Eid: A festival of delight and harmony
Tauseef Ahmed
Eid is a festival celebrated all over the world with great enthusiasm. There are two occasions of Eid, Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Azha. Former followed by the month of Ramadhan, which is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar. This holy month is associated with fast.
Every religion has its own ways of rituals. Fast is the most common practice among different religions. It is called Wrath in Sanskrit, Upwas in Hindi, Saum in Arabic and Roza in Urdu. Another important feature of Ramazan is that the Holy Quran was revealed on heaven in this month. That is why this book is commonly read among Muslims during this month and also recited in Qayam-ul-Lail, which is known by the name of Taravih. Besides fasts, recitation of Holy book, remembrance of Allah, Muslims perform charity and for all these sort of prayers they got an occasion of merry making which is called Eid.
On the particular day of Eid, Muslims go to Eidgah, an open ground outside the township or in big cities they perform Namaz of Eid in mosques. But before going to Eidgah they have to distribute Fitra.
This is a sort of charity given to poor people in the shape of grain or money so that they may also enjoy the happiness of Eid. For every member of the family either children or elders, Fitra is given. Its quantity is near about two and half kg wheat or its equal amount. Since Fitra is distributed during this occasion, this festival is called as Eid-ul-Fitr.
People perform Namaz and then greet to each other, visit each other’s houses and have a sweet dish specially prepared for this occasion called Sheer Khurma. Eid is a special occasion to celebrate with family, friends and neighbors. The festival also provides an opportunity to make everybody close to us. After Eid, the programmes of Eid-Milan are organized by Muslims to invite the people of different communities so it becomes a medium of social harmony and peace.
This festival greatly appeals to children because like their elders they have new clothes, shoes and moreover the got money in the form of Eidee from their elders whom they greet the Salam of Eid.
Different Muslim countries have various traditions with a slight difference the most remarkable characteristic of Indian Eid is its warm and affection created among people. After Namaz-e-Eid Muslims embrace their brethren and greet Eid Mubarak and invite them to their homes for having Sheer Khurma.
