Proceedings of the Prayer Meeting — Page 14
14 qualities worthy of royalty. It is evident from his speeches that he has delivered from time to time on various occasions that he accords particular respect to religious buildings. Moreover, note that the Government has not made any announcements against sounding the call to prayer or against fasting; rather, they ensure the provision of every kind of food of which not even a trace existed in the wretched reign of the Sikhs. Every kind of dietary item has been supplied—ice, soda water, biscuits, bread, etc. —and every kind of facility has been provided. This is an incidental help which they have extended to our Islamic practices. Now, should someone refuse to fast of their own accord, this is a different issue. It is a matter of pity that the Muslims themselves are being dis- respectful to the Shariah. For example, look at those who fasted in these days, they have not become any thinner, and those who passed this month with little regard for its obligations have not become any fatter. Time passed for them both. They were winter fasts; there was only one change in the meal timings to eat at 4 or 5 o’clock [in the morning] instead of eating at 7 or 8 o’clock [in the morning]. Despite such convenience, many people did not honour the sanctity [of Ramadan] granted to it by Allah and treated this honourable guest of God Almighty—the month of Ramadan —with great contempt. The coming of Ramadan dur- ing the months of so much ease [to fast] was a kind of gauge, and these fasts served as the scales to distinguish the obedient from the sinful. By the grace of God Almighty, the Government has allowed freedom of every kind. A variety of fruits and other edi- bles are readily available, and there is no comfort and conveni- ence that cannot be accessed today. Despite all this, what is the reason behind this negligence that we witness? Only that hearts