Achi news desk-
Eid is a symbol of harmony, peace, happiness and unity along with brotherhood. It has immense importance in Islamic culture as it covers spiritual, social and cultural aspects. Eid is not only a time of celebration, but also an opportunity for faith, kindness, reflection and gratitude. Like the other various festivals of Assam, the Assamese Muslim community has been celebrating Eid since ancient times in this land of ‘Shankar Azaan’. Eid is the most important religious festival of Muslims. This festival is celebrated in Assam as well as all over the world. Eid is a bond of social gathering and love where rich and poor from every society forget their status and embrace each other with a sense of brotherhood. The Assamese Muslims offer group prayers known as Eid Salah in mosques or open spaces called ‘Idgoots’ on the occasion of Eid.
Eid is about exchanging love. Eid al-Fitr is celebrated on the first day of the month of Shawwal in Arabic. The word ‘Peter’ means righteousness. Peter was gathered before the Eid prayers so that everyone, rich and poor, could share in the joy of celebrating this festival. Every eligible family is obliged to collect Fitr from every member. In short, Peter helps the poor and needy neighbors to join in the joy of Eid. This is how Muslims pay petr and zakat to the poor so that the poor people can celebrate Eid with passion and satisfaction without going hungry. ‘Zakat’ is an Arabic word. It means to sanctify or purify. Therefore, it is important to donate part of the savings to the poor and the needy in obedience to Allah’s command and to create a sense of equality and brotherhood among the whole society.
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Eid has a special importance in the rural and urban society of Assam. After the successful completion of the holy Ramadan, families and friends of Assamese Muslims gather to share special meals and sweets. ‘Eid’ and ‘delicious food’ are inseparable terms. Various traditional Assamese dishes along with pulao, biryani, tandoori, sher khorma and pireni are prepared and distributed. Not only during Eid but also during Ramadan today, many people and organizations take initiatives to organize ‘iftar parties’ and provide delicious meals regardless of class, religion and race. These initiatives help to strengthen the foundation of ‘Bor Asum’ and have bound us in the thread of universal friendship and brotherhood.
Another important aspect is whether the fast should be 29 or 30? There is a lot of excitement especially among children and teenagers. Words cannot describe the joy of seeing the moon when the sun sets which is popularly known as ‘Chand Rath’. The moon or Eid moon is visible in the sky on the last day of Ramadan. Eid is celebrated after viewing the new moon.
The Muslim community believes that fasting during the month of Ramadan purifies the soul. They believe that if you recite the Holy Quran and pray during Ramadan, the gates of hell close and the gates of heaven open. After thirty days of sacrifice and repentance throughout the month of Ramadan, they could celebrate the most joyful and long-awaited holy day. We live in the land of ‘Shankar Azan’ where peace, harmony and the spirit of brotherhood prevail. Let the spirit of the Holy Eid enlighten the mind and spirit of every human being and spread the gospel of love, peace and prosperity to every corner of our society.
(The writer is Assistant Professor at Puthimari College. All views and opinions expressed are those of the author.)
