Ramzan commences today for all Muslims in India. The month known for its austere practices emphasizes that by fast a disciplined like could be achieved. Universally known as the Month of Quran, Ramzan has a mystique truth behind its observance. It was during this period of the year that holy Quran was revealed to the revered Prophet Muhammad through the divine angel Jibreel and it is the ardent duty of every Muslim to observe a fast during Ramzan.
Pre Ramzan shopping was observed at various metros across the country. Markets were seen filled with members of Muslim community shopping for Suhoor (food consumed in the morning before beginning the fast) and Iftar (food eaten in the evening to break the fast). Most Masjids form committees to organize funds and keep provisions supplied by the people. Even the poor are fed during Suhoor and Iftar at Masjids.
Ramzan is the ninth month according to Islamic Lunar calendar. Ramzan (written as Ramadan) is derived from the Arabic root word 'ramida' or 'arramad' that means intense scorching heat and dryness, especially of the ground. Ramadan is so called to indicate the heating sensation in the stomach as a result of thirst. Others said it is so called because Ramadan scorches out the sins as it burns the ground. Some said it is so called because the hearts and souls are more readily receptive to the admonition and remembrance of Allah during Ramadan, as the sand and stones are receptive to the sun's heat. Ramadan begins after the month of Shaban, after the new moon has been sighted.
One ardent Muslim brother says, “In this month, there is a desire in every heart to do good work, to feed the poor, to clothe the naked, to help those in distress, to participate in any good work being done anywhere and to prevent evil.”
Ramzan was a day ahead in the east. Saudi Arabia announced that `non-Muslim expatriates on Friday, the first day of Ramadan, not to eat, drink, or smoke in public until the end of the Muslim holy month's sunrise-to-sunset fast - or face expulsion.’ Saudi Arabia's population of 27 million includes some 8 million expatriates, including Asians, Arabs, and Westerners, according to government figures. Wishesh wishes all our Muslim readers `Ramzan Mubarak’. (With inputs from internet- AW AarKay)
