This Ramadan vs That Ramadan : “Will You Fast or Will You Feast?

This Ramadan vs That Ramadan : “Will You Fast or Will You Feast?” by Nisaar Y. Nadiadwala

For them, Ramadan was a month of Ibadah.

 For us, Ramadan is a month of festival

Their preparation  was in the form of announcements of glad news for those who fasted and those who prayed at night.

 Our preparations are in the form of  colouring houses, stitching pillow covers, curtains and bed sheets.

They enjoyed their ‘fasts’

We enjoy our ‘feasts’.  

Their fasts were identified by hunger and  thirst

Our fasts are  identified  by fast foods and colas.

They could count the number of dates they had for iftar or suhur ,

We cant count the number of dishes we have at iftars and suhurs

They stood before their Lord till late nights

We stand before our malls, markets and eateries till late nights.

They focused on Reciting Qur’an

We focus on Khatm e Qur’an. 

Virtues of Laylatul Qadr was reminded in sermons and personal discussions.

Today we are reminded about “sales and 50 % Offs” for shopping in Ramadan.

Right from the first day of Ramadan they waited for Laylatul Qadr.

Right from the first day of Ramadan we wait  for Eid moon.

In the last ten days they searched for Laylatul Qadr

In the last ten days we search for heavy discounts  in shops and malls

In those days Qaris with beautiful recitations were preferred

In  our times Qaris with beautiful speed are preferred. 

They went into Ibadah in seclusion

While we prefer to go Iftar parties.  

 Composed by Nisaar Nadiadwala. nisaar_yusuf@yahoo.com