Shahr-ul-Ramadan

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It is a humid and sweaty evening of yet another bright Saturday. As the sun makes it's way to the horizon, a group of tables lay there, sprawling with the delicacies that devour the hearts and minds of the average Muslim residing in the neighborhood. Laden with mouth-watering pakoras and bhajias, the smells fill the air as the time to break the fast is almost nearing. As the roads and streets lay there, empty with not a soul in sight, ten thousands gather in the sacred premises to celebrate the much anticipated festival of the year in the Emirates- Shahr-ul-Ramadan or the 'holy month of Ramadan'.

With less to no cars maneuvering across major highways and roads, a spirit of bliss fills the air, as devotees eagerly wait to offer their prayers for Maghrib. Pigeons and birds galore as they make their way to their nests, chirping as the breeze blows in cadence when all of a sudden, a voice can be heard that bequeaths the silence of the neighborhood. It is the sound of the 'Mullah' (priest). Adjusting his mic, he calls upon the Almighty, giving thanks to God for having given them the grace to carry the fast. As he gives thanks to the Almighty with the recitation of the prayer, the sound of the cannon can be heard from far off- marking the end of the day's fast.

Devotees deeply caught in prayer and momentous reflection, take a bite of the land's fruits followed by a drink of cool mineral water, to quench the dire thirsts after an hour long fast of 12 hours. It is a great sight to behold as families and relatives from far off join hands in unity, exchanging food as they celebrate a common humanity filled and blessed with the gifts of togetherness, of love, of compassion, of generosity and of the gift of life! 

Comments

Alvira khan said…
Beautifully written the essence of Ramadan !! 😌😇
Well done !!👏🏻👏🏻
April 25, 2022 at 10:53 PM
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