THE MONTH OF RAMADAN

continuous activity during the night without taking into consideration the needs of the sick, elderly, children and people of other communities. Then how about the eve of Eid-ul-Fitr and the day of Eid itself? A portion of a Hadith pertaining to the day before Eid is as follows: During the last night of Ramadan, the sins of all the believers who have been fasting are forgiven. It was asked, ‘O Prophet of God, is this night the one known as the ‘night of power? The Prophet replied, ‘No, but as soon as the deed is done, the reward for the deed is immediately bestowed’. According to this Hadith, on the last night of Ramadan, those amongst the followers of the Prophet who have fasted in the true spirit will be rewarded for their deeds, and this will be noted in their records. This night of Ramadan is referred to in other Hadith literature as the ‘night of reward’ (Al Bayhaqi). God rewards His believers for every good deed. Due to the special significance of worship during Ramadan, this reward has been specifically mentioned by the Prophet. It is so unfortunate that the night before Eid is spent by most people in careless indulgence and entertainment. They throng shopping centres and market places. The above Hadith is a warning against all such frivolities. Another Hadith regarding the day of Eid-ul-Fitr is reported as: When the day of Eid-ul-Fitr dawns on them, then God is pleased and proclaims to the angels. ‘O my angels, what is the reward for the doer who has completed his deed, The angels reply, ‘Our Lord, such a person should be given the complete reward for the deed done.’ The day of Eid is a day of glad tidings and its true spirit is to promote spiritual values among people and create a peaceful environment in society. This day should be celebrated with praises of God, thankfulness, while refraining from causing any kind of inconvenience to fellow citizens irrespective of what inconveniences one faces during celebrations by others in society. o