When Shrouds Sell More Than New Clothes….

Kuch Pathro Me Phul Khil Jate Hai

Kuch Anjane Bhi Apne Ban Jate Hai

Kuch Lasho Ko Kafan Nasib Nahi Hota

To Kuch Lasho Par Tajmahal Ban Jate Hain.

-Bindu Mahajan

The holy month of Ramadan is nearing its end, marking the onset of the festivities for Eid-ul-Fitr. This auspicious occasion is said to begin with the sighting of the new moon, marking the end of Ramadan and beginning of the Shawal month of the Islamic calendar. Muslims all around the world are known to fast from dawn to dusk during the entire month of Ramadan. Muslims believe that exempting from permissible food and drink for an entire month helps or rather trains them to stay away from all that is prohibited in the boundaries of Islam. As such, Eid-ul-fitr is a big and joyous celebration for Muslims – festivities include prayers in congregation, hearty feasts, exchanging of gifts and goodwill. Markets become crowded with people buying new clothes and gifts for family and friends; new varieties food items especially sewaiyan draw buyers in different regions.

Muslims in India too have been celebrating Eid-ul-fitr with pomp and glitter in the past. However, the second wave of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic in the country has severely diminished the festival fervor. Increasing number of lives have been lost since March 2021 and continued in the entire month of Ramadan. There are so many Muslims who began entire fasts in Ramadan and did not live to witness the end to this blessed month! The country is currently at a situation when shrouds or kafan are selling more than new clothes in the market near Eid. Congregational prayers are prevented in the mosques, especially on Fridays, in accordance to social distancing guidelines.

The Imaam or Chief cleric of the Ajmer Sharif Dargah has appealed to all the Indian muslims to follow COVID guidelines and protocols for Eid. He stressed on the fact that when so many of our brothers and sisters have lost their lives and succumbed to the deadly virus, how can Muslims even think of celebrating and having festivities, especially after engaging in prayers and good deeds in Ramadan. He requested people to pray at homes instead of gathering at mosques and spending time with family – he said that Muslims showed pray wholeheartedly for the peace departed souls and ask the Almighty to grant strength to the bereaved families. He further added that each one should try their best to reach out and help those in distress and need.

May be that is where the true essence of all religious festivals lie – in praying for one and all and reaching out to the needy. This Eid-ul-Fitr is surely different but we can only hope and pray that the next one will be better.