Our Elderly and the holy Ramadan

The blessed month of Ramadan opens doors of obedience, tranquility, submission, blessings and devotion for all of us. It’s a time to keep Rozah (fast), give Khair’at (alms), put abundant prayers, reflection, and a chance to purify one’s body and soul. History stands eyewitness that whenever mankind had to achieve success, it has had a glimpse on the past to relearn how that duty was previously performed-a kind of re-evaluation where one has to recall the entire earlier record in order to be victorious. Quite similarly, is Mah-e-Siyam a month of spiritual development, purification, and well-being where it is incumbent upon us to look back how our elderly lived their life during the holy month.

Some decades back, Ramadans were silent without any pomp and show attached to them, and no unnecessary noise was made on loudspeakers unlike today. Not only would Mah-e-Ramzan open the doors of blessings but it made life so calm, devotional and jubilant in all aspects. Our elderly people who lived a peaceful life, honestly treated Mah-e-Siyam as the month of test for them. Being God-fearing, they knew that Allah (SWT) does not like Riyakari (ostentation), rather He (SWT) straight looks at our intentions. They prepared for Mah-e-Ramzan during the month of Shaban, and had a mindset of earning for the rest of 11 months, only to spend during the blessed month.

One widespread stereotype about those elderly is that, they lived a quite simple life. They never hankered after material pursuits to spoil their Su’koon (tranquility) in life. They believed in Halal (lawful) earnings; out of which they separated some amount for Mah-e-Siyam. And when the month would begin, they spent very judiciously by having a habit of helping others during Ramadan. Though they had a limited income but they weren’t misers. They were good to everyone and advised people around them to help each other during Mah-e-Ramzan.

Keeping themselves reserved for the scared month, our elderly also enjoyed the month of fasting in true sense during all the three Ashras (ten days). They devoted much of their time in Ibadah (worship). While men spent their much times in Masjids, women worshipped at home besides being engaged in domestic chores. They would wake of early for Tahj’ud (pre-dawn payers) and genuinely put prayers to Allah and recited the noble Qur’an loudly which would positively signal others to wake up early for Sehri (pre-dawn meals). Indeed, did such habits paid them off in the long run. Not only did that loud recitation of holy Qur’an and early waking up brought blessings in our families but spread a message that Qur’an is the only book of guidance for mankind. Literally, such blessings have faded from our edifices now.

I vividly remember, my beloved grandmother Zoon Ded who died above 100, at Rebban, Sopore. She was such a pious lady that she devoted much of her time in offering prayers. I have had never seen her involving herself in gossiping. Instead, she spent much of her time in her room at Jaa-e-namaz (prayer mat). Honestly, when Mah-e-Siyam would set in, a unique excitement and rejuvenation would reign over her because she believed that Mah-e-Ramzan brought her closer to Allah and fasting is intended to purify one’s soul.

Oh! I forgot to point out that, my grandma would habitually wake up too early during Mah-e-Siyam and does Ibadah abundantly by sitting at her prayer-mat. She recited Qur’an, told her rosary and chanted Na’nts and Darood Sharief, loudly, that would not let us sleep. And when we would complain her that Mouje, you don’t let us sleep. To this she added, saying, “Mah-e-Siyam comes once in a year and that we have ample time to sleep later. So, we must take full advantage of all the blessings and submit ourselves to Allah ta’lla.” And during Ifta’ar time (sunset time to break fast), she did an-hour-long Du’a (supplication) by keeping a water glass nearby to break fast.

It merits a mention here that, our elderly kept their food habit very simple. They didn’t fill their bellies with too much of superfoods. They rather ate less to live longer and kept their Nafs (soul or self) in control. As they thought the holy Ramadan, a test for their forbearance and a time to attain Taqwa (fear of God and abstinence). Without any show off during the month, they changed themselves by becoming virtuous, attaining self-restraint and purifying their souls. Evils like jealously, envy, extravagance, show-off, deceit, etc. was not an idea at all in their honest and tranquil lives.

Nowadays, we see a huge rush of patients at doctors’ polyclinics or in hospitals during Mah-e-Siyam. People frequently protest that they are suffering from different diseases, and are not able to keep fast. But during our great-grandparents’ time, it was not so. They strictly made sure that everyone in their joint families kept Rozah (fast). Even kids were advised to keep fast so that a habit is formed. They treated the holy month of Ramadan extremely beneficial, not only for curing all ailments but for other health benefits as well.

To conclude, let us take a moment to look back at the lives of our elderly who lived with a sense of thriftiness, frugality, simplicity, honesty, being connected with the natural world, were content with what they had, and looked out for one another in times of need. Let’s appreciate their wisdom of living so simply besides facing challenges and hardships. All that is, surely, a legacy worth leaving behind.

Manzoor Akash is regular GK columnist, educator and author