SM Fasiullah for BeyondHeadlines
Ramdan has said goodbye after showering mercy and blessings of Allah Almighty for thirty days. Now enters shawwal (month) marking Eid-Al-Fitr (Ramdan Eid) on the very first day. Eid is a gift from God for its people who fasted during the month of Ramadan. It’s a festival to rejoice, spread love and peace, hug fellow beings, and serve sweet.
On the day of Eid, Muslims across the globe offer special prayer in the early hours of morning and pray for well-being of the community in particular and entire humanity in general. Eid is certainly a more special occasion for children, who embark on a journey to meet relatives and amass Eidi (cash given to children for their enjoyment). I too collected a lot being a child, and spent mostly on eatables and toys.
The day starts with special prayer followed by numerous hugs and special meal. Seviyan ki Mithai (Vermicelli Sweets) is the primary sweet dish on Eid, while Biryani is inevitable at this occasion. The kind of hospitality we use to render to my friends and acquaintances, both Muslims and non-Muslim, at home has always earned compliments and love.
Remembering Victims
Islam always reminds Muslims not to forget the unfortunate, downtrodden and victims while celebrating festivals. In fact, a Muslim who doesn’t not give Sadqa-e-Eid-ul-Fitr (charity for poor to ensure they too celebrate Eid) cannot enter Eid Gaah (place of worship) to offer Eid prayer.
On this occasion, let’s not forget victims of riots in Assam that took place exactly a year ago i.e. during last Ramadan. Also remember thousands of Rohingya Muslims who were murdered and forced to seek refuge in foreign land. I joined volunteers of Students Islamic Organization of India (SIO) last year in collecting relief fund for those victims. In fact, let’s pray for all particularly those who have been in worse conditions.
After devoting ourselves for a month to a deep spiritual renewal and reflection wherein we have done a lot of personal sacrifices, giving to the needy and assisting those less fortunate, it’s time to pray for peace on Eid – for prosperity and well being of human beings, indeed.
Eid Mubarak, to one and all.
