By Abdullahi Jamaa
There is a lot to remember about when it comes to history and of our childhood memories. Ramadan is particularly awesome giving us a lot that can remain at the back of our minds for long. This an occasion of joy and of manifest purity.
As far as fashions, fantasies and modern trends are concerned the 1990’s may not be to everyone’s liking. But then our Ramadan experience was much more memorable than it is today. Can I say, we have missed a lot?
Here is why:
Moon sighting rapture
These moments seized us and swept us away with its rapture and merriment. Sighting the crescent of Ramadan was a communal responsibility where every Muslim made an effort to witness it afresh. It was a rare ‘luck ‘to find it the first and every home and family made extra effort to locate the new moon.
Ramadan’s nice life
We used to have a nice life during Ramadan. Everything was simple and we used to get together, spend a lot of time together. Now TVs, Mobiles and work life replaced all those moments of joy. It seems everybody is busy in his own way. Those days there was time for everything but most importantly, families enjoyed Ramadan with its wholesome and awesome environment.
Suhoor drummers
The thudding sound of drum beats used to fill the air during Ramadan. The beats will be on for an entire month – across streets and alleyways in every village. It was a tradition where young boys wake up people for suhoor by beating drums and shouting ‘Ya Muslimeen Suhoor’. Now we have alarm clocks…
Haraam list
In the 1990’s the list of things that were not allowed during fasting was somehow longer than it is now. Ramadan was strict and people would make sure to follow the norms. We used to spit a lot, making sure that there was nothing in our mouth. Applying coconut hair oil was also considered a thing that invalidates the fast. The lists was endless Alhamdulillah for the knowledge. The only thing we did not miss…………
Can you remember a thing about Ramadan in 1990’s ?
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