Every year, before the arrival of the holy month of Ramazan, most people I know—family, friends, and others—prepare to reap the maximum benefits of this sacred time....
RAMAZAN VIBES
Every year, before the arrival of the holy month of Ramazan, most people I know—family, friends, and others—prepare to reap the maximum benefits of this sacred time. People eagerly anticipate Ramazan’s spiritual blessings and unique traditions. To explore what makes this month special, I decided to gather various perspectives from my family members and college friends. Here’s what they shared:
For many, the culinary delights of Ramazan are unmatched. Dishes like pakoras, fruit chaat, cholay, and dahi baray become daily staples that taste extra special during this month. Interestingly, some admit that despite the spiritual essence being the highlight, the joy of iftar remains a personal favorite. “I can’t imagine iftar without pakoray and fruit chaat! Unfortunately, fruit becomes super expensive as soon as the Ramazan moon is sighted,” says Atiya, my cousin and classmate.
Waking up for sehri can be challenging, especially for those with irregular sleep patterns. Yet, the early morning meal is embraced as a sunnah, with many making a conscious effort to participate even after late nights. This discipline is seen as an opportunity to strengthen faith and develop healthier habits. “Getting up for sehri is really difficult for me, so what I do is stay up until sehri time and then go to sleep after offering my fajr prayers. I make sehri for my family before waking them up, so I earn sawab,” jokes my aunt, who avails herself of her annual leave during the month of Ramazan every year.
One aspect frequently mentioned is the sense of spiritual clarity. With Shaitan restrained, many find it easier to pray regularly, wake up for fajr, and engage with the Quran. For some, Ramazan is the only time they complete a full recitation of the holy book, cherishing the peace it brings. Raza, my classmate, who usually prays only on Fridays, says he offers namaz regularly and goes to the mosque as frequently as he can during the holy month. “Somehow I just do it. Normally, I keep coming up with excuses for not praying, but during Ramazan I just want to. I guess it’s because the devil is chained in hell and can’t lead us astray.”
Beyond personal spirituality, the month encourages empathy. Fasting creates a deeper awareness of the struggles faced by those less fortunate, prompting acts of charity and gratitude. This heightened compassion is one of Ramazan’s most cherished gifts. My university teacher, Ms. Fozia, says when she sees people doing physical labour, she is awed. “I thank Allah for blessing me with a luxurious lifestyle, but I can’t help thinking that those who work so hard during Ramazan will be rewarded extra by Him.”
Family traditions also play a significant role. Preparing iftar together and sharing meals at iftar and sehri is something we all cherish. Then there is shopping for Eid! Many of my friends like to shop for Eid before Ramazan but still love to go out during the last week to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of pre-Eid shopping. I also know people who treasure the last ten days of Ramazan and spend all their free time praying.
Ramazan is also a time of personal reflection. We consciously think about controlling anger and being patient with everyone around us. We often make Ramazan resolutions, promising ourselves to continue doing good deeds even after Ramazan, but let’s accept it: we are human and tend to slip up after a few weeks. Some people simply stop the very moment the Shawwal moon is sighted. My father told me that after Ramazan, the mosques—filled to capacity during the holy month—are mostly empty, especially at fajr time. People recount learning valuable lessons in kindness and self-restraint during fasting, but not all of us remember once Ramazan disappears for yet another year.
My favourite activity during Ramazan is indulging in afternoon naps. Sleeping in the afternoon is a novelty the rest of the year, but since all educational institutions let out early, people enjoy the siesta very much. Those who don’t sleep enjoy preparing iftar treats. But ultimately, Ramazan is more than just abstaining from food and drink—it’s a time to reset spiritually, enjoy family time, and thank Allah for all our blessings. Whether through prayer, family gatherings, or personal reflection, the month offers a chance to reconnect with what truly matters.
