The festival of Ramadan, which is observed as the month of fasting by the Muslims, begins from Tuesday. The festival is marked to observe the month when the Quran, the great holy book of the Muslims, was revealed. The beginning and end of Ramadan are determined by the lunar Islamic calendar called Hijri.
Fasting from dawn till sunset locally known as Roja is mandatory for all the adult Muslims except for those pregnant, suffering from illness and disability.
The holy month is divided into three parts including the first ten days of good times known as Barakkat, the second ten days of love and care known as Rahamat and the final ten days of Magafirat or forgiveness from Allah.
Those observing Roja keep their body pure and recite the Quran five times in a day regularly. Mohammad Ajad from Sarauchiya in Biratnagar said that Ramadan month was very important for them and the Muslims observing it get to follow five of four precepts generally.
The festival is believed to promote self-discipline, sacrifice and empathy for those who are less fortunate, thus encouraging actions of generosity and compulsory charity. “It is a matter of pride for all the Muslims observe fasting during the Ramadan,” shared Ajad.
