Ramadan

Ramadan is  a  particularly important month for Muslims. Fasting  during the month of Ramazan is one of the five pillars of Islam (see March).  Many say fasting is a season to test one’s endurance and self denial. It is also said that the gates to “paradise are open and the gates of hell are shut”, and also that those who keep the fast will be pardoned of all their past sins. All Muslim believers, from sun up to sun down are required to fast from drinking, eating, smoking, and sexual intercourse.  Exemptions are made for pregnant women, women on their menstrual cycle, children, aged adults, and those who are sick. An obligatory meal is taken before dawn. Even though the sleep cycle is disturbed, each person is required to get up and partake. The women rise around 3:30 am to prepare the food. Each day, upon the setting of the sun and the last call to prayer, the fast is broken. Celebration and feasting often go long into the night.  The last night of Ramazan is called the “Night of Destiny”.  This night is believed to be the night when prayers are answered and opportunity is given to change one’s destiny for the year. 

Id-ul-Fitr” the end of Ramazan

When the new moon signals the end of Ramazan, the fasting ends and celebration begins. This celebration, known as Id ul Fitr (breaking the fast),  is a three-day celebration where the extended family members pay each other visits and share snacks and meals together. Everyone dresses up in new clothes, and there are games and festivities for the children. Day one of the Id festival starts with special prayers at the mosque, followed by visits to the elders. Day two and three consist of visits to extended family and friends. Pashtuns enjoy this Id much in the same way as we enjoy Christmas. It is important that we as believers be on our knees during this entire month.  Ramazan is a time when Pashtuns have a heightened sense of religious passion and commitment to Islam. Many are trying to make up for their lack of fervency during the rest of the year. Nevertheless, it is an important time for us to exercise faith and to believe that the hearts of Pashtuns will be softened, and the false assurance of forgiveness will be removed.