Floods put the dampeners on Ramadan spirits in Lucknow
7 Sep 2008, 1425 Hrs

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Lucknow, Sept 7 (ANI): Devout Muslims living in relief camps in flood-hit Lucknow on sunday said they are unable to observe Ramadan, as there is not even a proper place to pray.

Floods have dampened the spirits of Muslims during the holy month of 'Ramadan' in Lucknow city.

Ramadan is the holiest month of the religious calendar. Muslims must abstain from eatables and drinks from dawn to dusk, a discipline believed to better their souls.

Displaced by the floods and languishing in makeshift relief camps, Muslims are finding it difficult to observe Ramadan rituals like 'Sehri' (a pre-dawn meal) and 'Iftar' (the breaking of the fast), as there are no facilities in these camps.

They bemoan their fate, as they are unable to observe the tenets of Islam.

"This is our holy month and comes once a year. We are very distressed that we are not able to follow it this time. It means a lot to us. There is no place here, where we can offer prayers, there is nothing to eat, and we have to ask the neighbours for water," said Rani, a flood victim.

"We are not able to observe Roza this time, as there is no provision for food and water, we are finding it really difficult to follow the rituals," added Shamsher Ali.

The month long fasting ends with the celebrations of Eid.

Ramadan, the ninth month of the Muslim Hijri lunar calendar, commemorates the revelation of Quran, Islam's holy book, and has traditionally been a time of religious fervour, settling old disputes and behaving charitably towards neighbours and poor. (ANI)