Author recounts his childhood memory of Ramadhan and gives his physician tips during Ramadhan at the end.
Like other children, I would crave to have the glimpse of “Seharkhan” during Ramadhan. One fine day, Thatha my grandfather finally succeeded to jounce me enough, and I got up still rubbing my eyes to have the glimpse of this great man from the window.
“Tin, tin, tin, tin —- the ringing of the Bell could be heard from a distance.
Waqtay Saher, Waqtay Saher, as he was calling out while reciting Kalami Sheikh Noor Din Wali R.A regarding the morning prayers in a melodious voice. ( subech Namaz chai Taktus randoo….)
Suddenly barking of a few dogs started in the background of tin, tin.
“Does anybody accompany him”? I curiously asked my grandfather who was standing by my side on the window
“Yes, he said, his son carries a long stick to safeguard them from dogs in the night,” he further added.
The sound was approaching towards our common compound which was shared by 12 families. The Seharkhan started banging on the gate mercilessly. The great wooden gate seemingly was not hard enough but years of thrashing had not affected it at all. Apart from its obtuse angle with the adjacent side wall, it had stood the test of time like a rock.
The Seharkhan went on calling Waqtay Saher, Waqtay Saher for a few minutes and finally left.
I just heard him, but did not see him. Our old house at Mohalla Hatishah Sopore was situated on the bank of River Jhelum which flows like a stream of the glass quite and serene. The fresh air currents would bathe our homes and even though most of the walls of the great house were wonky but there used to be peace of mind.
Coming back to Sahour that day I had got up quite early unlike my routine in Ramadhan. Dad took me along with him to the river to have a bath as diving in the river during fast was not permissible . It was amazing to see 8-10 people taking a bath in the river at around 3.30 am.
After the refreshing bath, I stepped up the stairs from the river bank, towards home, uncle Rafi Ahmad Masoodi had started his unique black Gramophone & the great Qawali from Sabri brothers “Saray La Makan say Talub hoie—– was going on. Mesmerising!
“ How does the Gramophone produces its sound and do we need to write on the disc and how? I asked my grandfather. He smiled as it was beyond his imagination.
Anyway that day I had a hassle free Sahour for the first time. After Sahour Nana ( my grandmother ) insisted me to take Kashmiri tea with a pretext that the tea will keep me fresh for the whole day. Contrary to this Thatha (my grand father ) wanted me to avoid tea so that after Fajir prayers I could sleep nicely. The fabulous couple sweetly argued on this issue, and finally, I slept. It will not be out of place to mention that Nana would start getting up for the Sahour at around 2 am as she would never trust the watches we all wore. Finally at around 2.30 am everyone would give up convincing her, and she would start preparing skimmed Lassi. Invariably she would make Lassi by taking out fat from it but in Ramadhan, she would not only mix less water but keep back milk fat making it cold and refreshing.
Next day apart from feeling thirsty the fast went on nicely. As the Iftaar was approaching a lot of crows could be seen on the wooden roof of one of our neighbor’s home Mr. Sadeeq Ganie Sahib from our 3rd story. Our elders would often say that the crows do have an evening class. Finally, all crows could be seen making beautiful circles for a few minutes and finally disappear.
A good number of children used to collect an hour before the Azaan near Masjid compound and no sooner the late Mr. Ghulam Mohd Ganie would call the Azaan every one could be seen running and reciting Iftar,—–iftar ……..to join their families.
The cream-colored Pherni, and golden yellow Halwa and Basil Seeds (Babri beoul in Kashmiri) in milk have been the common tradition during Ramadhan in Kashmir.
Mrs.Sara Massa, one of our aunties, would come near Isha prayers to our home and take Nana to Khaniqah Moula Sopore for prayers. Again a debate used to be there that the females must pray in homes instead. Invariably Nana used to sneak her way and come after Tarawih from the Masjid.
The days flew by and the last week of Ramadhan approached. Our mothers and grandmothers started cleaning the great old house, a tough job indeed. One beautiful day two men entered our common compound, yes you guessed correctly, Sehar Khan and his son. They were collecting rice, the wages of their month-long hard-earned toil. I quickly came down with a bowl of rice which I believe was too less for their hard work . I finally got a chance to see the great “Saher Khan “ and also shake hands with him. .He looks like all other men whispered my heart: a great surprise to my mind. Good old days!!!
Ramadhan tips :
How to be fit while fasting
The fasting is all about the approach in mind. It helps and doesn’t create problems with your body. In fact, fasting improves the autophagic activity of the body which boosts immunity and prevents so many diseases.
- The most important thing to keep in mind, whether for iftar or suhoor, is staying away from sugary foods. consuming too much sugar after hours of fasting results in the body storing it as fat. Instead, it’s better to rely on proteins, vegetables, and fruits.A perfect iftar would consist of a bowl of soup, followed by a 15 to 20-minute break; just enough time for your brain to register how full it may be and how hungry your body really is.
- A big serving of salad and vegetables.1-2 meat pieces or chicken .Avoid high sugar, salty and spicy foods, since they’ll leave you feeling pretty thirsty throughout the fasting hours.
- Dates are a good alternative for when you’re craving something sweet, and will also give you a good boost of energy.
- When it comes to drinks, try replacing coffee and tea with water. Your goal is to ensure your body is not dehydrated, which can hinder weight loss. Make sure you drink enough water between dusk and dawn, a bit over three liters should leave your body hydrated and can also do wonders to your skin. Keep Lemon cubes ready to use at home:
Crush 8-10 lemons and put the lemon juice in the cubes without water,,, store in the freezer of your refrigerator…. make lemon tea or take lemon water and just chill………..Please avoid adding sugar
Lemon juice is rich in vitamin C, Vitamin B, calcium, and minerals
- Do not eat too much. The real challenge is making sure your body gets the required amount of calories every day & not too many calories. Replace sweet dishes by Pumpkin (Doodaal in Kashmiri)It is easy to prepare Boil pumpkin and mash it, then mix curd, add dry fruit or zeera. Then refrigerate.Pumpkin is a good source of vitamins A, C, E and B ,dietary fiber. ,Mineral wise, it’s rich with potassium, iron, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, copper, manganese, sodium, and zinc. This is the best sweet dish ever
- Try to feed one poor person daily. Try to sponsor the education of one orphan at least
- Do not sleep too much. Yes, relax near Iftar.
- Be Happy and thankful to Allah. Your body will release good hormones
- Lets us try to shun hate and spread peace and brotherhood. Life is very short
- Talk meaningful and when needed it will save you from so many sins in this holy month
- From my specialty point of view, the patients with chronic liver disease or malignancy of the GI tract may not fast.
Have a blessed month of Ramadhan!!!!!
Excerpt from the Book Bumby Roads authored by Dr. Ibrahim Masoodi.He can be mailed at ibrahimmasoodi@yahoo.co.in
