When celebration brings fear!
Festivities, of all kinds, are a distinct way of enjoying life and its blessings. Through such jovial occasions, people share great and unforgettable moments with family, friends, colleagues or society. Being in a mood of celebration is very positive and encouraging to refresh minds and spirits, strengthen relations with others and break the daily routine of one’s life.
A number of celebrations have already been booked on our calendar, some of which are annual while others are just occasional and celebrated for short-lived reasons. Commemorating Eid al Adha is one of those yearly occasions we impatiently look forward to celebrate. Being called the Festival of Sacrifice or Feast of Sacrifice, this Eid falls on the 10th day of the twelfth month of the Islamic Calendar, Dhul Hijjah. It is associated with performing Haj, pilgrimage, the fifth pillar of Islam.
Eid al Adha is a happy celebration for all Muslims worldwide; children, adults and elderly, both men and women alike. Regardless of age and gender, you see people within the same neighbourhood exchanging greetings and congratulations with each other since the dawn or even since the moment it’s known that the next day is Eid.
However, this year, the occasion was celebrated differently with the emergence of coronavirus (COVID-19). Due to social distancing norms, people are reluctantly staying at home on the day and sharing their greetings with others remotely; via SMS, Whatsapp or phone calls. Mostly they have virtual greetings and wishes with one another.
What made it even worse is the increasing number of coronavirus infections, leading to a partial lockdown of all governorates of the Sultanate. Hence, people have limited their celebrations at home with their families and not even with neighbours. Very close relatives could possibly have quick and distant one-on-one greetings on the day of Eid. Though, that was also limited and rare.
People have been cautiously marking Eid al Adha celebrations, striving not to put theirs and others’ health at risk. All are complying with the decisions of the Supreme Committee and promoting the concept of better sacrificing delight of social gathering instead of losing one’s health and life. Hence, all have tried their best to observe Eid celebration in joyous ambiance, but with caution to ensure all are safe and happy.
Stay safe and be happy.