Daily Times

During the recently concluded ICC Champion’s Trophy – which Pakistan won despite being ranked at the bottom – some foreigners were asking “Who is Ramazan?” They had apparently overheard numerous Pakistanis claiming that Pakistan won the tournament because of Ramazan.

The holy month of Ramazan plays a very important role in Pakistan’s destiny. The creation of Pakistan came about on the 27th of Ramazan, which is considered the holiest night of Ramazan; the eve of which, being Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Destiny), is regarded as sacred by Muslims.

A week earlier, on 7th August 1947, in the holy month of Ramazan, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan, flew in the Viceroy’s Dakota to take up his mantle as the Governor General of an independent Pakistan. People from all walks of life thronged to the air base at Mauripur to catch a glimpse of their “messiah of the promised land”.

As the Quaid alighted from the aircraft, overwhelmed by adoration, chanting Pakistan Zindabad, Quaid-e-Azam Zindabad, the people broke the cordons put up by the police and rushed towards the aircraft. The Quaid stopped on the last step of the aircraft’s gangway and with a wave of his hand, beckoned the crowd to go back behind the barriers. They retreated instantly as if they had been pushed by a magic wand. The first lesson of discipline had been driven home.

Ramazan holds a special significance for Muslims. During Ramazan the believers seek Allah’s mercy, forgiveness, and protection from the agony of hell. This is the month of renewing their commitment and re-establishing their relationship with their Creator. It is the spring season for goodness and virtue when righteousness blossoms throughout Muslim communities. According to the great scholar and reformer Shaikh Ahmed Farooqi (Mujaddad Alif Thani), “If we combine all the blessings of the other eleven months, they would not add up to the blessings of Ramazan.” Ramazan is a blessing from Allah as it offers every Muslim the opportunity to strengthen his faith, purify his heart and soul and to remove the evil effects of the sins he committed. The Holy month of Ramazan was declared as a shield by the Holy Prophet (PBUH).

On August 7, 1947, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah flew in the Viceroy’s Dakota to take up his mantle as the Governor General of an independent Pakistan. People from all walks of life thronged the air base at Mauripur to catch a glimpse of their “messiah of the promised land”

At the conclusion of Ramazan twelve years after the creation of Pakistan, the Pakistan Air Force drew first blood on Eid ul Fitr of that year. A Canberra high altitude Reconnaissance aircraft of the Indian Air Force violated Pakistan’s air space, assuming that Pakistanis must be lax in vigilance while celebrating the end of the month of fasting. To the horror of the crew of the Canberra, PAF Sabres- hastily scrambled-intercepted the violator and shot it down. Both aircrews were arrested after ejecting but were later repatriated after a stern warning.

The significance of Ramazan is imprinted on the minds of every Muslim because events of epic proportions took place during this month. During the second year of the Hijri calendar, the great victory at the decisive Battle of Badr took place on the 17th of Ramazan. It is considered as the first great Muslim victory because 313 Muslims vanquished a horde of 3000 infidels and established Islam’s supremacy.

During the Ramazan of 5 AH, the infidels attacked Medina again, but under the guidance of the Holy Prophet (PBUH),the Muslims dug a massive defensive trench which averted imminent disaster. On 18 Ramazan, 8 AH, Makah was conquered and the infidels were decisively overwhelmed.

In the Ramazan of the 9th year of Hijrah, the Prophet (PBUH) returned victorious from Tabook after he regained control of the area and established the supremacy of the incipient Islamic nation on the Romans and the Persians.

During the year 13 AH in Ramazan, Al-MuthannaI bn Harithah and his army won the most important battle for Muslims in Iraq known as Al-Buwaib. The victory served as the gateway to opening the land of Iraq as well as to the downfall of the Persian Empire. Sudan and the south of Egypt became Muslim lands of freedom and justice after the Muslims’ army led by Abdullah Ibn Abi As-Sarh arrived there in the Ramazan of the year 31 AH.

The third and fourth Caliphs of Islam Hazrat Usman (RA), Ali (RA) and Imam Hussain (RA) were martyred in the holy month of Ramazan.

In the year 91 AH, on 28th Ramazan, the Muslim general Tariq bin Ziyad conquered Spain and established the Islamic Empire.

Closer to home, Islam came to the Sub-Continent on the 6th of Ramazan, in the year 92 AH, when Muhammad bin Qasim landed in Sind-present day Pakistan- and defeated Raja Dahir.

Ramazan continues to have an impact on the nation’s destiny. Pakistan won the Cricket World Cup in 1992 in the month of Ramazan. It is no wonder that this Ramazan, Pakistan won the ICC Champions trophy. However, we need to inculcate the spirit of Ramazan in other months too to overcome our problems.

The writer is a retired Group Captain of PAF. He is a columnist, analyst and TV Talk show host, who has authored six books on current affairs, including three on China

Published in Daily Times, June 24th, 2017.