By Justice Markandey Katju
Tomorrow, 12th March begins the Muslim Holy Month of Ramzan ( Ramadan ) in India ( it began today in Arabia ).
Since the last 25-30 years I have observed 1 day roza in the month of Ramzan ( usually on the last Friday, called Alvida ), out of respect and to show solidarity with my Muslim brothers and sisters, and each year I appeal to non Muslims all over the world to do the same.
The sehri time, after which one must not eat or drink anything till iftaar ( when the fast can be broken ) is different in different localities. So one can check up with some Muslim friend the sehri and iftaar time on the day one is intending to keep roza.
I appeal to all non Muslims all over the world, particularly in India, to do the same.
This does not mean one has to give up his/her religion. It is just a symbolic act, to show our solidarity with our Muslim brothers and sisters
When I was in California a few years back I observed 1 day roza during Ramzan. Here is a pic of the iftaar at the residence of my friend Shaista Ali. She is with me in this pic. On my other side is my friend Santosh Addagulla.
I also appeal to non-Hindus every year to keep one day fast on Navratri and celebrate Holi and Diwali
Here is a speech I gave at an iftaar in California at the residence of my friend Shaista Ali on 4.7. 2015. I and my non Muslim friends who attended the iftaar had kept strict roza that day
Here are some pictures of that iftaar
Last year I appealed to non-Muslims to celebrate Diwali by lighting one 'diya' ( earthen lamp ) on that day.
There was overwhelming response from students of Rehan school, Korangi campus, Karachi, Pakistan, who sent me their pics with diyas in their hands, which I posted on my fb page.
Even the Principal of the school, Altaf Educationwaala, lit a lamp on Diwali day.
I regard this as a historical event. Here were Muslims celebrating a Hindu festival !
This is the spirit which must be emulated by all, to foster inter faith harmony and amity, and to combat the nefarious communal forces in our country which seek to divide us and spread communal hatred.
(Justice Katju is a former Judge, of the Supreme Court of India, and former Chairman, the Press Council of India. The views expressed are his own)
