Eid In Adversity

As the holy month of Ramazan draws to the culmination, Jammu and Kashmir like any other part of the globe continues to be in the grip of adverse conditions thrown by coronavirus pandemic.
The number of virus cases has seen a surge in J&K, of late mainly because of the inflow of the people from the J&K who were stranded in various parts of the country and elsewhere on the globe. Till date over 1550 people have been infected while 21 people become victims of the pestilence.
There are two ways to look at this number. On one side, it is alarming as it shows that the disease has truly made its way in. But the other way of looking at it would mean Jammu and Kashmir has been relatively been able to keep the situation under check given the large size of the population and the inherent nature of socializing even at times fraught with dangers. Amid this situation, comes what is regarded as one of the few festivals of immense importance in Muslim calendar: Eid-ul-Fitr which marks the conclusion of the holy month of Ramazan and is regarded as a true gift to the believers by Almighty Allah.
However this will be a different festival. For most people, it will be within the confines of their home and deprived of the usual pleasure of seeing many friends and loved ones on account of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.
It is important for one and all to understand that the faith thrives in adversity. As has been pointed out rightly, Islam itself has been founded on the idea that the best way to live is modestly, if not in austerity, as exemplified by the life of the Prophet.
There is no sin greater than an extravagant display of wealth and power, and just like any revolutionary faith, Islam is eternally concerned with the plight of the poor and the downtrodden
So, celebrating the Eid modestly this year not only makes religious sense but can also help in the fight against COVID-19. People need to religiously follow the social distancing and other norms.
This occasion also warrants an improved pledge to serve and support the community better and come together as a people fighting the worst odds one could imagine. For the frontline workers and many others who would be working round the clock even during Eid holiday, there is a need to express deepest gratitude and respect.

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