By Raqib Hameed Naik, TwoCircles.net,
Delhi: Friday marked the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan, during which Muslims abstain from consuming anything, even water, between dawn and dusk. The fast is traditionally ended by eating dates, followed by a congregational prayer in a mosque or at home.
Every evening during Ramadan, thousands of Muslims assemble at the Old City’s Jama Masjid and submit to God in appreciation for what they have been provided, both materially and spiritually.
A five year old boy from nearby slum is happy as his polythene bag is full with food which he collected from people who voluntarily offered eatables according to their capacities and availability.
Dates were used by Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) to break his fast during Ramadan (Iftar). Date, a staple fruit of West Asia, picks up sales across the globe during the month of Ramadan. A huge date market in Jama Masjid area of Delhi is filled with Muslims buying dates to break their fasts.
“The month of Ramadan in which the Quran was revealed, a guidance for mankind and clear proofs for the guidance and the criterion (between right and wrong)’’ [Quran al-Baqarah 2:185].
A street vendor in Meena Bazar next to the historic Jama Masjid is reading Holy Quran while his father next to him is selling Islamic books.
Matia Mahal Bazaar opposite to Jama Masjid Gate No 1 which is usually a famous spot for non-vegetarian delicacies and sweets is decorated with garlands, like a newly wedded bride in the month of Ramadan.
Inside the historic Jama Masjid, built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, there is festive mood among the people especially the kids who are making the rounds of Masjid, anticipating the voice of priest announcing the breaking of fast.
A woman recites Holy Quran while sitting on the floor of Jama Masjid in this hot summer of June in Delhi when the mercury is above 40 degree Celsius which makes the floor hot resembling like a fire pot.
Muslim families from different parts of Delhi inside Jama Masjid waiting for sun to set so that they can break their day long fast.
Women and men sit in queues to take part in Iftar (fast breaking) organized by Jama Masjid committee.
A non-Muslim women takes part in Iftar (fast breaking) while sitting in queue with Muslims who are waiting to break the fast.
People performing ablution to get ready for the Magrib Prayers in Jama Masjid.
As the loudspeakers of Jama Masjid announce breaking of fast (Iftar), the people inside break their fast with dates followed by juices and water kept in front of them.
Father and son duo breaking their day long fast.
All Photos by : Raqib Hameed Naik
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