by Gulrukh Tausif

Created on: August 18, 2008

"O you who believe! Fasting has been prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you so that you may learn self restraint." (2:185)

Fasting has been enjoined upon the Muslims in Ramadan which is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. It is a month of intense prayers, devout worship and religious zeal. But another dimension that makes Ramadan such a unique experience is the accompanying profusion of sights, sounds and aromas that permeate the air and enrich the soul in this holy month

The last days of Shaba'an (the eighth month of Islamic calendar) see a heightened sense of anticipation among the faithful. People crowd on rooftops, remain glued to their radio sets or gather around the television for the news of sighting of the Ramadan moon. As soon as the sighting of the silvery crescent is announced, the air is filled with cries of "Ramadan Mubarak." People ring up relatives and friends to convey the glad tidings and wish each other "Happy Ramadan".

There is much excitement in households as menus for sehri and iftaar are discussed. Then the muezzins call the faithful for Ishaa prayers and people go forth in large droves for the first of the taraveeh prayers of the month. For those who stay at home, the television networks telecast soul stirring recitation of the Holy Quran, naats and live taraveeh from the Holy Kaaba.

Predawn time again sees a flurry of activities. Harassed mothers bang on doors to wake up sleeping kids, alarm clocks are silenced, bathroom doors are banged and wide yawns are stifled as everyone rushes about preparing for sehri. There are groans from those who are not accustomed to waking up this early and stumble about half asleep on their feet. There are shrill, ear piercing whistles from guards who double up as signalers to rouse people. In some areas, people pay drum bearers or dholchis' to go about waking the slumberous.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said:
"Take sehr as there is a blessing in it." (Muslim, Bukhari)

After this cacophony of sounds comes the aromas as sehri gets prepared. Fried parathas, curry, porridge, fried eggs and hot toasts, omelets, fresh fruits, yogurt, juices, lassi, tea and water or any other food that suits the palate adorns the dining tables as people eat enough to last them for the day. With the advent of night jobs and 24-hour open restaurants, there is no shortage of traffic even at this semi dark time. Roadside canteens, halwa puri stalls and tea vendors do a sterling

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