiting for time to break the fast. After breaking the fast, one gets flooded with the feelings of relief and relaxation after abstaining to eat for almost half a day. And in the period between, it is advised to recite the Holy Quran and do holy deeds.
Eid-ul-Fitr is one of the 2 major holidays, celebrated by Muslims across the world to observe the end of fasting, and the month of Ramadan. It is a day filled with bright festivities, the fragrance of oud, the aroma of delectable sweets, the air filled with greetings of Eid Mubarak, and the lit up faces of young children are all part of the heart and soul of Ramadan and Eid. Embarking on a transformative journey, Spreading prosperity and developing humanity in one another is the true spirit of Ramadan.
Wishing you all blessed and healthy Ramadan!!
Eid Mubarak!!!