The Muslim community of Udaipur is all set to observe their first fast of Ramadan from Tuesday August 2, 2011 continuing for one month.

It was after sunset today evening that the clouds hovering in the sky gave their way to that beautiful crescent arc for a while, marking the first night and commencement of the sacred month. As soon as the moon was sighted Muslim community members expressed their joy and gratitude by giving the traditional salaami (bursting fire crackers)

Muslim dominated areas of Udaipur welcomed the news of the moon being sighted and were seen immensely happy and looking forward to the most sacred month. Many people were seen greeting each other and distributing sweets. Some children were seen bursting fire-crackers.

Maulana Mohammad Sharfuddin – Head- Anjuman-e-Islam Committee says “if someone observes one fast in this month then the sins that he had performed all year will be forgiven by the God. One good deed done in this month equals to seventy two good deeds. That’s the essence of this month.”

Islam in Udaipur is divided into various casts and sects with Sunni Muslims holding the majority with nearly 100,000members. Other groups like Shia (khoja, bohra) comprised of a total of 20-30 thousand followers.

There are 45 Sunni mosques in Udaipur where 5 times mandatory prayers along with an additional prayer of Tarahvi will be performed in the month of Ramadan. The Muslim areas will be active mostly at sunset when the Muslims break their daylong fast.

The month of Ramadan has its own significances; it is the month in which The Holy Quran was revealed onto Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

As per The Holy Quran, it is during this sacred month of Ramadan that the Satan gets chained and the doors of Hell are closed.

Fasting is another special attribute of this month. Muslims fasts (even drinking water is prohibited) in daylight and ends the fast when the sun sets. This routine continues till 30 days.

While talking to UT, Maulana Sharfuddin wished peace, success and harmony between people of India.

Ramadan Mubarak to each and every Udaipurite from team UT!!