MEHAR MUSTAQUE gets ready to celebrate Eid with a pledge to help others. That will be the right way to celebrate Eid this year, she says
The Moon is sad this year” has been the sentiment during much of the month of Ramadan. Certainly, it is a sentiment we are not accustomed to hearing on this moon night, the concluding day of Ramadan. But this feeling holds true not just for us Indians as we pray for hope, but for Muslims all across the world. This time the reverberation of Allahu Akbar, meaning God is greatest, on a day when devotees in thousands pray is lost in the uncertainty of Covid-19. Eid ul-Fitr is being celebrated this year to pay respects to Allah for providing strength and endurance during the month-long fasting ritual and will console people in these times, besides being an indication of hope.
When Ramadan begins, it brings us closer to Allah. Moreover, it is not just the holiest time for Muslims, it is also a period where they believe they can be better human beings by striving to do their best in all endeavours. But because of COVID-19, the mood has been very different this year. There have been no songs at suhoor to wake us up, no iftar parties, and even prayers were not held in mosques. Charity was done from a distance to maintain safety. Neither was any Eid shopping done, as health is what comes first. At the beginning of Ramadan, governments across the world had instructed and urged Muslims to pray within their homes rather than in mosques.
Eid ul-Fitr marks the end of fasting from dawn to dusk during Ramadan and the beginning of the Shawwal month of the Islamic calendar. It is the fast-breaking holiday for Muslims as it is prohibited to fast on this day. Eid-ul-Fitr is the happy occasion in which Muslims thank Allah for giving them the courage and power to fast for the whole month of Ramadan. It is believed that the Holy Quran was first revealed to Prophet Mohammad (Peace be Upon Him) during the last ten days of Ramadan. Eid-ul-Fitr has always been a festival which promotes forgiving, forgetting, and looking forward to a better time with a delighted heart. We need this sentiment more than ever at the present time.
The coronavirus pandemic sweeping the globe has forced us all to stay at home for our own safety and has taught us the meaning of taking care of each other by staying away from people we love. We may not be able to visit our friends and family this Eid, but that does not mean the celebrations should be ruined. Let us all pledge to connect with our loved ones online, host virtual events, and commemorate the festival with people all over the world.
And of course, all the Eid charms and delicacies will still be available to all of us at home. Let the stress be on everything nutritious and healthy in our meals. Including some vitamin C-rich foods, vegetables, and antioxidant-rich foods to help add to our feasting while ensuring a healthy diet, besides increasing our immunity.
One of the most important pillars of Islam is zakat and charity, and during this time, Muslims all over the world make it a point to practice social welfare. Practising this form of charity especially at this time will be a great add on to society. So, we need to donate to the needy in this tragic situation. Everybody knows some family that needs help during this time of crisis. Help them out with food and logistics and ensure that they are being well looked after so that they recover fast from their ordeal.
Don’t forget to contribute to charities and NGOs and try and help actively in special committees formed to help people suffering from this pandemic. Many people who have been affected by the unprecedented crisis are finding it difficult to arrange rations or obtain safety equipment. Let us help them. That will be the right way to celebrate Eid this year.
We are being forced to remain indoors all day for the festival, but that does not mean we can’t dress up. Changing into party clothes will make our day more enjoyable and provide a welcome break from the lockdown routine.
Let me take this opportunity to wish you peace, happiness, and prosperity. May Allah flood your life with peace and quickly bring this pandemic to an end. Eid Mubarak!
Mehar Mustaque is an MBA student in Human Resource Management at IILM University, Gurugram
Image by chiplanay from Pixabay
Featured picture by Rodnae Productions from Pexels
Superb!
You have narrated the whole concept of this unique celebration people participate around the world.
The main thrust areas of the celebration so positively elaborated bringing in harmony and purity in thoughts.
No matter what religion one follow the inner song is for humanity, universe and love.
Thank you for posting such a beautiful post on ied.
Best Wishes for Eid to all believers in an otherwise sad time of the year, when the mood of the moon ? too is pensive throughput the year.
May we celebrate Eid with deep austerity and pray fully send a message to Allah from every heart that humanity is now standing on the precipice of an unprecedented disaster.
May our Prayer for each other be the Eidi for one & All!
Eid Mubarak ?