Terming the ongoing month of Ramadan as a month of significant importance and the mandatory fasting as something that brings humans closer to Allah, Hurriyat (M) Chairman and Jammu Kashmir Muttahida Majlis-e-Ulema chief, Mirwaiz Dr. Moulvi Muhammad Umar Farooq Tuesday said fasting does not only mean staying hungry but also stopping oneself from wrongdoings and cleansing both the body and soul from impurities.Delivering Waiz-o-Tableeg at an impressive gathering at Masjid Braripora, Nawa Kadal in Shehar-e-Khas area of Srinagar on the importance of the first ‘Ten Days of Mercy’ of Ramadan, the Mirwaiz said this holy month not only teaches Muslims to offer individual prayers and be responsible but also helps them develop better bonds and remove social ills for living with amity and brotherhood.
Expressing surprise over the soaring prices of essential commodities, like fresh fruits, vegetables, mutton, chicken and other eatables in Jammu and Kashmir the Mirwaiz said that at other Muslim majority places and Muslim countries, the prices of essential commodities in Ramadan actually fall keeping in view the spirit of the holiness of Ramadan and fear of Allah.The Mirwaiz said that raising prices and hording of essential commodities that too during Ramadan is a great sin and fasting or others prayers of such persons become meaningless. He stressed upon the trader community to desist from such practice. He emphasized upon the administration to look into the problems of the common masses in view of the unexpected price rise, shortage of ration and sugar at ration depots, shortage of water supply, electricity and other such problems and take effective steps to tackle these.
Terming the claims of the government of being prepared and keeping all essential commodities available for the people as hollow, he said the position on the ground, however, indicates that the government has failed on these fronts.Laying emphasis on the ‘Philosophy of Ramadan’, the Mirwaiz said besides fasting from dawn to dusk, it also teaches us to control from wrongdoings and sins, help poor and destitute, rid the society of its evils, dedicate oneself to true path of the Almighty Allah, and follow the same path throughout the year.Expressing hope that the Masjids, Khankahs and shrines would remain filled with people offering prayers throughout the year and people compete with one another in helping the poor and the destitute like they do during the holy month of Ramadan. (KNS)