Ramazan: The month of fasting and some feasting

Shafey Danish Fasting enjoys a special status in all major religions; be it Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism or any other major religion. Fasting is supposed to benefit both the body and soul. It helps the devout hold on to the path of righteousness and develops empathy towards those who suffer from the pangs of hunger and privations. But Islam is the only religion to enjoin fasting for as long as a month on its followers. This month, the ninth of the Muslim calendar, is called Ramazan. Ramazan is generally known as the month of fasting but has other religious connotations for the Muslims as well. According to the Qu’ran itself, this was the month in which the Qur’an was descended into the world. It is also the month in which the famous battle of Badr, which is regarded as the turning point in Islamic history, was fought between Prophet Muhammad and the Meccans. In the month of Ramazan Muslims are supposed to lead an austere and blameless life. Fasting is just a part of it; they should also desist from having sex, eating too much, speaking ill of anybody, abusing or just talking and joking excessively. They should not trouble, taunt, or otherwise harm anyone. These sins become doubly sinful during Ramazan. They should spend the greater part of their time in developing a spiritual relation with Allah and turn away from worldly activities. They should also observe special prayers called `Taravi` at night. In this prayer the recitation of the Qur`an is completed at least once over a period of one month. This one month should cleanse them of worldliness for the next one year. That, at least, is the ideal situation. Actually, a bit of feasting also goes on beside spiritual development. Many dishes are specially associated with the month of Ramazan, especially with the Iftar, the fast breaking meal that is taken at the end of the day. A pre-dawn breakfast called the `Sehri` is also eaten. The shops, eateries and markets are generally closed during the day and open up at night. Khajla, Sawai, Halim, Biryani, Kebabs, Firni, fruits, dates, fried pakodas and chana chole are some of the things especially sold in Ramazan. Tradition has it that `sharkash shaiateen` - specially troublesome evil spirits in layman’s language - are imprisoned during this month, so that the believers may not face much resistance in observing piety. Certainly the mosques are much fuller during the month, and the topis are much more in evidence. Tradition also has it that Allah increases the `rizk` - the quota of material things that a person may get - during Ramazan. This again is manifested in increased commercial activities. Makeshift shops line Muslim localities and hawkers hawk everything from sawai to shalwar kameez. This month, therefore, is doubly blessed, spiritually and also materially.