SUSHMITA DEY

The holy month of Ramadan, or Ramzan, is a time for fasting for believers. To mark Ramadan, Muslims across the world will keep Roza, a holy fast from sunrise to sunset. But, a phone call made this man break the rules for a noble cause.

Panaullah Ahmed, a Muslim man from Mangaldoi, the administrative headquarters of Darrang district in Assam, chose humanity over religion after he donated blood to save the life of a Hindu man.

Ahmed broke his Ramzan fast and consumed food in order to donate blood to one Ranjan Gogoi from Dhemaji district of Assam who underwent surgery at the Apollo Hospitals, Guwahati.

His friend, who is also his roommate and colleague, Tapash Bhagawati received a call about a patient in need of blood. Both Ahmed and Tapash are members of a popular Facebook page – Team Humanity – Blood Donors & Social Activists in India.

“I receive numerous phone calls inquiring about blood donation. On May 8th, 2019, I received a phone call about a patient from Dhemaji who underwent surgery for the removal of a tumour. He was in need of one unit B positive blood. I contacted a few donors but nobody was available. I am thankful that my friend volunteered to donate blood even though he was fasting,” said Tapash, while speaking to TIME8.

Ahmed and Tapash work at the Swagat Super Speciality Surgical Hospital, Guwahati and are regular blood donors.

“I heard my roommate Tapash speaking over phone enquiring about B positive blood donors. I consulted a few people from my community asking if I can donate blood while fasting. They said I can donate blood but might fall ill and my fast will all go in vain. It was then, I decided to break my fast and donate blood,” said Ahmed while speaking to TIME8.

Ahmed added, “Human life and humanity are above everything. There were no second thoughts when I decided to donate blood. Everyone, whoever is physically fit, should donate blood. Donating blood is the best service to God. It feels great.”