By: MOOL RAJ
I extend my warm wishes to my Muslim colleagues at Govt Higher Secondary School,Khellani Doda, and then to world Muslims on the auspicious occasion praying that Almighty accepts their month-long fasting, repentance, prayers and rectitude. As is the message of this festival, I would like to also remind the affluent class in the society to help those who do not have any resources to celebrate the Eid since the spirit of this festival is to be mindful of one’s neighbourhood.
The prevailing situation has regrettably increased the social gap with uncertainty looming large over the poorest of poor, daily wagers, marginal farmers pushing them to the brink of hunger. On the auspicious occasion of Eid ul Fitr, the affluent in our society should lend all support to the people in need.I wish the candle of piety remain lit in our families and neighbourhood throughout the year.
I extend my warm wishes to the Muslim community throughout the length and breadth of the Globe on this auspicious eve with a view that the needs of the people living onthe marginsare taken care of by the affluent ones.May this auspicious day increase the prosperity, peace,love,brotherhood cleansing our hearts of hatred, jealousy, bigotry and other such emotions.
From my little, outsiders, understanding of it, Eid-Ul-Fitr is the day when the Muslims thank the Almighty Allah for having given them the will, the strength and the endurance to observe fast and obey his commandment during the holy month of Ramadhan. This day, in Muslim world, brings rejoicing and happiness. The rejoicing is not, however, at the departure of the month of Ramadhan but it is the happiness which man feels after successfully completing an important task. So far as the passing away of the month of Ramadhan is so sacred a month the Muslims feel profound sorrow when it ends, as they feel deprived of the spiritual blessings which are associated with this month of fasting.
Religious observances of the Eid-ul-Fitr are designed to offer thanks to AlmightyAllah for accomplishing the aim of Ramadhan. First Eid Ul Fitr provides one more occasion to the Muslims to thank Almighty Allah and remember his blessings.Secondly, it affords an opportunity of spiritual stock-taking, after the month of Ramadhan. A Muslim can now ponder over the strength (or weakness) of his will power as he can see, in the mirror of Ramadhan, what were the strong (or weak) points of his character, because under the stress of fasting, the hidden qualities (or evils) of human character come to surface in such clear way which is, perhaps, not possible otherwise.
Thus, a Muslim gets a chance of self-diagnosis of the traits of his/her character, which probably no one else may ever detect.Eid Ul Fitr is an occasion for Muslims all over the world to dedicate their lives to the cause of humanity, which is the best way to demonstrate love for Almighty Allah. Let us resolve that our energies, in the coming year, will be directed towards strengthening a society based on mutual respect, brotherly love, and universal understanding.
Thirdly, it enjoins the well-to -do persons to share a portion of what they have with their poor brethren. On the eve of Eid-ul-Fitr, a Muslim is obliged to give to the needy food-stuff at the rate of a prescribed weight, on behalf of himself and of every member of his family, including servants and guests who were sheltered under his roof on that night. It would certainly be pleasing to Almighty Allah if we did not forget these lessons after Eid-ul-Fitr. Incidentally, here the difference between religious and materialistic outlooks becomes sharper. On this day, special prayers are held between sunrise and noon. Muslims assemble, in large congregations, wearing their best dresses standing shoulder to shoulder, demonstrating for everyone the universal brotherhood which is a distinguishing feature of Islam.
Eid Ul Fitr is an occasion for Muslims all over the world to dedicate their lives to the cause of humanity, which is the best way to demonstrate love for Almighty Allah. Let us resolve that our energies, in the coming year, will be directed towards strengthening a society based on mutual respect, brotherly love, and universal understanding. Let us decide that, in the coming year, we will build a social order which would bring not only the material benefits, but also the spiritual satisfaction. And, in the end, let us pray to God in these words: Last but not least in conclusion I would like to say “O Lord, make Muslim clean from their errors if any by the close of the month of Ramadhan, and take Muslim out of their sins when their fast comes to end. And bless Muslim on this Eid day, the day of their festival and their break-fast; and let it be the best day, which passed over them, and forgive Muslim from their sins known and unknown.
The author is Environmental Science Lecturer
