My first and last 'Roza'!

"The rule for Fasting is similar to Namaz and is Farz-e-Ain and those who reject to believe it as obligatory (Farz) is a Kafir and those who miss it without genuine reason is a big sinner and will receive punishment in hell."

The auspicious month of Ramzan just concluded with Eid on the 21st of August. This period of time has always been fascinating to me especially after entering college as I see so many batch mates and juniors observing fast rigidly and whole-heartedly. As I quote the above lines cited from the international Islamic web, I kind of understand the obligation. What is fascinating is that, they fast, attend classes, play foorball like any other day but, without a drop of water.

Well, towards the fag end of this year's Ramzan, I was chatting with one of school friends studying in BITS Dubai who was enjoying his Eid holidays. I just remarked to him my feeling about the hardship of the Muslim community during these 40 days, to which he replied, "It is not THAT tough." He added, "I have tried it myself." That's when I decided to observe a fast like everybody else that day itself.


Fast is called 'Sawm' in arabic, which literally means 'to refrain'. According to shariat/Islamic law, it refers to refraining from eating, drinking and sexual intercourse. There is one more thing they emphasise on, 'The Intent'. Intention means to fix a firm thought in your heart. If the intention is made at night then say "I have made the intention for the fast of Ramadan for Allah which 1 will keep tomorrow" and if the fast is made before midday then say " I have made the intention for the fast of Ramadan for Allah which I will keep today" [Johra, Bahar].

I was used to fasting till lunch anyways everyday, why not continue it a little further then? But one thing i noticed was that it is impossible not to swallow even one's saliva. It looked physiological and 'un-avoidable'. I carried on my daily activities and once you get involved in them, the thought of food vanishes. But, when you have nothing to do, the pH of your stomach seems get more and more acidic and literally perforate your stomach! And this is when sleep comes handy.

As noon sets in, the repeated visits to the academic building, registrar and administration commenced. Then, I had my dance practice (Jive) for the P Wave (opening dance drama at Pulse). I could manage that but following this, the football practice was killing! Energy and stamina halved, pulse very weak and sweating drained me even more and that is when some one said, "It is 7:20, you can drink something!" The few drops of 'Nimbooz' was incomparably refreshing. 
"One understands the importance of something only when he/she is bereft of it" 

I savoured my dinner like never before. Then, fell flat in bead by 11pm (too early according to hostel standards).

It was an experience worth having. For one day, it is do-able but consistently for 40 days, is a real task.

Belated Eid Mubarak! 


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