A subtle alchemy
Friday, May 26, 2023 | 0 Views |
It was the first day of Ramadan, a month of fasting and spiritual reflection for Muslims around the world. And in the cocooned comfort of our home, nestled in the suburban sprawl of our city, Shabana, Azeem and I eagerly awaited the moment to break our fast. The first day of the fast always provided a shock to our system as we forcibly adjusted to the lack of regular caloric input.
The aroma of freshly fried samosas filled the air, wafting from the kitchen where Shabana had spent hours meticulously preparing the mouth-watering treats. The tantalising scent grew stronger with each passing minute, tickling our senses and making our stomachs rumble in unison. It was as if the samosas themselves were beckoning, urging us to gather around the table and indulge in their warmth and flavour. We had always cherished the breaking of the fast as a sacred time, a moment to come together and share not only a meal but also our love and gratitude. And on this special evening, our hearts were filled with a profound sense of unity and anticipation. We knew that in just a few moments, the adhan, the call to prayer, would resonate through the air, signalling the end of our day-long fast. As we sat around the table, Shabana carefully arranged the golden samosas on a platter, arranging them like precious jewels. Azeem’s eyes gleamed with excitement as he watched his mother’s deft hands, his mouth watering at the sight of the crispy pastries. He had grown up savouring these samosas, but there was something magical about breaking the fast with them during Ramadan. It was a tradition that had been passed down through generations, a symbol of family, faith, and togetherness.
A young man suspected of breaking into a car was seized by residents, severely assaulted, and died in the hospital within an hour. We unreservedly condemn this mob justice. It is not a solution to crime, but a criminal offence that turns citizens into murderers.Residents are understandably angry about theft. The person who raised the alarm at 4am acted lawfully, and the neighbours who rushed to help showed community spirit. But what followed was...