The fasting month of Ramzan is proving to be a bit harsh this year for Muslims because of the scorching heat.
This year, the month of Ramzan started in the last week of May when North Karnataka region was witnessing scorching heat with temperature reaching almost 40 degrees Celsius.
Though it is the first week of June now, districts such as Vijayapura are still facing heat wave and Muslims who are fasting are having a tough time.
Roza lasts almost 15 hours, and those fasting will have to wait to break their fast at around 7 p.m.
Muslim clerics say that next year, the month of Ramzan would start in the second week of May and in 2019, in the last week of April; and fasting Muslims will have a tougher time.
While the elders are somehow managing, the children are finding it extremely hard to offer fast this year.
The clerics say that till a few years ago, when Ramzan fell during monsoon and winter, many children could offer Roza easily, but this year, it has not been easy for them. It would become even harsh in the coming years, they said.
Some parents say that they want their children to offer fast but in the second or the last part of the month of Ramzan when the temperature would turn relatively cooler.
Meanwhile, some children are offering the first Roza of their life in first part of the month and are being praised for their “courageous act”.
“My daughter is five years old and she offered the first Roza of her life. She managed till 5 p.m., but she began asking for water later. We somehow kept her busy in some activity and promised her some gifts. She successfully completed her first Roza,” said Ajmal Hussain Jagirdar.
