ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: The first Ashra of the holy month of Ramzan began on Tuesday with the faithful showing great enthusiasm and religious zeal toward fasting and praying to make themselves pious and healthy.
A number of faithful rushed to different markets of the twin cities to shop Ramzan accessories soon after the announcement of commencement of Ramzan by Moon Sighting Committee on June 6.
The month of Ramzan has greater significance in the lives of Muslims and it gives them an opportunity to seek forgiveness, abstain from bad deeds by praying and fasting regularly, creating close connection between them and Allah Almighty.
It also fosters the charitable endeavours by impelling upon philanthropists and charitable organizations to extend maximum support to the deserving ones in shape of cash, food and other accessories.
Talking to APP, Samina Chaudhry, a house wife said, “We arrange lavish `aftari’ and `sehri’ during Ramzan for ourselves but forget the people who cannot afford to buy food during the prevailing price hike situation”.
“It is the duty of everyone to take care of the needy people during Ramzan by arranging `aftari’ for them to get the blessings of Allah Almighty,” she said.
“Fasting acts like a weapon for the purification of self and creates the spirit of sympathy and sharing grief which is the source of immense reward spiritually”, said a lecturer, Tahir Zia.
He said, during the first Ashra of Ramzan, faithful must keep on giving charity which is the act Allah loves the most and treat fellow Muslims well by controlling their temper.
They should also help the helpless to get mercy of Allah, Tahir Zia added.
According to the religious teachings, the first 10 days of Ramzan are the days of Mercy, second 10 days are of forgiveness and the last 10 days are of being freed from the hell.
Ramzan is a month in which Allah Almighty multiplies one’s good deeds, expunge sins and raise the ranks.
