Hyderabad: At the onset of the Holy month of Ramadan, preparations are in full swing in Hyderabad. Masajid are being cleaned and whitewashed. While the huffaz are preparing for taraveeh, the rich are busy calculating the quantum of Zakat. Muslim scholars insist that Muslims should focus more on prayers rather than on shopping and feasting on mouth-watering dishes.
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and the month of fasting for Muslims. The month starts upon the sighting of the moon and ends on the same. Fasting in Ramadan is a main pillar of Islam that helps Muslim grow closer to Allah.
Fasting, which is recognized for its health, spiritual and psychological benefits, is considered by Muslims as a means to improve their moral characters and provides an opportunity for a spiritual renewal.
Fasting teaches how to control and discipline desires. Besides it teaches empathy and sympathy, and it takes away some of our selfishness and self-centeredness.
The celebration marking the end of Ramadan is called Eid-ul-Fitr.