The celebrated month of “Ramzaan” for Muslims has begun. It is the most awaited month of the Islamic Calendar from amongst all others. It is a time for change for “Muslims”. Those who have not said their prayers throughout the year, often make sure that their prayers do not go “Qaza” during this month. It is also a time of changing schedules, wherein rising early and going to bed late is the norm. Whereas, the emphasis of course is on heightened religious consciousness and disciplined observance of religious tenets, it is also the month used by Mohammedans to complete at least one reading of the Quran (preferably along with “Tafseer”). This practice probably is connected to the fact that “Lailut-ul-Qadr” the “night of all nights” falls during the month. It is on this night that the Quran was revealed as per belief of the Muslims.
It however is not my purpose here, to go into a detailed discourse on the religious practises followed by Muslims during this month. My purpose here is to look into the various reasons for this month having ascended to the top as the most awaited month both amongst elders and the children of the Muslim community. Even if we attribute the affection showered on this month by the “elders”, to their natural inclination towards religious activities and the opportunity that this month offers them, to rededicate themselves to the desires of the beloved of all, Allah; we would still be left contemplating what great charm it holds for the youth and the children. Well, for one, we all have a tendency to run away from “monotony” and look for change. The month of Ramzaan, offers every one an opportunity to do exactly this, i.e. run away from the monotonous routine followed throughout the year. The simple fact that I am doing something different today brings zest to life.
Waking up at 4 am in the morning when the day has not even seen the first light and being treated to a bowl of Kheer and Puri and other such delights has a novelty of it’s own. This is followed by Azan, prayers, supplications, and if a Masjid is close by, the opportunity to spend time with friends so early in the day.
For the young girls it is an opportunity to once again set up their new “diet” targets, depending upon whether they are upset about their obesity or about their leanness. Not that much can be achieved by setting these targets, if discipline is not exercised. The result after all depends on the “calorie intake”, and in this respect, I am inclined to go with the view, that the advantage is heavily skewed in favour of those who are looking to fight “leanness” rather than those thriving to fight “obesity”, even though the contrarian view is more often expounded.
It is for one and all a great time for bonding, since evenings are dedicated to the lavish “Iftaar” parties, where everyone gets a chance to show off their most exquisite acquisitions and of course have a rollicking time socially. “Iftaar” parties also give you a chance to show off your social and political clout in today’s dates and time. In fact the most famous “Iftaar” parties are those thrown by the political elite, either in the capital or in the state capitals. Of course the cake is taken by the political “Iftaar” parties thrown at politically sensitive state capitals like Lucknow and Hyderabad. I however, favour the traditional practice of organising “Iftaar” at the local mosque, to which lager number of youngsters and economically backward people (those not invited to “Iftaar” parties) seem to flock. This is done either by arranging the entire “Iftaar” if you have the resources and the inclination to do so, or by sending sufficient quantities of particular dishes and delights that are then pooled and offered to the devotees, to enable them to break their fast. The month is also constructively used by the religiously inclined, for indulging in constructive charities that are close to their heart, and probably the best time for orphanages, old aged homes, etc.
