In Ramzan, one is not only supposed to control one’s physical desire but also focus on spiritual matters. The lifestyle of a devotee changes a lot during this holy month. There will be fasting and spending more time for prayers especially late at night. Then, there will be reading of Koran, showing mercy towards the poor by giving zakat and abstaining from all bad habits.
Despite my busy schedule at my hospital, fasting has never seemed to be a burden on me. It's like a whole month of celebration for the entire family. The most enjoyable time of Ramzan is breaking fast, either at home or in the mosque. It is a relief, and one will be freed from the fatigue and depression at that time.
In my hometown of Kottayam, there are two big mosques. Usually, 700 to 800 people gather at these mosques for iftar. Special food will be available for the entire crowd, which includes very tasty Ramzan ‘kanji’, dates and pathiri and curry. It's enjoyable to spend time with others on the mosque premises.
For breaking fast at home, we will have a variety of foods including special Malabar punnakka dishes and pathiri. Late night prayer is an inevitable part of Ramzan fast. A large number of people will be spending time at mosques for a minimum of two hours. The whole Koran is read and completed by the 27th night of Ramzan called Lailathul Khadir, which this time was on Monday.
The importance of this day is that even a short prayer will be accepted and is equivalent to many hours of prayer on other days. In my memory, I have never missed Lailathul Khadir. During this, devotees will stay awake the whole night, read Koran and pray begging for forgiveness of Allah.
Ramzan is also an occasion for reunion and renewal of relationships. Friends and well-wishers get together and share iftar meals.
(Dr Sadakkathulla MD is a well-known physician at KIMS Hospital, Kottayam/ As told to Abhish Bose)
