Ajmer:
Keeping Rozas through the month of Ramzan is a test of will for every Muslim. But Rozas are specially difficult in the desert state of Rajasthan where it's not just hunger but combating thirst. That's a tough challenge even for youngsters, but amazingly, a grand old Man in Ajmer, who is 105 years old, is also keeping all 30 Rozas.
He is perhaps the oldest man in the world to do so. Besides discipline and healthy habits, Mazhar Baba claims its the grace of the Gareeb Nawaz, the Sufi saint of the Ajmer Dargah, that's given him the fitness and courage to keep Rozas without faltering even once for over 90 years.
As he arrives to pray at the Ajmer Dargah, Mazhar Baba betrays no sign of his age. At 105, he walks erect, has fine vision and suffers from no serious ailment, besides the inner strength of praying at the Dargah daily. He claims it's a disciplined life that enables him to keep Rozas.
"It's the grace of the Khwaja and my elders that I'm still fit enough to keep Rozas. There's no secret behind my health but I have never taken any kind of intoxicants. Leave alone liqour, I've never allowed even a cigarette to touch my lips," said Mazhar.
But at Iftar time, Mazhar Baba loves to feast on his favourite fruits and dates with his family, that's now spread over five generations. Baba says he has no problem in fasting but his family remains anxious about his health.
"We worry a lot that fasting for so many days may not spoil his health or weaken him so that he may not be able to walk around easily. That's why during Ramzan, we give him extra Ghee on his Rotis and even in his porridge," said Mehrunissa, wife of Mazhar Baba.
Fond of Sufi Qawallis, Baba has a special mantra to offer to those looking for tips. He claims early to bed and early to rise is vital to stay healthy. But it's controlling your anger that can make your life journey truly happy and rewarding.
By keeping Rozas regularly for over 90 years, the grand old man is a big favourite of not just his own family but for everyone at the Dargah. And his amazing feat clearly vindicates the old saying, "Where there's a Will, there's always a way".
He is perhaps the oldest man in the world to do so. Besides discipline and healthy habits, Mazhar Baba claims its the grace of the Gareeb Nawaz, the Sufi saint of the Ajmer Dargah, that's given him the fitness and courage to keep Rozas without faltering even once for over 90 years.
As he arrives to pray at the Ajmer Dargah, Mazhar Baba betrays no sign of his age. At 105, he walks erect, has fine vision and suffers from no serious ailment, besides the inner strength of praying at the Dargah daily. He claims it's a disciplined life that enables him to keep Rozas.
"It's the grace of the Khwaja and my elders that I'm still fit enough to keep Rozas. There's no secret behind my health but I have never taken any kind of intoxicants. Leave alone liqour, I've never allowed even a cigarette to touch my lips," said Mazhar.
But at Iftar time, Mazhar Baba loves to feast on his favourite fruits and dates with his family, that's now spread over five generations. Baba says he has no problem in fasting but his family remains anxious about his health.
"We worry a lot that fasting for so many days may not spoil his health or weaken him so that he may not be able to walk around easily. That's why during Ramzan, we give him extra Ghee on his Rotis and even in his porridge," said Mehrunissa, wife of Mazhar Baba.
Fond of Sufi Qawallis, Baba has a special mantra to offer to those looking for tips. He claims early to bed and early to rise is vital to stay healthy. But it's controlling your anger that can make your life journey truly happy and rewarding.
By keeping Rozas regularly for over 90 years, the grand old man is a big favourite of not just his own family but for everyone at the Dargah. And his amazing feat clearly vindicates the old saying, "Where there's a Will, there's always a way".
