Taking part in the anti-corruption protests while observing their day-long Ramzan fasts, Muslim supporters of Anna Hazare’s campaign say that they are fulfilling doing both their religious and national responsibilities.
Among those on a hunger strike at Azad Maidan since Tuesday are Muslims who are also observing the Ramzan fast.
Shadab Haidar, a resident of Mumbai Central, was one among them. On the evening of August 16, the first day of the protests, Haidar did not have a full meal after breaking the fast. Instead, after breaking the fast with some dates and water, Haidar joined other campaigners in an ‘indefinite fast’. More than three days into the protest, he said he will continue his fast till Hazare ends his campaign in Delhi.
Firoze Mithiborewala, another member of the group that is on an ‘indefinite fast’ said he had decided to take part in the anti-corruption movement after Hazare’s first protest in April. He is also observing the Ramzan fast. “It is just a coincidence that it is a holy month for both Hindus and Muslims. Hindus are also observing the Shravan fast. We pray together,” said Mithiborewala.
Aslam Gazi, Mumbai-based worker of Jamaat-i-Islami Hind said that while he observed his day-long fast, he spends a few hours daily at Azad Maidan.
“Our organisation has been associated with Anna Hazare for the last 10 years and have supported his work. I have even visited his village,” said Gazi.
Dr Riyaz Pathan, a homeopathic doctor from Khopoli near Panvel, has been taking part in the anti-corruption protests in the town since Tuesday while following the Ramzan fast.
On Thursday, he took part in a 3-km-long cycle rally that was organised as part of the anti-graft campaign in the town. The cycle rally began at 6pm and ended an hour later after covering most parts of the town. At 7.30 pm, Pathan ended his fast with a glass of water.
He said he is not exhausted by the demands of the day-long fast and the hectic protests.
Pathan said, “It is not at all tiring; it is a privilege to take part in the protests and do something for the country.”
Mithiborewala said: “It is as spiritually rewarding as a Roza.”
