After a long month of fasting, Eid al-Fitr is at our doorstep. This is the biggest festival for Muslims.
Eid brings a message of joy and harmony. The wealthy and the poor equally share the happiness of the occasion.
It is also a day of much rejoicing and happiness for those fortunate persons who observed the fasts and reaped the spiritual fruits of this sacred exercise following the directions of Almighty Allah in the holy Quran.
As in other countries around the world, Eid is celebrated with much excitement and enthusiasm in Bangladesh, too.
On Eid Day morning, Muslims from all walks of life congregate to join in prayers.
They exchange greetings there and go home to partake in the delicious delicacies made for the occasion, strengthening social bonds among the people.
No doubt on Eid-ul Fitr, much pleasure is derived from wearing new clothes, meeting friends and relatives and eating specially prepared food. These are all ways of celebrating the occasion.
The main event, of course, is the religious service when one offers prayers and listens to the inspirational address of the Imam on relevant matters concerning the significance of the occasion.
However, this joyous occasion is somewhat dented because of the genocide in Gaza.
Every day, our Palestinian brothers and sisters are dying following attacks by the brutal Israeli forces. The Muslims in Gaza are celebrating Eid in inhuman circumstances.
We express our deepest sympathy for the people of Gaza and also declare our solidarity with the peace-loving people around the world.
Although Ramadan teaches us to refrain from indulgence and all kinds of pleasures and excuses, the most obnoxious is the profit-mongering by a section of dishonest traders.
Before the Eid prayers, Muslims give out Fitra and Zakat to the poor. This is a reminder that fasting has made them more understanding of the needs of others.
The celebrations continue for a couple of more days, sometimes even until the next week.
During the holiday, Muslims greet each other by saying “Eid Mubarak”, meaning “Blessed Eid”. They also distribute sweets among the neighbours and visit relatives.
It is a time to reflect on the month that has passed, to be happy at having a month of fasting and worship. And to hope that the deeds have earned the pleasure of Almighty Allah.
