Muslims in Jamshedpur sit for the iftar on the first day of Ramazan. Picture by Srinivas

Jamshepdur, Sept. 14: The holy month of Ramazan, marked by fasting and recitation of Quran, began at Jamshedpur, with prayer sessions at various mosques, including the Jama Masjid Mosque, Sakchi.

Men in kurta and pyjama thronged up to the Jama Masjid Mosque at Sakchi to recite the Quran, which is mandatory during the holy month of Ramazan.

Besides reciting the Quran, they would also offer special prayers, called the Tarawih, in a session to be held at the mosque ever night.

A whole section of the Quran is recited each night so that by the month-end, the entire Quran has been recited.

The most prominent event of this month is the daytime fasting. During Ramazan, the followers of Islam rise before dawn to eat and perform prayers. Fasting all day, they break their fast in the evening. Fasting is said to divert the heart away from worldly activities and cleanse the soul, freeing it from impurities.

A city-based businessman, Shahbaz Hussain, who came to Jama Masjid Mosque to recite prayers, said: “Ramazan is not a celebration for us, but a period of month-long fasting and prayers. Besides fasting, we are encouraged to read the Quran.”

Syed Mansoor Ali, president of Jama Masjid Mosque, highlighted the spiritual aspects of Ramazan, emphasising on charity.

Ali said the followers of Islam have to give zakat or a slice of their annual savings to the needy during this month. “Every Muslim should donate some percentage of their savings to the poor,” he said.

The Islamic holiday of Eid-ul-Fitr (breaking of fast) marks the end of Ramazan, a day marked by feasting, wearing new clothes, greeting near and dear ones and making donations to the underprivileged.