As the holy month of Ramazan draws to its culmination, Jammu and Kashmir like many other parts of the globe in this part of the globe celebrates the revered festival of Eid-ul-fitr. This time J&K, like most of the places across globe, is not in the grip of adverse conditions thrown by the coronavirus pandemic for the last few years.
The number of virus cases has seen a considerable drop in J&K. Compared to the last two to three years, the situation on the pandemic front is far better.
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.
This will be a different festival when compared to the last several years. For most people, it will no longer be within the confines of their home and there will be the usual pleasure of seeing many friends and loved ones as was missing previously on account of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Eid festival serves as an important source of fulfilling Muslim’s urges and needs. It stands for celebrating the quintessence of harmony and brotherhood. It provides an opportunity to people to give vent to their emotions and at the same time infuses a spirit of life and invigorates sustenance of a community.
It is important for one and all to understand that 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 will make religious sense. 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. This festival is not about being happy but to make others happy and nurture their desires. It is as such important that the people need to remember those in need and should extend all possible help to those who need them the most.
