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Ramazan, also known as Ramadan. Today, you and I will discuss some of the most special aspects of Ramadan.
First things first, why is the month of Ramadan considered so significant?
Well, let me tell you…
Ramadan is the very month in which the Quran was revealed for the first time to Prophet Muhammad.
Although Angel Jibreel (Gabriel) continued bringing the Quran in parts, the complete Quran was revealed over 23 years, and this revelation was completed in this very month.
According to Islam, Ramadan and the five daily prayers were divine gifts to Muslims from Allah. The practice of fasting and praying was conveyed to the people through the Prophet.
And as the crescent moon of Ramadan is sighted, a divine feeling takes over:
Chaand ne falak par di dastak jab,
Ramzan ka aaya paak mahina tab.
Rehmat ki barish, barkat ki shaam,
Har dil mein goonj utha Allah ka naam.
The most sacred night: Laylatul Qadr
Now, let’s talk about a special night of this month, Laylatul Qadr, also known as Shab-e-Qadr.
This night occurs only in Ramadan.
Islamic beliefs say that Laylatul Qadr was the night when the complete Quran was revealed to the Prophet.
It is said that Laylatul Qadr falls on one of the last five odd-numbered nights of Ramadan: the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, or 29th. But the exact night is unknown.
This is why Muslims give great importance to all five of these nights, especially the 27th, as many believe that Laylatul Qadr may fall on this night.
The pre-dawn meal: Sehri
Sehri is the time when Muslims prepare for their fast. It is the last meal before dawn.
Before the morning call to prayer (Fajr), one can eat whatever they want. But once the Fajr Azaan (call to prayer) is given, no Muslim is permitted to eat or drink, unless they are exempt from fasting due to specific reasons.
Most people, however, observe the fast during this blessed month. Sehri has its own charm, especially in places like Delhi, where areas like Jama Masjid come alive with a beautiful atmosphere, food stalls, feerni, sheer, and much more.
A similar scene can be witnessed on Mumbai’s Mohammad Ali Road, where both large and small shops remain bustling throughout the night.
Sehar ki azaan, duaon ka taaj,
Sabr ka tohfa, ibaadat ka saaz.
More than just fasting
Fasting isn’t just about staying hungry. It is a way to purify one’s inner soul.
When a person fasts, detaches from worldly matters, and devotes themselves to the worship of Allah, they experience spiritual peace.
How great would it be if we maintained such devotion every day, not just during Ramadan, and continued to worship Allah, Bhagwan, Ishwar, or Parmatma with the same sincerity?
Anyway, that was my personal thought. Now, let’s talk about Mijla Roza.
The midway fast: Mijla Roza
Mijla comes from the word ‘Manjla,’ meaning middle. It marks the midpoint of Ramadan, indicating that the fasting days are now moving towards completion.
In India, Ramadan can sometimes be 29 days or 30 days long. But rather than counting halfway through, a standard number was set—14th Roza, which came to be known as Mijla or Majla Roza.
There is no religious evidence that the term ‘Mijla Roza’ originated from Islam. It is something people started calling the 14th fast on their own.
Breaking the fast: Iftar
Iftar is not just about breaking the fast. It holds a much deeper significance.
It symbolises unity and the importance of fasting. Families, communities, and even an entire nation wait together for the moment when Allah permits them to eat.
This permission comes with the Maghrib Azaan (evening call to prayer), marking the end of the fast.
After breaking the fast, people go for Maghrib prayer. Later in the night, after the Isha prayer, begins the special Taraweeh prayer.
Iftaar ki dastarkhwan ki bahaar,
Shukr ka lamha, mohabbat bhi apaar.
The nightly Taraweeh prayer
Taraweeh is a special form of prayer during Ramadan. Unlike the five daily prayers, it is not obligatory for every Muslim.
The purpose of Taraweeh is to listen to the Quran.
Those who cannot read the Quran often attend Taraweeh prayers, where the Quran is recited so that they can listen to its verses throughout the month.
Masjiden roshan, sajde hazaar,
Maghfirat maangte bande beshumaar.
The essence of Ramadan: Charity and helping others
Ramadan is not just about fasting. It also teaches the importance of helping the less fortunate.
There are so many households where food is scarce. People must remember such homes and offer them help.
After all, charity brings inner peace and satisfaction.
The last Friday: Alvida Juma
Alvida Juma is the last Friday of Ramadan, and very few Muslims would ever miss this prayer.
For many, it holds the same importance as Eid itself.
The final night: Chaand Raat
Chaand Raat is the night when the moon for Eid is sighted.
Although preparations and shopping for Eid begin much earlier, the excitement reaches a peak on Chaand Raat.
Markets remain open all night, buzzing with people shopping for Eid.
At home, preparations are in full swing, and milk is being boiled to prepare special Eid delicacies.
It’s a mixed feeling, on one hand, people feel sad that Ramadan is ending, but on the other, they are excited for the joyous festival of Eid.
Every house shines with celebration as Eid approaches.
Eid ka chaand jab ambar pe aaye,
Har rozedaar ki aankhen muskaaye.
Sabr, dua aur paakizgi ka paighaam,
Ramzan ki ibadat hai Allah ke naam.
So, these were some of the special aspects of Ramadan. I hope you found them interesting.
