End of Ramadan is not an 'end' but the beginning of a new journey towards 'jannah' or the 'garden' - the final abode of the righteous and the Islamic believers. Winding up a long month of compassion, spirituality and virtuous rituals, Ramadan is finally bidding adieu. Eid is here! The most colourful and exciting month of Shawwal showers happiness in our lives. The land rejoices when they sight full moon, the sign of hope.
Ramadan symbolises sanctity of soul. The serene mindset attained by the end of Ramadan, through persistent and dedicated austerity and renunciation. The reciting of Quran gives one the energy and courage to lead virtuous life through the following eleven months.
Quran embodied in the month of Ramadan. Prophet Mohammed conceived holy Quran in one of the odd nights towards the end of Ramadan month. It is believed that a devotee who prays to Allah in the final nights of Ramadan month will attain 700 times the blessing he attains through prayers on normal days. The month of Ramadan is split into three parts - first ten days being the period of compassion, next ten days the period of repentence and last ten days that of extrication from the inferno.
Lord almighty shackles the demons and set open the 'Rayyaan' doorway of paradise in the month of Ramadan. Devotees are expected to spend the days of Ramadan month immersing themselves in spirituality and virtuous deeds. The day-long fasting is one of the many expressions of this dedication.
Ramadan rituals end as the rich devotees impart 'Fitwul Sakat' or a share of their yearly profit to the poor and the needy. The staple food grain of a place is distributed as Sakat.
As the Shawwal month commences, mosques and houses resonate with Takbir chantings. People celebrate Eid by wearing Mehendi and engaging in group 'niskara' prayer rituals. They visit their kith and kin and ensure their wellbeing. Shawwal is an opportunity to refresh your mind and prepare for the rest of the year.
