With Ramzan in July-Aug, Rozas are longer than usual; the faithful are not complaining
The holy month of Ramzan, wherein a Muslim observes a fast, is a way of expressing your faith and testing your character. However, sometimes god decides to take the test’s difficulty level up a notch. That is what has happened this time around, with the holy month coinciding with that time of the year when days are more than 14 hours long.
dna caught up with a few working professionals in the city to see how the longer fast is affecting them, and how are they coping with it. Mariam Daruwala, a professional, says, “It is true that the time between sunrise and sunset is long. We start the fast at about 4.45am and end it at 7.15. But frankly, for a dedicated muslim, this is not that much of a big deal.” She further adds, “Also, the fact that it is raining and the weather is so pleasant, helps. You don’t feel thirsty very often.” Mariam also points out that the first 10-15 days of Roza are relatively easy, and the body starts feeling the weakness as it sets in later. “But with Eid just around the corner, it keeps you motivated to carry on,” she says.
President of Western Maharashtra region of All India Quami Tanzim, Haji Zakir Shaikh takes the Roza beyond a mere physical ordeal. “The 30-day fast has a three-fold purpose. The first 10 days are to help you take command over your faculties. The next 10 are to build a connect with your spiritual self and the last 10 are for you to prove yourself to Allah, it is like an exam,” he says. “The month is a way of servicing your body, mind and soul. With the help of prayer, fasting and composure, you can make up for the rapid life practices you indulge in otherwise,” Zakir adds.
Shabnam Shaikh, a school teacher who is observing the Roza for the first time, says, “This is the first time I am fasting and I didn’t think I’d continue for so long. I started praying and meditating with conviction a few months ago and meditation has helped me a lot.” She further adds, “As a teacher, sometimes I have classes from 8am to 4pm and I manage to focus on the work at hand. Surprisingly, I get more work done than a normal day.”
The fact of the matter is, no matter if it is 12, 14 or 16 hours, when the spirits are up, and the purpose is clear, every day of the Ramazan has the charm of Eid.
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}