A Brief History of Ramadan Celebration in Pakistan

 

“When the month of Ramadan starts, the gates of the heaven are opened and the gates of Hell are closed and the devils are chained.” (Bukhari)

 

Hello readers! I have missed you all my readers. Today I am going to write about how Ramadan is celebrated.

Before I tell you more about the celebrations of Ramadan, let me tell you a brief history of this holy month. It is one of the months in the Islamic calendar and it was also part of ancient Arab's calendar. The naming of Ramadan stems from the Arabic root “ar-ramad,” which means scorching heat. Prophet Muhammad stipulated that the Muslims feed the poor in this month. Towards the end of Ramadan, zakat-al-fitr, or ‘alms of the breaking of the fast, was a duty on every able Muslim and equated to a portion of dates or barley given directly into the hands of the poor. Giving to the poor and needy is the essence of Ramadan.

 

As I told you a little about the history section, now, let me share my ideas of how Ramadan is celebrated in Pakistan. I know how much Muslims in Pakistan love and sacredness to prepare for and celebrate the holy month. Waking up early in the morning for the pre-dawn meal (sehri), refraining from eating, drinking, and even refrain from marital relations till sunset when they break their fast (iftaar), spiritual discipline, and increased worship are the best things about the month of Ramadan. Did I tell you that Iftaar is the best part of the day during Ramadan? Families enjoy meals, sometimes lavish banquet-style settings, including different dishes, juices, traditional foods, salads, hand-made bread, and fruits. Ah! just writing about this made my mouth water. Remember that there are people too who cannot afford such gala meals, and we must think about them too, right? Well, some worshipers share their food with those in need. Always try to be one of those, pals.

Indeed, Ramadan is considered the most joyful month of the year, and the month ends with the greatest celebration of all, Eid al-Fitr. Around the world, Muslims celebrate with lights and decorations, Eid al-Fitr gatherings. After the completion of thirty days of fasting, Muslims celebrate Eid. The celebrations last for up to three days, involving praying, feasting, giving gifts and charities. My favourite part of Eid-ul-fitar is receiving Idhi from elders.  Thus, the holy month is filled and ends with love, happiness, and peace.

My utmost prayers and wishes with you all on this Ramadan. Amid this world pandemic, this Ramadan is special, I hope whoever gets to fast, let it for all the people who cannot fast and be part of this holy month.

Written by Sehrish Fatima

How to Manage Your Studies in Ramadan

As the Holy Month of Ramadan reaches, the student in all of us is faced with the reality that we will need to adapt our habits to a drastically different time-table. While I may not speak for everyone, some of you may relate to my all-nighter kind of routine of waking up till Sehri and then hitting the hay after Sehri. Not as much of a healthy routine, I do not recommend it though.

This one is for the people who have to manage their timeline to fit their studies into the Ramadan routine because as the calendar suggests, Mid-Term exams are nearby and gonna be during Ramadan. Here are some of my tried and tested ways to incorporate my study during fasting and afterwards. These include some sub-tips to help us out throughout the day as lethargy and tiredness slowly creeping up throughout the day affects our productivity.

1. DO NOT assume you can study late at night. 

Trust me, if you leave all your workload towards the night-time, you’re gonna regret it. Sure, some of us night owls can easily cope with our inverted routines, but it is highly likely that the urge to scroll through your phone in your comfy bed will overtake you. If you think you are productive during the night, divide up your work to a more achievable goal.

2. Make a weekly schedule to follow. 

This can be an all-year round habit but doing this during Ramadan will greatly help you. Schedule your assignments and your quiz prep to suit your daily routine. My suggestion would be to get to it 2 hours after waking up. Taking Namaz breaks to serve as a pick-me-up time helps too.

3. Don’t study nearing the iftar time. 

That is the time you’ll be the most lethargic around especially won’t be able to retain information as productively. Instead, pray or read the Quran. Help out in the kitchen for iftar prep.

4. Manage your eating habits. 

Overeating and overhydrating are your biggest enemies when it comes to gaining energy, we so desire to get through the piles of university work. Take it easy during iftar. Gradually eat and drink plenty of fluids at regular intervals of time. This helps in not getting lethargic and lazy.

5.  Ramadan is a time of reminiscing and being thankful for all the blessings we have had. 

To share and give. To spend time with family and friends. Do not overburden yourself and cherish the time you have in your homes and with your peers. Being mentally present and taking breaks throughout the day will help you recharge yourself better and avoid burn out.

Conclusively, managing your studies during this world Is all about finding the sweet spot between our obligations throughout the day and our workload set forth us by our teachers. It is imperative that you let your schedule be very organized but fluid so that you do not feel bound to it and actually enjoy learning throughout the day.

This Ramadan, especially with the onset of the third wave of COVID 19, I urge you all to be safe. There will be many people this Ramadan with empty chairs on their dining table, so many lives lost to this pandemic, be thankful for how Allah has helped you survive through this. And work hard for upcoming mid-term exams. 

Written by Raffeain Khalil