"I have been doing this for the last 10 to 12 years."
A Karachi drummer has gone viral for continuing the tradition of drumming at sahoor time during Ramadan despite modern methods available.
Residents from Nipa to Gulshan recognise the thuds of the drum as the signature mark of a man named Muhammad Chand.
For over a decade, he has walked these lanes before dawn to wake families for their important pre-dawn meal.
He said: “I have been doing this for the last 10 to 12 years. By the grace of God, it makes me happy.”
This dedicated individual finds immense personal satisfaction in providing a spiritual service to his local community every single year.
“When I wake people up in the morning, it brings joy to my heart.”
He begins his nightly journey at approximately three in the morning and spends nearly one hour visiting different lanes.
Chand covers a wide area stretching from Nipa to Gulshan while focusing solely on the rhythmic beat of his drum.
Chand chooses not to knock on individual doors but relies on the sound to alert everyone in the neighbourhood.
“I just play the drum, I don’t knock on doors.”
This practice is not merely a job for Mohammad Chand because it represents a deeply cherished and respected family tradition.
He stated: “I am continuing this from my father’s side.”
Outside the month of Ramadan, he maintains a demanding schedule by working at a local factory in Sohrab Goth.
“I work here at night and then go to the factory in the morning. I only sleep two or three hours.”
Despite the exhaustion, he maintains a positive outlook and expresses gratitude for the strength to continue his daily work.
Financial rewards for this tradition usually come at the end of the month when residents celebrate the festival of Eid.
“Whatever people give happily, that is good. On Eid, when they give Eidi, it makes us very happy.”
His seasonal earnings typically range from PKR 30,000 to 40,000, depending on the generosity of the locals.
This custom of using drums to wake people predates the invention of modern alarm clocks and digital mobile devices.
It is part of a much wider Islamic cultural tradition that has been observed in various Muslim countries for many centuries.
For men like Mohammad Chand, the role carries a much deeper spiritual meaning than simple practical utility for others.
Regarding the public reaction to his drumming, Chand disclosed:
“No one has ever told me, ‘Why are you making noise?'”
“I come to the same area every year. Everyone knows me.”
In a fast-paced city like Karachi, this tradition serves as a vital link to the shared history of people.
The Karachi drummer continues to walk the streets, and his rhythmic thud remains a symbol of the Holy month.
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