The Prophet (S.A.W) said, “Whoever fasted the month of Ramadan out of sincere Faith (i.e. belief) and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all his past sins will be forgiven....
BITS ‘N’ PIECES
Narrated Abu Huraira (R.A):
The Prophet (S.A.W) said, “Whoever fasted the month of Ramadan out of sincere Faith (i.e. belief) and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all his past sins will be forgiven, and whoever stood for the prayers in the night of Qadr out of sincere Faith and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all his previous sins will be forgiven.”
Sahih Bukhari, Volume 3, Book 32, Number 231
More than 300 million people celebrate Navroz every year
Navroz, also known as Nowruz, is the Persian New Year. This vibrant festival is observed by millions around the world, particularly in Iran, Central Asia, and among the Parsi community in Pakistan and India and Zoroastrians globally. This ancient festival marks the beginning of spring and the renewal of nature, symbolizing hope, rejuvenation, and the triumph of light over darkness.
Navroz has its roots in the Zoroastrian tradition and is believed to have originated in ancient Persia over 3,000 years ago. The word Navroz is a combination of two Persian words: “nav” meaning new and “roz” meaning day, symbolizing the start of a new year. The festival falls on the vernal equinox, around March 21st, marking the end of the winter and the beginning of spring. This year, the Parsi community in Pakistan celebrated Navroz on 20 March.
One of the most iconic aspects of Navroz celebrations is the Haft Seen table, a traditional spread of symbolic items that represent different aspects of life and the hopes for the new year. Haft means seven, so the Haft Seen table typically includes seven items, each starting with the letter “S” in the English alphabet, for example, saeb (apple) and serkeh (vinegar).
In addition to these items, the Haft Seen table may include other symbolic objects such as a mirror (symbolizing reflection and the image of creation), candles (symbolizing light and happiness), painted eggs (symbolizing fertility), and goldfish (symbolizing life and the end of astral year).
At Navroz, families come together to enjoy festive meals, exchange gifts, and visit friends and relatives. It is also a time for spiritual reflection and renewal, with many people visiting shrines, offering prayers, and seeking blessings for the new year ahead.
In Iran, the festival is celebrated over a period of 13 days, known as the “13 Bedar,” during which people participate in various cultural events, outdoor picnics, and festivities. In other parts of the world, the celebrations may vary but often include similar themes of renewal, hope, and the coming of spring.
