Mostnon-Muslim Indians know little about this celebrated Mohammedanfestival. What they do know is that if they were lucky, or if they wereto work for the Government, Id would mean yet red number on thecalendar. Read on to learn more about this holy festival.
What is Ramzan?
Ramzan is the ninth month in the Muslim calendar. According to legend,the Holy Koran was revealed in this month. Ramzan is thus regarded ashighly auspicious and this month is marked by fasting and prayers.Muslims keep a fast every day during Ramzan. The rituals associatedwith Id and Ramzan have remained unchanged for centuries.
Often,after the afternoon prayer at the mosque, religious lectures are heldhere. Prayer servicesthe Koran is read during each service, so that theentire book is complete by the end of the month. are also held here each night during the month of Ramzan. A small portion of
Ramzanis similar to Lent, in the sense that it is a period of abstinence andself restraint. It also entails fasting from dawn to dusk, and everyMuslim, except those who are unwell, too old, or unable to fast due toother health or circumstantial reasons such as travel, pregnancy ornursing, keeps the fast. So does that mean no eating for a month? No.It does however mean no food, drink or tobacco from dawn to dusk duringthis period. Children who have not yet attained puberty are notexpected to fast, but many parents like to make older children aroundthe age of eight fast for a few hours a day during this period, just sothey get accustomed to the rituals of self-restraint and build up theirwill power, so it is easier for them to fast later on.
What is the reason for fasting during this time?
The Prophet Mohammed left Mecca and undertook the journey to Medina in622 AD, to join the other Muslims who had migrated to Medina to escapepersecution in Mecca. During this period, he fasted for three days.Many years later, He was to receive a revelation from God, which statedthat all followers of the Islam faith fasted for a certain number ofdays. "Ramadan is the month of Ramadan should spend it fasting..." (Chapter 2, Verse 183 and 185). Fasting also purports to reduce thebarriers between the rich and the poor, by creating an understanding ofthe sufferings the poor undergo.
What is the connection between Id and Ramzan?
Id Ul Fitr is a festival that marks the end of the Ramzan period, andusually falls on a new moon night, in the month of April or May. Onthis day, Muslims gather in large groups at mosques, and offer theirprayers or namaz. Id is one of the most important festivals in theMuslim religion. On this day, Muslims from around the world dress up innew clothes to celebrate Id with great enthusiasm. Id celebrates thebreaking of the Ramzan fast, which is why the word Fitr, which means'to break'. People greet each other with the words "Id Mubarak", andembrace three times. Women prepare delicious sweetmeats at home, andvermicelli kheer (sweetened milk) is a popular dish. Muslims also paytribute to their ancestors during this time.
