By SHEFA RAFI
The paths to paradise are many, fasting is one among them. Yes, the Holy month of Ramadhan has arrived with Muslims commencing their month-long fast across the globe. Interestingly, Ramadhan is about breaking bad habits and not putting them on pause.
Notably, Ramadhan is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar and it is mandatory for healthy adult Muslims to observe fast from dawn to dusk. And this includes abstaining from drinking, eating, immoral acts and anger. Other acts of worship such as prayer, reading the Quran and charity are also encouraged during the holy month. And Quran was revealed during this holy month.
And Muslims wake up early to eat a pre-dawn meal called Suhoor while they break their fast with dates followed by refreshments referred to as Iftar after sunset.
Morever, it is common for mosques to host Iftars, especially for the poor and needy.
Sharing food and inviting guests for Ifthar is a common sight everywhere be it any country during this holy month of Ramadhan.
It’s quite common across Tamil Nadu to witness rice porridge (Nonbu Kanji) being prepared at mosques and distributed free to everyone irrespective of caste, creed or colour after evening (Asar) namaz.
In Coimbatore, Muslim dominant areas like Kottaimedu, Karumbukkadai, Saramedu, Podanur, Selvapuram, Kuniyamuthur wears a festive look during this month as men, women besides children make a beeline to mosques to collect Nonbu Kanji while not to speak of large number of them attending night special prayers (Taraweeh).
A thought-provoking quote on Ramadhan goes thus:
A glass of care
A plate of love
A spoon of peace
A fork of truth
A bowl of duas
Mixed with spices of Quran
Enjoy this meal
Let this holy month of Ramadhan bring in peace and harmony among all faiths.
