Ramazan is progressing with all its magnificence. Muslims around the world are observing fasts with full zeal. Some of you reading this may be observing your fasts for the first time, while others would be having more experience of this one of the most challenging, yet fruitful worship rituals.

Ramazan never fails to take me back to the time when I observed my very first fast. It was quite a surprising experience for me as well as for my family. It was my cousin’s first fast, and the whole family was gathered to celebrate it like a ceremony. But little did he know that I was all set to steal some of the limelight away from him.

It was summer vacation as well, so many guests from far and wide were also invited. My cousin, who was just six months older than me, was elated to be in the spotlight just because of his first fast. He was clearly enjoying all the attention as he’d never been this much pampered because of his stubborn nature. We all had a pre-dawn meal (Sehri) and all were pampering him.

Out of nowhere, an idea struck my mind, ‘What if I too observed my first fast without telling anybody?’

I patted myself for having this great idea and quickly acted upon it. My fast went well till noon. What happened after that was nothing but the pure test of my physical and spiritual endurance.

I felt pangs of thirst and hunger. At one point, I was so desperate that I thought no one would see me drinking water while doing ablution. I brought my hand full of water close to my mouth and stopped just before gulping it. I thought, “It is supposed to be for Allah. Isn’t He watching me?”

I froze for a while and then backed off.

It was a tough day, not just because of fasting, but the fact I was holding on to my secret the whole time and because nobody knew about it, so there was no one to appreciate and encourage me.

On the other hand, my cousin was getting all the attention, but was still throwing tantrums. Somehow, one of my cousins who was the eldest of all, came to know about my secret fast. And soon the news spread like wildfire. To confirm this, my aunt called me to check the sweetness of the juice she was preparing for Iftar. It was too hard to trick her.

Finally, everyone gathered for Iftar to break the fast. My cousin was wearing beautiful garlands of roses and receiving gifts. Suddenly, my uncle sat next to me and announced, “Someone else is fasting too for the first time. Does anybody happen to know that?”

I was stunned to hear that. Everyone was looking at me with great surprise that soon turned to admiration and affection. All were excited except my cousin. And suddenly, I saw a rose garland making its way towards me and soon it was around my neck too! And I also received many presents.

It was a memorable day for my cousin due to his first fast celebration, but for me, it was an unforgettable day.

Published in Dawn, Young World, April 16th, 2022