By Nurul Islam Laskar,MM News,
GUWAHATI : The Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) organised a grand iftar get-together on Thursday evening at the New MLA Hostel in the State Capital Complex at Dispur Guwahati. About 300 persons from different walks of life, including Minister and MLAs, took part in the iftar congregation.
Md Abu Saleh Najmuddin, former Health Minister of Assam, welcomed the gathering and explained the significance of Ramadan for the benefit of the non-Muslim dignitaries who were present on the occasion. Najmuddin explained, while fasting from dawn until sunset, Muslims refrain from consuming food, drinking liquids, smoking, and worldly gratifications; in some interpretations Muslims also refrain from other behaviour which could be perceived as sinful such as swearing, engaging in disagreements, backbiting and procrastination. Food and drink is served daily, before sunrise and after sunset. He said, “Ramadan is the time for one’s spiritual purification and for begging of bounties from the Almighty.”
Bhubaneswar Kalita, APCC President and Rajya Sabha MP, rejoiced at the overwhelming response from the people at the party’s iftar get together. He said, “I am aware that Ramadan promotes self discipline, self control, self restraint, self education, and self evaluation for those who fast for 30 days during this holy month. I pray and hope that our Muslim brothers and sisters will come out stronger after the rigours of Ramadan and extend their renewed energy for making a better Assam and better India.”
Speaking on the occasion, Pranab Gogoi, Speaker of Assam Legislative Assembly, expressed the hope that the teaching of Ramadan would promote unity and understanding among people and usher in peace and progress in the society. He extended his Ramadan greetings to the people of Assam on this occasion.
Former Chief Minister of Assam, Dr Bhumidhar Barman, highlighted the health benefits of Ramadan besides its spiritual significance.
Forest Minister of Assam, Rockybul Hussain, stated that the holy month of Ramadan enables the Muslims to atone for their sins and seek pardon from Allah. The prayer and supplication of the month enables every devout Muslim to emerge stronger after the sufferings and sacrifices made during the month.
Hafiz Rahmatullah recited from the Holy Quran just before the commencement of the iftar. Hafiz Maulana hilal Uddin Qasimi, Principal of Islampur Madrassa led the Maghrib congregational prayer immediately after the iftar. Mehdi Alom Bora, Spokesperson of APCC, offered the party’s thanks to all invitees who graced the occasion.