Ramzan... A divine connection with the ultimate Beloved

— Noorulain Sayed

cheat, steal, fight, use abusive language, watch or do anything that is sexual in nature, among other vices.

At night, once they break their fast, many Muslims attend taraweeh in mosques. Verses of the Holy Quran are recited, and nights are spent glorifying the Creator, thanking Him and reciting durood shareef (peace) on Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him). Some even practice etaqaf during the last 10 days... this is when they remain In Quran’s second chapter, known as Surah Baqarah, in one place at all times, do not communicate with anyone verse (ayat) number 183 states, “O you who have believed, and only fast and pray. They are served the sehri and iftar decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those where they are seated, and they only get up to attend the before you that you may become righteous.” Every year, call of nature.

Muslims across the globe eagerly await the holy month of Some Muslims nowadays do not fast as they cite their Ramzan. The Quran was first revealed to Prophet Mohammed work or the daily hustle-bustle as a reason. The fact is that (peace be upon him) during this month. And the only time a Muslim is excused from fasting is if they many believe, especially during its last 10 days. are unwell, travelling, and physically unfit to do so. For

The meal before dawn is known as sehri, and the women, apart from the above mentioned, the other two meal we have while breaking our fast is known exceptions are when they are menstruating or as iftar. Many people associate the act of fasting pregnant. In today’s times, when religion and spirituality with feasting... While one does get to see that, especially have taken a back seat, can a soul really in certain Muslim societies these days, break down all the barriers to get a taste of the it is not the case. The essence of Ramzan is ultimate Beloved? It is quite difficult, no that we sacrifice our need to eat and drink primarily doubt, but how wonderful would it be if humans because we are able to connect learnt the art of balancing both

GUIDING LIGHT with the divine and get an understanding their day to day lives as well as their of how it feels to be hungry spirituality. and thirsty, and hence we help those in need. The mind, soul, heart, body and, in fact, every cell in the

This is why Muslims are known to be at their most charitable body bows down in praise of the Creator. When the eyes and generous during Ramzan. When we do not eat are closed, and the breathing is deep, our hearts dance in or drink from dawn to sunset, we also have to be extremely ecstasy with the sheer thought of glorifying the Almighty. mindful of the way we behave. While a practising Muslim A pure soul always yearns for moments when it is worthy must be on their best behaviour at all times, especially enough to drown in the act of connecting with the divine. while fasting, one must pray five times a day, not lie, And Ramzan indeed provides us with them.

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