M. M. ALAM

KARACHI: The month of fasting will commence tomorrow (Sunday 28^th of May) in Pakistan.

Though, following their spiritual leader, a number of people in the North have opted to commence the holy month a day earlier.  

Muslims living in the Middle East are fasting today.

NewsPakistan.TV correspondents in EU, UK and USA have informed that many Muslims there follow Saudi Arabia.

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AIMAN INAM

KARACHI:  The proclamation that ‘There is no god but Allah and Muhammad is His Prophet’ is the first pillar of Islam; second is the prayers (Salat); third is charity (Zakat); fifth is Pilgrimage (Hajj).}Fasting from dawn to dusk (Sawm) and restraining from all sorts of pleasures during the Holy Month of Ramazan is the fourth pillar of Islam. 

Sureh al-Baqarah says, “ (It was) the month of Ramazanin which was revealed the Qur’an, a guidance for mankind and clear proofs for the guidance and the criterion (between right or wrong). So whoever of you sights (the crescent on the first night of) the month (of Ramazan – is present at his home), he must observe Sawm during that month…” 

Ramazan is observed with enthusiasm and commitment all across the globe by the entire Muslim Ummah that seek closeness to Allah while devotedly surfing their souls.  People also come forward to help the deserving.

Though the fundamental idea is the same, in different countries of the world, people observe Ramazan according to their cultural norms.In Pakistan the daily life routine changes completely. All the food outlets remain closed during days in respect of this holy month.

Since most of the educational institutions observe holidays, lots of students simply do not sleep till Sehri (i.e.: The meal before dawn).

So it is not unusual to see youngsters playing cricket on streets.The Iftar at dusk is particularly a moment to celebrate. Womenfolk make special arrangements for it and ensure that numerous sumptuous foodstuffs and energizing drinks are put on the table both for Iftar and Sehri.

Men go to mosques for special prayers known as Tarawee.In many countries where Muslims are in minority concentration is on special prayers and charity. Donors either give money to the management of the relevant mosque or prepare themselves the foodstuff to be served there.In Canada, mostly  young Muslims practice Itikaf (individuals stay in Mosques – mostly in the last ten days of Ramazan).

The management of the mosques in Canada arrange three days of Itikaf for the teens. They try to make it interesting by providing the facilities of different activities and games within the premises of the mosques.Probably since they have been brought up in western culture, special prayers are made appealing for the adolescents and kids. In addition, the administration of the mosques arranges an activity of exercising for the children.

Following the prayers of Maghrib, all of the juveniles get involved in diverse sorts of games, mostly basketball. Interestingly, this also helps them digest the food!

The month of blessings is also admired by the non-Muslims. There are different schemes and sales offers at various shops and super marts particularly for Muslims during the month of Ramazan.

At the advent of Ramazan leader of the Liberal Party and Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau wished a blessed and peaceful Ramazan to the entire Muslim community. He also participated at an Iftar on a Sunday like a common man.

The PM held: “We are all so fortunate to live in a country, where people of all faiths are treated with dignity and respect. And where our diversity is celebrated as the source of our shared prosperity. On behalf of the Liberal Party I would like to send my very best wishes to all those celebrating this holy month. May peace and blessings be upon you.”

There has been a curiosity among Muslims related to the perception of non-Muslims apropos Ramazan particularly fast. They respect the beliefs of Muslims and value the way they keep away from food and water for a long period of time to experience closeness to faith in the Creator.

Many of them get surprised and ask questions like: “Don’t you even drink a glass of water?” In schools, high-schools, colleges and universities, non-Muslims avoid to eat in front of their Muslim associates.

The lunch is not served like normal days and teachers even pronounce that “we are having our Muslims friends who are fasting; thereby we should avoid consuming foodstuffs in front of them”.

Conclusively, Ramazan brings a variety of divine salvation for the Muslim Ummah. This is the delightfulness of this month, in which people try to spend their time doing more good work.LONDON: Muslims seen praying during the month of Ramazan. A mosque in Canada. Activities,  including Iftar, is organised in the adjacent marquee. (Vide three pix below)Inside the marquee (Canada) I Inside the marquee (Canada) II Inside the marquee  (Canada) IIIAt the advent of Ramazan leader of the Liberal Party and Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau wished a blessed and peaceful Ramazan to the entire Muslim community. He also participated at an Iftar on a Sunday like a common man.Ramazan with Non-Muslim Brothers & Sisters 
 Pakistani ladies make special arrangements & ensure that numerous sumptuous foodstuffs and energizing drinks are put on the table both for Iftar &  Sehri.