Credit: UKTL;com
By Zubair Khan
In spite of best efforts the Muslims residing in various countries of the world remain divided to start the month of Ramadan as well to celebrate the Eidul Fitr. True it is, each country has its own horizon, as well due to time difference, the variation in moon sighting can occur. However when Muslims residing in one country start Ramadan and celebrate Eidul Fitr at different dates bring sad, sorrow and bitter feelings not only amongst various factions of Muslim but followers of other religions also get an opportunity to downgrade Islam. As such it looks pertinent to analyse the reasons causing such split amongst various factions of Muslims.
Fasting is one of the key rituals that Muslims around the world observe. It requires one to abstain from food, drink, intimacy, ill will, ill talk, ill actions and other temptations from dawn to dusk, every day for a month. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, God has no need for the hunger or thirst of someone who hurts others, violates their dignity or usurps their rights. Consciousness of behavior and vigilance over action are the most profound dimensions of fasting. True fasting is self-purification; and from this comes a rich inner life that brings about values such as justice, generosity, patience, kindness, forgiveness, mercy and empathy — values that are indispensable for the success of the community.