The holy month of Ramadan or Ramzan as it is also known can be a difficult time for many; particularly when it falls during the hot summer months (as currently is the case). Yet the faithful find some humour in the situation and take the time to enjoy some levity as well as keep in mind the true spirit of the month of fasting.
In the northern hemisphere, the days are long. Fasting for so many hours can be tough indeed! Is it any wonder that when the sun goes down and it is time to break the fast, the faithful feel very loving towards their food indeed!
Spare a thought for the Muslims in Iceland! They go about 20 hours without any food and water. According to one this man who has fruit and yoghurt in the time he has: about a couple of hours; then it is faith that keeps him going.
…There is iftar! They say hunger is the tastiest sauce and they are right!
It is well known that taqwa (forbearance, fear and abstinence) are some of the reasons for keeping the Ramadan fasts. Another reason is to feel compassion for those who are less fortunate than us.
Ramadan is a time for prayer and introspection. It is also a time for the body to recover from the excess and the unhealthy habits of the rest of the year. It is a time for detox, in a sense.
…There are those who remind us that there are good things for those who wait; one of those good things being Haleem! Many restaurants prepare this delicacy specially during the month of fasting.
While many spend their time in prayer, many feed and clothe the less fortunate at a personal or community level. True to the spirit of Ramzan, in Lucknow, one cleric has called for every person observing rozas to plant four trees.
Observing fast can be difficult – doing an exam while fasting even more so! Heartbreak pales by comparison, according to this tweet!
According to this tweet, Thomas Jefferson was the first to host an Iftar party in the United States – who knew!
I have known about many non-Muslims, who choose to keep the fast in solidarity with their Muslim friends. Some show their solidarity in other ways: such as this Delhi auto driver who is doing his bit to bring communities together.
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