CAIRO – A shopkeeper at Urdu Bazar, Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, has been observing fasting during the first 10 days of Ramadan over the past three decades, in a silent practices keep India’s harmonious and pluralistic.
“I donate more on every Tuesday in the month of Ramadan,” Lalbabu Ganga Prasad told Gagran post on Friday, June 10.
The Ramadan is not just for keeping fast but to help others. My business has been thriving for last 29 years”.
Lalbabu started the practice 29 years ago after he wished a child during the holy month of Ramadan, with a promise to fast on the first 10 days of the month if his wish was fulfilled.
He was blessed with a child and he is keeping his promise by observing fasting during the first 10 days of Ramadan.
Lalbabu is not the first member of his family to observe fasting during Ramadan.
His father Ganga Prasad once promised to fast Ramadan if almighty granted him with his own shop.
His wish was fulfilled and he fasted during Ramadan throughout his life.
Lalbabu said believes that all religions, with varied ways of worship, lead to the same eternal power.
Ramadan, the holiest month in Islamic calendar, started this year on Monday, June 6.
In Ramadan, adult Muslims abstain from food, drink, smoking and sex between dawn and sunset.
The sick and those traveling are exempt from fasting especially if it poses health risks.
In Ramadan, Muslims dedicate their time during the holy month to be closer to Allah through prayers, self-restraint, good deeds and charity to the poor.
This year more than 100 Hindu prisoners in Muzaffarnagar are also keeping fast, along with Muslim inmates.
Rakesh Singh, the jail supervisor told NDTV, that he had never “seen such a display of unity.”
“This is the first time in my career that I have seen such a display of unity inside the jail premises. I think it’s a wonderful thing in these times,” he told the news channel.