RAMAZAN – THE RAIN, THAT NOURISHES GOOD DEED
Contrary to the literal meaning of “Ramadan”– ‘scorching heat’ derived from Arabic root ramida or ar-ramad, the holy month nourishes soul, mind and body. The holy month signifies the transition from lethargic to active lifestyle. It is the ninth month of the Islamic Lunar calendar. It is commemorated by the sight of crescent moon in the month of Sha’ban (April) and ends in Shawwal (May), culminated by Eid-ul-Fitr. According to Islam, Ramadan celebrates the first time when the Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad and is one of the Five Pillars of Islam which are Shahada (profession of faith), Salat (Prayer), Zakat (Almsgiving), Sawm (Fasting) and Hajj (Pilgrimage).
Ramadan is observed by fasting by all adult Muslims across the world from dawn to dusk with exceptions for those who are ill, traveling somewhere, very old and pregnant. Suhooror sehri, is the predawn meal before the call for the morning pray, Fajrand iftar is the nightly feast that breaks the fast after the evening prayer, Maghrib. When Ramadan starts, Muslims begin praying day and night and fast during the day. They believe that when Ramadan arrives, the gates of Jannah (Paradise) are opened and the gates of Jahannum (hell) are locked up and devils are put in chains.
Historically, it is also believed that this ritual was started to avoid the scorching heat of the summer. This routine is also claimed to be the basis of the modern-day dieting practice, Intermittent fasting. The lifestyle during the holy month would heighten the awareness and elevate the consciousness towards the supreme. Prayer to the soul, righteousness to the mind and fasting to the body provides the overall nourishments needed after the sluggish winters.
Ramadan is just not merely a fasting ritual, but it is the practice of a pious lifestyle which aims to detach from worldly pleasures like food, drink, smoking, sexual activities and any other sinful behavior. During fasting more focus is given to prayer, self-reform and charity. The spirit of Ramadan is beyond fasting and prayer. It encourages the self-reform, discipline, dedication and more importantly it brings people closer, resolving the conflicts, removing the hatred and creating the bonhomie.
The holy month brings the security forces and Awaam much closer helping them bond better. Overcoming all the bitter past, they together indulge in practicing the pious life. This synergy will lay a strong foundation for the better and stable future. Iftar parties and mass prayer help to get along with each other.
Daily interaction of company commander with local populace post Maghrib along with Maulvis and sarpanch brings out the requirements of the awam for Ramadan during the tough times of the current pandemic. The quick response for such requests, bring the awam and security forces lot closer and boosts the confidence of Awaam assuring that the security forces are ‘friend in need is a friend indeed’.
It is known that the soul is purified in the Ramida of the rigorous practice. Ramadan doesn’t just affect the physical body, but also the mind and heart. This elevated lifestyle should not be limited to the holy month, rather adopted to the whole life as it creates peace, prosperity and harmony among the human kind.
