Ramadan 2011 started on Monday night, as the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee announced sighting of the moon in Karachi. Hot and humid weather coupled with load shedding would test the patience of people, as they brace themselves for a 15 hour-long fast. Saudi Arabia and other Middle East countries already marked beginning of the holy month on Monday while clerics in Peshawar also announced fasting with these countries. But most of the people called it an intentional effort to create a rift between different schools of thoughts regarding moon sighting and rejected the call of a minority group of clerics.
Citizens offered special night prayers known as traveeh, as it is considered a complementary part of Ramadan along with fasting. Preparations for these night prayers have been going for many days. Huffaz, those who have learnt the Holy Quran by heart, have been revising Quranic chapters to recite them to the people.
Thousands of Muslim men and women offered prayers in large congregations at the Baadshahi Mosque, Data Darbar, Minhajul Quran, Jamia Ashrafia, Jamia Naeemia and Qaadsia Masjid. All these places belong to different school of thoughts. Separate arrangements were made for women worshipers to offer traveeh in many mosques. Strict security arrangements were seen at all main mosques in the provincial capital.
With commencement of Ramadan, a religious atmosphere is prevailing in the city. Religious scholars have advised masses to be more pious and honest in their daily chores during the month. Office routines have been shortened to allow people to have Iftar at home.
A rush was seen at bazaars on Monday for pre-Ramadan shopping in the city. People were seen buying food items for Sehr and Iftar. Ramadan’s arrival coincided with beginning of August due to which business activity at utility stores, departmental stores, Akbari Mandi, Ramadan Bazaars and all other food markets was at its peak.
Sweets, fruits, basin, sugar, oil and flour were the most bought commodities in the market. “People usually come for their monthly grocery shopping at beginning of the month but today more emphasis is on Ramadan shopping,” a wholesale dealer at Akbari Mandi said. Ramadan bazaars were also made functional from Sunday and customers expressed contentment over rates and quality but were doubtful about the future of these bazaars during rest of the month. Ashraf, a customer at Ramazan Sasta Bazaar said, “It is the first day, so everything is good but we have an experience of Sunday bazaars while the CDGL has failed to ensure fresh items and stop overcharging.”
