Al Akhbar, P.4 (1-10-2006)

Kashmir: Days and Nights of Ramadan

(No writer's name is mentioned)

Kashmir was under the rule of Muslim kings. When seditions and disputes emerged in the territory, King Galal El Din Akhbar, who was the ruler of India in 1556, sent a military campaign to annex Kashmir. In 1586,
 

the territory was annexed and became one of the states, which were under the rule of King Akhbar. He also annexed Sindh and Kandahar provinces, which had become Indian states.

Since early Islamic eras, Islamic schools spread throughout India in general and in Kashmir in particular and they played a key role in spreading Islam and its teachings in this land.

India is the third largest country in terms of Muslim population after Indonesia and Bangladesh[1]. Indian Muslims start preparing for the holy month of Ramadan much in advance and we can say from the month of Shaaban. During Ramadan, Muslims in India used to pray Taraweeh prayer. Also, the holy Quran is recited regularly and many people complete its recitation on Shab-e-kadr (Lailat-ul-kadr). During the last ten days of Ramadan, when Lailat-ul-kadr is expected, people pray throughout the night in mosques.

As the common traditions, Indian Muslims, during the holy month of Ramadan, distributes sweets, drinks and coconuts for the prayers at the time of “Magrib Namaz or prayer” and also after Taraweeh prayer. Soup made of rice powder, meat and spices are among the favourite dishes at time of Iftar.

Indian Muslims call Id-ul-fitr "Id of sweets ", because it comes after a month of fasting. On Id time, Indian Muslims are keen to be dressed in white cloth and go to perform Id prayer either in mosques or in areas allocated for this purpose outside the cities. Id prayer is performed at different timings so that everybody can take part in it. After Id prayer is over, Indian Muslims visit their relatives and neighbours to congratulate them on the advent of Id and different types of sweet are distributed.