Ramzan Archives

Why Do Muslim Millennials Unfollow Kardashian Sisters & Stop Video-Calling Romantic Partners During Ramzan?

This Ramzan has been most unusual – but also familiar. Since staying away from temptation is an idea so central to the holy month, most Muslim millennials stop sexting and watching TV shows, and unfollow the Kardashian sisters on Instagram. It is only around Eid that things are restored to normalcy.

Zeyad Masroor July 17, 2016

Culture

An “Immoral” Muslim’s Guide to Faking Roza

I’m a non-believing Muslim and people like me have become part of a subculture, where secrets are guarded with greater ferocity than the Illuminati. We bunk namaaz, and during Ramzan we fake-fast: the first major acts of rebellion for Muslim teens.

Godot June 25, 2016

POV

I’m a Muslim and I Can Never Go “Boo!”

I wear my religion on my sleeve – actually more like on my head in the form of a headscarf. And this happens to be a not-so-good time to be a practising Muslim.

Saadia S June 5, 2016

POV

My Name is Khan and I Don’t Fast! Can Non-Muslims Please Calm Down

Each time I open my dabba at lunch hour during Ramzan, the non-Muslim people at work gasp and ask, “You aren’t fasting?” Food defines their understanding of Islam and anyone in violation of that tenet threatens their understanding of the entire faith.

Karima Khan June 1, 2016

Culture

Namaz, Iftar, and Badminton: The Little Rituals of the Ramzan of My Childhood

In most other places, people welcome Ramzan by hanging lanterns on their windows or lighting up the streets. But in Mumbai’s Byculla, children welcome the holy month by fishing for a battered old pair of badminton racquet and as many shuttlecocks as they can lay their hands on.

Tasneem Pocketwala May 24, 2016

Culture

Eat, Pray, Repeat: The Monotony of Eid

Every Eid begins with Amma waking you up early to help her in the kitchen. Abba refuses to give you Eidi as you are an “independent adult”. The rest of the day is spent watching Eid transmissions on TV and eating mutton pilaf, instead of the chicken biryani you asked Amma to prepare.

Fizza A. April 14, 2016

POV

Ramzan or Ramadan? How Exactly Do You Say It?

The “alien Arabisation” versus Hindustani-Sufiani-Persian-essence debate on the correct way for Indians to pronounce the name of the holy month of Ramadan (Ramzan?) can be put to rest. I tell you exactly how. And it’s very easy.

Saadia S April 2, 2016