News Analysis |
Muslims around the world are gearing up for Eid-ul-Fitr as the bestowed month of Ramzan comes to an end. Eid is an occasion of festivities and joy. The event if we may call it is preceded by preparations galore. Women go on a shopping spree; fights with tailors are quite common and the food business gets a hit.
Eid is fervently celebrated in Pakistan too. Prayers, feasts, and family gatherings are the hallmarks of Eids in the country. However, we can change a few things to understand the essence of these joyous Islamic days: compassion.
Perhaps what is more symbolic is the unity that Eid brings to the table. The special morning prayers on Eid are offered by rich and poor alike; standing shoulder to shoulder they pray in unison and thereafter embrace each other.
Eid is fervently celebrated in Pakistan too. Prayers, feasts, and family gatherings are the hallmarks of Eids in the country. However, we can change a few things to understand the essence of these joyous Islamic days: compassion.
1 VIPs aren’t different from others
Millions of Muslims in Pakistan offer Eid prayers, the shoe weavers, the mechanics, bank employees and everyone. Praying is part of Eid proceedings and hence everyone prays. They rightly don’t get any attention for it. But wait news channels bombard us with pictures and news of big wigs offering prayers. We are told as to where the PM, the President or the Army Chief for that matter offer their prayers. Why do we need to know this seriously defies logic! This needs to stop as it flouts the principle of equality, which is exactly what Eid promotes.
2 Eid Mubarak Jawaans
Take out some time to think about and thank all security agencies who are not celebrating their Eids and instead are defending their countrymen. Think about the Army personnel who are fighting militants while we are feasting. We can honor them by a simple benign act. If we see them in combat gear manning check posts, we should stop our cars and wish them, Eid. This will do them a world of good.
3 Look Around
In an individual capacity, we could do small acts which can put smiles on the faces of the downtrodden. We get money in the shape of Eidi; children love spending it. Distribute 10 toffees to a kid who has nothing to spend; make him part of your celebrations. The well-to-do must contribute more. They can distribute gifts, clothes, and eatables to impoverished communities.
4 Media needs to change itself
In order to create awareness, the media must show how some people are bereft of celebrating Eid so that those who can, feel the pangs and help them out.
5 Eid Mends Fences
“Eid Mubarak’s “ are real ice breakers. Use this pious phrase to sort out differences with your loved ones. Resolve issues by starting off the process with this greeting which is even otherwise incumbent upon us.