.
The bounties of Almighty are on us, as the faithful celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr after a month of fasting. This day is not only associated with festivities, but also underscores the need for exhibiting compassion and benevolence. The real happiness is in sharing and this is what the great religion of Islam teaches us to look after those in the lower strata of society, so that they can also join in happiness. This day is specially marked for thanksgiving to acknowledge the blessings with gratitude. Offering Eid prayers and embracing one another has a pivotal lesson of oneness, wherein the intention is to do away with human bitterness and acrimony, and start a new path of shared destiny.
This scripture of divinity is in need of being implemented. Thus, the festival should serve as an opportunity of some introspection in our divisive society. Political reconciliation and a stride in economic welfare are inevitable. Instability and bickering on ethno-sectarian grounds have weakened us, and had a negative impact on social cohesion, pushing the country to the verge of an existential crisis. While we submit to the Will of Allah, there is a dire need to ensure that the society is harmonious and free from all prejudices of status and otherness.
We also have to see that those in our neighbourhood and family are taken care of, and are not denied essentials of life and social mobility. Thus, endowments in the name of Fitra and Zakat are tributaries from the Almighty and the Holy Prophet (PBUH) intended at addressing discrimination in a God-fearing manner, and not as a favour to the downtrodden.
This year the Muslim world is in a crisis of its own, and it is mandatory that gestures of peace are widely disseminated so that the warmongering comes to an end. The healing touch can come from each one of us so that harmony, empathy and congeniality set in across the board. The true impact of supplications and fasting is in uniting the society, and that can passionately be done by sharing smiles and being conscious of the needs of the deprived. A Happy Eid to all readers!
