The Ramadan crescent has been spotted in various locations in the country, including J&K, signaling the start of the 30-day Muslim fasting month on Thursday. Muslims worldwide partake in dawn-to-dusk fasting during Ramadan, a period dedicated to prayer and penance. Devout Muslims engage in the routine five-time daily prayers and also perform the special ‘Tarawih’ prayers in the evening.
Tarawih prayers, observed during Ramadan, are voluntary Sunnah prayers conducted by Muslims at night, usually after the Isha prayer. These prayers are often done collectively, with 8 or 20 cycles to complete the Quran recitation throughout the month, promising significant rewards. Ramadan emphasizes charity, piety, compassion, and unity among believers, fostering a sense of forgiveness and hope for a better afterlife.
Preceding Ramadan, Muslims in Srinagar and other Kashmiri areas engaged in bustling shopping activities, particularly for dates, a favored fruit for breaking the fast. The eve of Ramadan witnessed long queues at grocery stores as locals stocked up on essentials for the holy month. While children are not obligated to fast until they reach maturity, many eager youngsters, inspired by their parents, choose to fast at least on the first day.
Local authorities ensured ample provisions of food items, dairy products, and meats for Ramadan preparations. The conclusion of Ramadan is marked by the joyous Eid al-Fitr festival, where Muslims break their month-long fast with a celebratory lunch.
