Dr. Ashaq Hussain
Eid ul Fitr presents an opportunity to thank God for having been granted the strength and conviction to complete the obligatory fast and obey His commandments during the holy month of Ramadan. By having done so, Muslims rejoice in returning to a state of fitra (innocence/purity), having been pardoned of all their transgressions thus starting life anew. Like 2020, this year too, both Ramadan and Eid are once again are being observed amid the coronavirus pandemic, and with rising cases and deaths in India, the celebration is again being restricted and to be cheered from a distance by sharing Eid wishes, quotes, images, and prayers.
Shopping hubs and all type of movement (except permitted ones) have been shut for over a week as a part of restrictions to curb the spread of infection. However, the response has been lukewarm. Thus a big question to ponder that are we heading for the happy Eid-ul-Fitr, or are we preparing for a great mourning that will be imposed on us if we are not careful. A large number of people are leaving their homes and shopping for Eid. One wonders how people can overcome the severity of the crisis and become part of the crowd in the markets. It is now a disease that has spread throughout society and the only thing that can save people is to stay indoors.
This is not the first Eid we have to celebrate and it will not be the last if we all survive. We will have many opportunities to rejoice in the future, but for God’s sake stay indoors at this time. This infection is even more deadly than we had previously imagined. Young and physically fit people are loosing their breath in hospitals on daily basis in a very painful condition. God forbid, if we don’t stay indoors, code matters are bound to increase.
Thus a decision to be away even with Eid-Al-Fitr prayers this year as part of its precautionary measures to prevent the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic will be welcome step on part of your contribution to save the humanity. This self decision can be taken keeping in view the usual big turnouts during Eid-Al-Fitr prayers, making it difficult to maintain social distancing norms among the worshippers. Various islamic uleemas, muftis and imams too has issued an advisory in this regard for Eid and Ramadan, requesting people to refrain from any mass gathering, religious or celebratory, at any time during the holy month of Ramadan, especially on the occasion of Eid and have urged to offer holy prayer of Namaz-e-Eid from respective homes/local mosques.
Thus if we celebrate this Eid with politeness and simplicity and with a sense of loss, it will be appropriate for the occasion. Don’t let your family be ruined by going out and putting yourself in danger. God forbid, if you get this virus then know and understand that it will also get to your family and after that it is impossible to predict what will happen next. And in such a case, it is not difficult to guess what Eid will be like, even it can end as your last Eid.
Dr. Ashaq Hussain is Assistant Professor Chemistry (Selection Grade)
At Govt. Degree College Chatroo Jammu and Kashmir and can be reached at [email protected]
