Nombu- Fakir Mohamed Katpadi

Nombu- Fakir Mohamed Katpadi

Introduction: The fasting observed by Muslims during the Arabic month of Ramzan is known as Nombu in Tamil, Malayalam and Kannada. Fakir Mohamed Katpadi is the author of Nombu.

Nombu and rules: The Arabic month of Ramzan is holy to Muslims. They observe Nombu or fasting during this month. It is one of the fundamental faiths of Muslims. Some rituals are followed on these days. First of all they take Sahari food in the early dawn by telling Niyyat or oath in the name of Allah. From then onwards they avoid drink and food till sunset. It is told that they have to refrain from bad activities also. After breaking Nombu, they pray Tharavih in the night on all days. Zakath or alms-giving to the needy persons is distributed by eligible wealthy people.

Benefits of Nombu: The Holy Quran came down to earth during Ramzan, the month of Nombu. It is also blessed with a Night called Lailathul Kathir, which is blissful than thousand months. The prayers of Nombu devotees are heard and granted by Allah. Addu’s mother conducts Thauba prayers collectively for women in her home. The doors of heaven are open. It is also important that those persons die in these days are not questioned in the tomb. Thus the Nombu benefits the devotee’s physical health and mentally the soul.

Addu’s family_: Amma is a bidi worker. Her husband Khader is a load-man. Addu is their only son who is seven years old. Amma makes bidi by filling the tobacco in the leaf and closes the rolled leaf with her finger nail. Her son Addu ties the bidi with thread and keeps in the basket. The dust of leaves scattered on the floor sticks to Amma’s sari. There is tobacco smell in the room. The process is going on as that of a human machine. The work makes Amma cough.  She stretches and relaxes her body often. She sings Moplah Patt to lessen her strain and her son joins her in singing. The mother needs her son’s help in the work. But Addu, like all boys, is fond of playing with friends. He meets his friends Sharif, Zuber and Kashim on the playground. The boys played a game Lagori. Addu’s father is worried about the heat because he has to observe fasting for remaining twenty days. He prays Allah to lessen the heat and give him relief.

Kashim’s Family: Next the author introduces another boy Kashim’s rich family. The cooking of food and life is luxurious at Kashim’s home during Nombu. Kashim’s mother tells him about Nombu and its importance.The poor boy Addu happens to meet Kashim in playground. He befriends Kashim. During their talk, Kashim relates a story about a boy who loses his life in the morning to regain it in the evening. The boy who meets the ordeal is fasting on that day. It is miraculous and a mercy of   Allah. This story explains the exemption given to children during Nombu days.

Author’s portrayal of two families: The author contrasts the rich family of Kashim with that of poverty stricken bidi worker Amma. At Kashim’s house, Addu tastes akkiroti and mutton curry. Kassim has a sister by name Jameelakka. She attempts to end her life by eating poisonous fruit. The author reveals the ordeal of women in the society. Her life is an eye opener to all.

Portrayal of heaven:  The Holy book Quran is given to humanity during the month of Ramzan. Those who observe fast enter heaven easily. It is a place of prosperity. There are plenty of fruits and food and beautiful Hoorulins.

Happenings during Nombu: We learn from the lesson the faith of Muslims regarding the happenings after death. God’s messengers called as Mallaks reaches the grave and ask questions. The dead person becomes alive and has to reply to the questions. There is no question asked during the month of Ramzan.

Importance of Nombu: In the month of Ramzan Allah forgives the sins by accepting the Thauba of the fasting persons. Addu’s mother organizes the Thauba meeting in which the persons recite the word “Asthagfirullah” for forgiveness.

Conclusion: Nombu lasts for thirty days The Nombu comes to a close every day in the Magrib Bhang from mosque. Addu is happy. He finishes the first Nombu by drinking sherbet. He remembers the days of starvation, compares that day with fasting and realizes the importance of Nombu. After thirty days of fasting Muslims celebrate Idul-Fitr. We call the celebration as Ramzan Festival. Thus Nombu is a blessing.