Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (SP)
Pics: Dayananda Kukkaje
Mangalore, Jul 29: Muslims across Dakshina Kannada and others districts celebrated Eid-ul-Fitr on Tuesday July 29 with much joy and devotion.
The faithful flocked to mosques, particularly the Idgah at Light House hill early morning for special Eid prayers.
Eid-ul-Fitr marks the end of the month of Ramadan and beginning of the Shawwal month. The sight of moon on the last evening of the month of Ramzan, also known as Ramadan, is greeted with grateful voices which hail the greatness of the Almighty Allah by praying in unison, 'Allahu Akbar'.
Chanting of 'Allahu Akbar' is done at all times, celebrations,, times of sacrifices and difficulties, and on all occasions, either good or bad. Chanting of this prayer, it is believed, helps one to overcome adversities, shun bad things, and always move on the path of righteousness.
Whether poor or rich, young or old, Eid-Ul-Fitr is an occasion to celebrate for all. Every Muslim who has excess food grains or other things over and above his minimum needs, has to donate food grains to needy people, in a practice known as Fitr Zakaat. In the recent past, the practice of distributing kits for Fitr Zakaat to poor families after collecting the same at mosques has become popular.
People get up early in the day, complete their ablutions, and take part in the unique mass Namaz organized at various places. These are held either in Idgah grounds in cities or in mosques as per local practices. Discourses known as 'Qutba' are delivered. In some of the mosques women are allowed to take part in the Eid Namaz, and separate arrangements are made for them.
After the prayers, people hug each other and exchange Eid greetings. They then visit families of friends and relatives. This is the occasion to end the month-long fasting, and celebrate by feasting. However, celebrations which border on extravagance and wasteful expenditure are treated as not in tune with the religious advices. This is the day on which people literally follow the pronouncement of the Prophet that those who eat a stomach-full when his neighbour is hungry, cannot be treated as a true member of the community.
Moulana Abdurrashid Nadvi, Umari Khateeb and Imam of Jamiya Masjid Udupi, in his Eid message on the eve of the festival, said, "Eid-Ul-Fitr is a festival of Muslims which lays impetus on celebrating, sharing of happiness, spreading the message of peace and harmony, and be supportive during good and bad times of everyone. This festival lays stress on maintaining a balance in one's life, spreads the message peace, and meets the necessity of human society. It also advocates world peace."
He added further, that the Prophet has ordained that the entire human race is like a family, and those who are altruist, and follow the ideals of love, harmony and empathy, can be treated as excellent human beings. He added that Islam lays importance of installing peace, prosperity and justice in every field. He has wished that the Almighty will bless everyone with peace, and spread love, affection, harmony and peace between all human beings.