Welcome Ramadaan

The auspicious month of ramadaan has arrived bringing in its wake blessings and benedictions for all the believers of Allah and his prophet. The ninth month of Islamic calendar, it was during this month that Quran(considered to be the best guidance for mankind) was revealed to Prophet.

Roza is one of the five tenets of Islam. During this month the muslims observe fast from dawn (sehri) to sunset (maghrib).They refrain from eating, drinking and also engaging in sexual relations. The fasting breaks with dates followed by other delicacies.

Ramzaan is not mere about fasting, it has a deeper significance. Its multi-dimensional facet encompasses not only physical aspects but also social and spiritual revival. As prophet asked his people to observe fast he said, ”whoever does not abandon falsehood in word and action, then god has no need that they should leave their food and drink”.

A month of devotion and forgiveness, every muslim offers namaz five times including the additional namaz Taraaweeh which is read at night (Isha). Through reading Quran and offering namaz one shows gratefulness to almighty and asks for forgiveness. All the worship and good deeds brings one closer to the creator and strengthens our belief on the presence and supremacy of Almighty.

Ramzaan is also about compassion and generosity. It teaches to empathise with' have-nots' and destitute. The muslims are expected to devote certain portion of their wealth to charity. Zakaat Al Fitra is the tool that encourages muslims to share the blessings that almighty bestowed upon them with the unprivileged.

Fasting is the best human approach that teaches self-control and develops patience.Abandoning food, drink and sex is just a prelude to the next stage of greater significance: successfully liberating mind from flights of passion and fits of temper, conquering avidity and lust and other temptations.

It is all about having control over our senses, devoting our senses only towards righteousness and diverting from selfish temptations and self-indulgence. A spiritual regimen, roza is a complete reorientation of body and mind.

Ramzaan is obligatory for all adults except those who are ill or travelling.

While the fasting duration this year is ranging between 14 to 16 hours in India and Middle East, it will differ from continent to continent. Some of the countries in the northern hemisphere will experience longest ramzaan hours including UK with nearly 18 to 19 hours,   Sweden and Germany around 20 hours.