Thousands of years ago, there lived Hazrat Muhammad. One night as he was lost in meditation, the Angel Gabriel came to him and said, “The God Almighty has chosen you as His messengerto all mankind.
Ramzan
Thousands
of years ago, there lived Hazrat Muhammad. One night as he was lost in
meditation, the Angel Gabriel came to him and said, “The God Almighty has
chosen you as His messengerto all mankind. And He has sent me to teach you the
way of worship and the conduct of prayer. Listen carefully...”
And
then the angel revealed the message of the holy Quran to Hazrat Muhammad. Those
were the days of Ramadan, which is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar.
Since
then, the devout Muslims all over the world observe a fast every day during
this month.
The
festival of Ramzan falls on the new moon day marking the end of Ramadan. It
also marks the beginning of 'Shawwal1, the tenth lunar month of the Islamic
calendar.
’Ramzan1
means the ’festival of breaking the fast'. It is also called Eid-al-Fitr.
Throughout the month of Ramadan, the Muslims observe a strict fast during the
day. They take food only after sunset and before sunrise.
The
early morning food is called ’Sehri’, which is generally wholesome and eaten in
groups.
When
the first call for prayer is heard from the mosques, the children and men set
to the mosques to offer the regular worship 1 Namaz1. Those who stay at their
houses recite the holy Quran.
After
prayers, people carry out their normal daily affairs. However, all types of
entertainments and ceremonies are shunned during this period. People dedicate
themselves completely to Allah. They say their prayers at all the prescribed
times.
At
the time of sunset, the call for the evening prayers is heard from the mosques.
People recite the evening Namaz. Immediately after this, they break their
daylong fast. It is called 1 Iftar’ and the food taken is called ’Iftari’.
At
first, the fast is broken with a sip of water, a few dates and some fruits.
Special delicacies like ’kebabs’ and boiled grams are taken after this. Other
favourites are sweet meats and lentils.
The
29 or 30 days of the month of Ramadan are thus passed. With the appearance of
the new moon, comes the end of the fasting period.
Now
is the time to celebrate. Ramzan brings happiness and festivity. Everyone gets
up early in the morning, takes bath, wears new clothes and goes to the mosque
for Eid prayers.
Many
people prefer to wear white clothes because white is the colour of peace and
purity. An important aspect of Eid is the charity, which all the Muslims are
expected to offer to the needy and the poor.
Some
people make these offerings in the form of food and clothes, while some others
prefer to give cash. They believe that those who do not give alms on this day
will not go to heaven after death.
The
most important part of the festival is the community prayer, generally held in
a mosque or in an open space. This prayer is called 'Ibadat'. After the prayer,
a sermon is delivered for about an hour.
Then
comes the time to socialize. People visit their friends and relatives and enjoy
the special delicacies, beverages and desserts.
The
special sweet, which is a 'must' and is prepared in every Muslim house is
'Sheerkurma’.
It
is considered unholy to fast on this day. People also exchange gifts on this
occasion. The day is spent in feasting and outing.
Children
like to go to the fairs which are held in open spaces. Ramzan is a day of joy
and thanksgiving.
On
this day, Muslims thank Allah for the health and strength that He bestowed on
them to carry out the month-long fasting.
They
also thank Him for the good deeds they could perform during the month of
Ramadan.
Fasting
during Ramadan is believed to be a way of coming closer to Allah. It purifies
one's soul and helps develop self-control.
Another
benefit is that, by fasting one can experience hunger and develop compassion
for the less fortunate. The festival of Ramzan also expresses goodwill and
friendship.
On
this day, people forget old grudges and abandon all ill feelings towards
others. Even Hindus join the celebrations and greet their Muslim friends with
enthusiasm and fervour.
Festivals of India : Tag: Festivals of India : Festivals of India - Ramzan