Fasting and Feasting During Ramadan

The holy month of Ramadan begins today and so does a month of fasting and feasting. It is considered to be the most blessed month in the Islamic calendar. It’s not only a month of restraining oneself from food and drinks but also practicing abstinence in thought and actions.

The Quran states, "Ramadan is the (month) in which we sent down the Qur'an, as a guide to humankind, also clear (Signs) for guidance and judgment (between right and wrong). Se every one of you who is present (at his home) during that month should spend it in fasting...." [2:al-Baqara:185]

Also,

"Allah has no interest in any person's abstention from eating and drinking, if that person does not give up lying and dishonest actions" [narrated by Hadhrat Abu Hurrah in Sahih al-Bukhari, Vol. 3, #127].

Muslims around the world spend this month in prayer and try to re-evaluate their lives in the light of Islam. The belief is that if we ask for something or plead forgiveness with an honest heart, it shall be heard and it will be done. It’s a month of thanksgiving and prayer and an attempt to reconnect with God.

While Ramadan is a time to reassess our lives, what I love is the month-long festivities till Eid. For me it’s been typically marked by a sparse sehri before sunrise and the sumptuous iftar after daybreak, streets bustling with activity late into the night, the aroma of grilled kebabs wafting through the night air and mouth-watering haleem that is only available during Ramzan in some cities.

Last year’s Ramadan in the U.S. was a unique experience with Muslim immigrants doing their utmost to make the month a memorable one; weekend iftar parties at community mosques, biryani - the Indian, the Pakistan and the Bangladeshi way depending on which restaurant was sponsoring the evening dinner and the most multi-cultural congregation saying the evening prayers together. No matter how much I missed my family, the convergence of such a multi-ethnic crowd celebrating peace, the actual essence of Islam, was an overwhelming sight.

I am looking forward to this month in a new city this year. Ramadan Mubarak - Wishing you a peaceful month ahead, a month ofprayer, forgiveness and charity. Am leaving you with one of my favourite videos.