VALPOI
The holy night 'Laylatul Qadr' will be observed as part of the ongoing Ramadan (Ramzan) period on July 2, as 2 lakh-odd Muslims in the State prepare to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr on July 6 or 7, depending on the sighting of the moon.
Speaking to The Goan, Maulana Suhel Ahmed Qasmi, a representative of Pheroz Education Foundation Mumbai, said: “Ramadan is considered the holiest month of the Islamic calendar.”
“Every Muslim who is past the age of puberty and mentally and physically fit and observes the month, must fast. The fast starts from dawn and is indicated by the Al Fajr prayer (morning prayer). It ends at dusk and is marked by the Al Maghrib prayer (prayer at sunset). This daily fasting routine carries on every day for the entire month. The last 10 days of Ramadan month are considered very important,” he said.
Laylatul Qadr, the holy night (the Night of Power) which is described in the Quran as “better than a thousand months”, will be observed on July 2.
The last 10 days of Ramadan are very important to Muslims, as they seek to observe Laylatul Qadr (The Night of Power). Laylatul Qadr is supposed to be the night when the Quran was revealed to the Prophet Mohammad (PBUH). Muslims devote more of their time for non-obligatory prayers, Dua’a and Quran recitals during those last 10 days.
“After Ramadan ends or fasting for whole month is over, Muslims celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr, which literally translates into the festival of breaking the fast,” Maulana Suhel added.
Special Eid prayer is performed in the morning and is held in congregations in mosques or open areas (Iddgah). After the prayer is over, people greet each other and also visit each other's houses to greet Id Mubarak. Children are usually given cash (Iddi) during Eid by family and friends.
