Life in Ramadan has now settled into a steady rhythm as we enter its final phase. The body has fully adapted to the fasting routine, and hunger no longer feels like a challenge. This sacred month, filled with countless blessings, holds immense significance for Muslims worldwide. As it gradually nears its end, a bittersweet feeling sets in—grateful for the time spent in worship yet wishing for a few more days of its spiritual essence.
Like every morning, my day began early before dawn. At around 4 AM, I performed ablution and prepared for Suhoor, the pre-dawn meal that must be completed within a specific time frame. Once done, I walked to the mosque for Fajr prayers. The tranquility of the morning, coupled with the serenity of prayer, made for a peaceful start to the day. Since my sleep had been short the previous night, I returned home afterward to get some rest.
Being Friday, my schedule was packed. Apart from work, I had to attend the congregational prayers at the revered shrine of Charar-e-Sharief, about 20 km away. Additionally, I needed to visit my soon-to-be sister-in-law’s house, which meant making a few arrangements beforehand so I could return home in time for Iftar.
I left home at around 9:45 AM and headed straight to the office, where I managed to wrap up my tasks by 1 PM. With my boss’s approval, I proceeded to a nearby town to gather the required items for my visit. However, my plans hit a roadblock as I found myself stuck in an extensive traffic jam caused by a convoy of vehicles heading toward the shrine for Friday prayers. Given the delay, I decided to offer my prayers at a grand mosque in Chadoora instead.
Afterward, I met up with my cousin in Chadoora’s marketplace and had an engaging conversation with Rajshree. It was around 3:30 PM when we gathered, making the most of our time together. While heading towards their place, I was captivated by the breathtaking sight of almond trees in full bloom across the Karawas of Nagam. The mesmerizing landscape compelled me to pause for a moment and capture the beauty through my camera lens.
Once done, I dropped my cousin off at his home before making my way back. By the time I reached, it was almost Iftar, so I hurriedly made the necessary preparations. Breaking the fast brought a much-needed sense of relief, and soon after, I joined the evening prayers at the mosque. Despite feeling slightly exhausted, I ensured I didn’t miss the special Taraweeh prayers before finally calling it a day.