Ramzan and Navratri symbolise the essence of all that is good, pure, and noble in the two religions: Islam and Hinduism. The common message for devotees of these respective religions is to achieve excellence in behavior through introspection and self-restraint.

The Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, once said, “There are limits to self-indulgence, none to self-restraint.” Truly, self-restraint plays an important role in shaping human behavior in different societal and cultural settings. The entire concept of social control is based on the type, range, and depth of restraint exhibited in human behavior. More often than not, we see laws being violated, manipulated, and disobeyed because they are externally imposed. In contrast, by practicing self-restraint, we become the masters of our actions and, in turn, our destiny.

Ramzan, the ninth lunar month in the Islamic calendar, is a period of spiritual reflection and piety, observed through fasting from dawn to sunset and increased charitable deeds by Muslims worldwide.

The objective behind this month-long exercise is to cultivate self-control and self-restraint through fasting, with the goal of achieving excellence in behavior and guarding against evil. According to the Quran (Verse 2:183):

“O you who believe, fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed to those before you so that you may become righteous.”

Ramzan is seen as a time for introspection and strengthening one’s connection with God. One night during Ramzan, known as Laylat al-Qadr, is believed to be a night of exceptional blessings, during which the Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad. The first revelation of the Holy Quran took place on Laylat al-Qadr.

However, fasting does not mean abstaining only from food and water; it also necessarily includes refraining from all evil actions and thoughts. One must not indulge in falsehood, gossip, backbiting, or foul language while fasting.

Once, as Prophet Muhammad was passing through a street with his followers, he heard a woman shouting and abusing others. The Prophet asked, “Who is this woman? Is she a Muslim?” His followers replied, “She is a Muslim and is observing the fast.” The Prophet then instructed his followers to offer dates to the woman to break her fast, explaining that by using vulgar language and expressing anger, she had rendered her fast meaningless.

In essence, a fasting person must exercise utmost control to eliminate even the slightest traces of waywardness in behavior and demeanor. The observer of a fast must ensure that their thoughts and deeds remain pure, noble, decent, and benevolent toward others, including all of humanity.

There are two types of sinners:

1.         Fasiq-ul-Amal - One who commits sin while knowing it is wrong.

2. Fasiq-ul-Aqeeda - One who commits sin and does not believe it is wrong.

Fasting can refine and purify those in the first category. During Ramzan, believers are given the opportunity for repentance and forgiveness. If a person sincerely seeks pardon from the Lord for their misdeeds, the Lord listens to their prayers during this holy month.

The faithful are instructed to adopt taqwa (refraining from sin and guarding against evil). If those observing the fast do not adhere to this principle, their fast will not be accepted by Allah. As the Quran (79:40-41) states:

“As for him who fears to stand before his Lord and restrains himself from low desires, Paradise is surely the abode.”

Fasting detoxifies the body when observed properly. Namaz (prayer), besides being an act of worship, is similar to yoga and meditation. Prophet Muhammad’s daughter, Hazrat Fatima Zehra, highlighted the benefits of fasting during Ramzan, stating that one of its purposes is to help the rich understand the pangs of hunger experienced by the poor. For this reason, Zakaat (charitable almsgiving) is prescribed during this period.

The Quran states:

“And spend in the way of Allah and cast not yourself to perdition with your own hand.”

It further clarifies:

“He loves those who purify themselves.”

Someone once asked Hazrat Ali Ibn Abi Talib, the Caliph of Islam, “How do we know that Allah has accepted our prayers during Ramzan?”

Hazrat Ali replied, “If, between the sighting of the moon at the beginning of Ramzan and the sighting of the moon for Eid, you notice a positive change in your behavior, your prayers have been accepted.”

Similarly, in Hinduism, Chaitra Navratri is observed between April 2-11, while Sharad Navratri is celebrated in the autumn season, around October-November. According to the Shastras, devotees observing Navratri fasts must practice Brahmacharya (celibacy), as it helps in reducing negative qualities such as anger, pride, deceit, and greed.

It also aids in keeping and honoring different vows and commitments in life. Devotees observing the fast should also abstain from falsehood and refrain from using intoxicants like gutka, tobacco, and wine. Consumption of non-vegetarian meals is also prohibited during these periods.

Currently, the month-long Ramzan is being observed, and Chaitra Navratri will be celebrated from March 30 to April 7, 2025. From a cultural perspective, Delhi has a unique character of celebration, as people from all corners of the country reside here.

The great Urdu poet, Mirza Ghalib, beautifully captured the fervor of the holy month of Ramzan in Delhi in a letter to his close friend, Mir Mehdi Husain 'Majroh':

“How did you presume that during the month of Ramzan, I would be staying in Rampur? Although Nawab Sahab insisted that I stay in Rampur, tempting me with mangoes, I left and, by 'Chand Raat' (the night before Ramzan), reached Delhi, for Delhi is a place where people feel the pulse of absolute bliss.

“In Delhi, during Ramzan, I have three commitments: At dawn, I go to Masjid Hamid Ali Khan, at Kashmiri Gate, to listen to the soulful recitation of the Holy Quran by Hazrat Qari Jafar Ali Jarchavi; in the evening, I break my fast at Mehtab Bagh, near Jama Masjid; and at night, I perform Namaz-e-Isha at Jama Masjid. How mirthfully life is passing here!”

Ramzan and Navratri, two sacred observances in Islam and Hinduism, exemplify the virtues of self-restraint, introspection, and spiritual elevation. Both are deeply rooted in religious traditions and serve as periods of reflection, discipline, and devotion, guiding individuals toward moral and ethical excellence.

Spiritual fasting

Ramzan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is a time for fasting, prayer, and increased charitable acts. It is believed that during this holy month, the first revelation of the Quran was bestowed upon Prophet Mohammad on Laylat al-Qadr, a night of immense blessings.

Fasting during Ramzan is not merely about abstaining from food and drink but also about refraining from falsehood, anger, and immoral behavior. The objective is to cultivate ‘taqwa’—a heightened sense of God-consciousness and righteousness. Acts of charity, such as ‘Zakaat’ (almsgiving), further strengthen the bond of empathy between the rich and the poor.

Similarly, Navratri, a Hindu festival observed twice a year, emphasises devotion, purity, and self-discipline. Devotees engage in fasting, prayer, and abstinence from material indulgences, aiming to purify the mind and body. Observing celibacy and refraining from falsehood, intoxicants, and non-vegetarian food are integral to this practice.

In a culturally diverse city like Delhi, these spiritual occasions are observed with great fervor, reflecting the city’s unique ethos of religious harmony.  Ultimately, both Ramzan and Navratri remind us that true devotion lies in self-restraint, moral conduct, and a compassionate heart.

(The author is a lawyer. Views expressed are personal)