It's Ramadan time

The holy month of Ramadan -- the 9th month in Islamic calendar -- when more than 1.5 billion Muslim across the globe observe fasting during the day and offer special prayers during the night -- on Friday reached its pinnacle when believers turned out in lakhs to congregate on the last Friday of the month.

Text: Mohammed Siddique in Hyderabad

Images: Snaps India

It was a rare combination when Jummatul Vida or last Friday followed Lailatul Qadar or Night of Power, believed the holies of all nights in Ramadan, which fell last night.

If mosques were packed with the worshippers throughout Thursday night for special prayers and tearful supplications seeking the mercy and grace of Allah, Friday was the day of big congregations.

The Jummatul Vida congregation is one of the high points of the prayers in Ramadan as Muslims bid tearful adieu to the holy month.

If a typical day of Roza or fasting is an occasion of struggle against hunger, thirst and fatigue for the believers, the Iftar or the moment of breaking the fast is the movement of reward when the variety of food items, specially the fruits and snacks are laid out.

Thousands gather in the courtyards of mosques to break the fast. Ramadan is also the occasion of huge business for the fruit vendors when almost every fruit is available in the market irrespective of the season. 

If the last few days of Ramadan are marked by the intense feeling of piety and religious fervour among the believers both in the matters of worship and also paying Zakat (obligatory charity) and other acts of kindness, they are also the occasion to prepare for the Idul Fitr or the festival marking the end of Ramadan.

The Id is expected to be celebrated on Monday or Tuesday next, depending upon the sighting of moon.