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As the silver crescent moon graces the sky, a magical hush descends on millions of homes across the globe. The month of Ramadan, a time when hearts soften, souls awaken, and faith becomes a living, breathing presence in everyday life.
For centuries, Ramadan has been more than just a religious observance. It’s a symphony, where hunger meets humility, prayers blend with patience, and the entire universe seems to echo with the music of devotion.
What Ramadan Truly Means: On the surface, Ramadan might appear to be about fasting, but those who observe it know that it’s something much deeper. It’s a journey of the soul over the stomach.
The dawn whispers a promise, a promise to hold back not just from food and water, but from anger, greed, and gossip. The sunset breaks the fast, not just of the body but of the heart, reminding us to be grateful for every sip of water and every morsel of food.
Every roza (fast) is a silent prayer. Every pang of hunger is a lesson in patience. Every Iftar is a celebration of gratitude.
The Global Tapestry of Ramadan: Walk through the bustling lanes of Delhi’s Jama Masjid during Iftar, where kebabs sizzle and sweet Sewaiyan adorn every plate. Or head to Mumbai’s Mohammed Ali Road, where the aroma of biryanis and malpuas fills the night air.
In the grand mosques of Turkey, rhythmic drum beats wake up entire neighbourhoods for Suhoor.
In Egypt, the glow of Fanous Lanterns lights up the streets.
From Indonesia’s Ngabuburit evenings to Morocco’s fragrant Harira soups, Ramadan becomes a patchwork quilt of traditions stitched with devotion.
Yet, beneath these vibrant customs, the essence remains the same, a return to simplicity, self-discipline, and compassion.
Hunger — The Teacher of Empathy
They say hunger is the greatest teacher.
When the stomach is empty, the heart becomes full, full of empathy for the poor, full of gratitude for life’s little blessings, and full of love for those who share the journey.
Fasting in Ramadan is not just about denying yourself, it’s about feeling the hunger of those who have no choice. The roza brings the rich and the poor to the same table, united by hunger, equality, and faith.
More Than Rituals: A Festival of Hearts: Ramadan is not a month of deprivation, it’s a month of abundance.
Abundance of prayers whispered in the stillness of the night. Abundance of love shared in community Iftars. Abundance of forgiveness that flows from one heart to another.
It’s a time when neighbours become family, strangers become friends, and generosity becomes second nature.
Angel Jibreel: The Messenger of Revelation: Angel Jibreel (Gabriel) holds a special place in Islam, the angel who brought divine messages from Allah to the prophets. During Ramadan, his presence is deeply felt, especially on Laylat al-Qadr, when it is believed that angels descend upon the earth, filling the night with peace and blessings.
Laylat al-Qadr: The Night Better Than a Thousand Months: There’s a secret hidden in the last ten nights of Ramadan, Laylat al-Qadr, the Night of Power.
A single night that carries the blessings of a thousand months.
It is said that prayers offered on this night can change destinies, wiping away sins, opening new doors, and drawing the faithful closer to the divine.
No one knows exactly when Laylat al-Qadr falls, but that uncertainty makes the search even more beautiful. Every night spent in prayer is a reminder that faith is not just about reaching the destination, it’s about loving the journey.
The Soul’s Detox: If the body feels lighter after a month of fasting, the soul feels reborn.
The cravings for food fade away… but the hunger for goodness lingers on.
Ramadan teaches that the strongest battles are fought not with swords, but with self-control.
Deshwale’s Corner: Ramadan is a reminder that when the stomach is empty, the heart becomes fuller.
