Ramzan, widely considered the holiest of Islamic months, began on Sunday. With total abstinence from water, food, and even smoking, most of those observing the obligatory month-long fast have become less active during the day than at night.
After breaking the fast at sunset on Sunday, people in small groups were seen heading for mosques, where they engaged in a special mass prayer.
No matter small or big, all mosques were active after a gap of two years. COVID-19 had deprived the faithful of their month-long mass prayers during Ramzan in 2020 and 2021. “The biggest blessing is that all can go to mosques and pray now,” said Karulai Jamal, a Sunni activist.
Some mosques have begun to offer Quran classes after the Subah or dawn prayer. Soon after finishing Suhoor or Sehri (the last meal before the beginning of the day’s fasting), people would go to mosques for Subah prayer. “During Ramzan, especially in the initial days of Ramzan, people crowd in mosques for five-time prayers,” said Mr. Jamal.
Ramzan also offers budding scholars from Islamic seminaries a chance to hone their oratorical skills. Little scholars named ‘Mutha-allims’ are encouraged to address the people gathering in mosques for mass prayers. “It is almost like a practical session for the budding scholars,” K. Mahmood, a senior scholar.
Charity work will gain momentum as Ramzan enters its second quarter, and it will reach its pinnacle in the last days of fasting.
Iftar is still the most popular component of the season. Feasting on various delicacies apart, Iftar remains an occasion to reassure social and communal camaraderie.
