Yesterday marked the beginning of the muslim holy month of Ramadan, and Muslims all over the world rose to offer fajr or the dawn prayers. Observed for 29 to 30 days from the sighting of the crescent moon, the month will be spent fasting and abstaining from drinking, smoking, and entertainment — while dedicating themselves to prayer, charity, and spirituality. We have often heard from Muslim friends on how getting together with family to break the daily fast or iftar, and other observances, is a big part of their tradition. However, isn’t it difficult for many who have moved away from home?
We talk to those settled in other cities on what they miss during Ramadan, and how they manage by themselves. “Practicing and following the customs isn’t actually the problem; we’ve been doing it since we were children,” says Abdul Ahad, a merchandiser for a popular brand based in Visakhapatnam. Being one of the few Muslims there, it’s easy for him to wake up early and offer prayers — the issue is food. “In the manufacturing industry, you sometimes end up reaching home very late for iftar. When you are at home with family, you know to break the fast with dates, then fruits, and so on. I’m missing that feeling of sitting down with them and praying for each other,” he rues.
Mohamed Rahil, who works for an MNC in Bengaluru, also feels nostalgic about Ramadan with his family in Madurai. He too agrees that food is a major conundrum. “It’s difficult to get food at four in the morning, you know? I usually pack food at 10 pm, keep it overnight, and reheat it in the morning. Abstaining from TV and music is hard because it is all around you, but I do it,” he explains.
He adds that while some companies give Muslim employees an extra hour’s break, it’s not a problem if you don’t get such perks — “Ramadan isn’t just about fasting and staying away from things. You make your body and soul pure and it feels good to do it.”
Anisa Arif, a foodprenuer in the city recalls how her family used to invite Muslim friends who were studying to come over to stay during Ramadan, so that they wouldn’t find it difficult.
“Now, most of the children are grown up and away,” she smiles. “Ramadan is two-fold — you have duties towards family and friends, and towards charity. You are supposed to give as much as possible to those less fortunate. You can have friends and family come over, but also do some charitable work. Many of us pool in and buy essential rations which we distribute to poor communities,” she says.
That should be the duty of people living anywhere in the world!
