Eid: a joyous day of spiritual rejuvenation

IT IS only through the Grace of Almighty Allah (God) that we bid farewell to the blessed month of Ramadaan, taking with us lasting memories of getting up early in the morning to commence the fast, breaking fast with friends and family after sunset, praying the night prayers in congregation, restraining our desires of hunger, thirst and lust, thus feeling the pains of the hungry. All for the pleasure of God the Almighty.

Eid is indeed a unique festival. The word “Eid” means recurring happiness.

It has no connection with any historical event, nor is it related to the change of the seasons.

It is a day of thanksgiving to the Almighty God for giving us the health and strength and, above all, the will to observe one of His divine commandments.

Eid is also a time of great joy – particularly in the homes where the young children have fasted for the first time.

It is also a day of giving charity in abundance. The Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) is reported to have said: “Beautify your Eid day by giving charity to the poor and needy.”

On the day of Eid, Muslims all over the world congregate in their multitudes for a special prayer session followed by a special sermon delivered by the imam from the pulpit.

The Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) encouraged women also to attend so as to benefit from the divine message and blessings.

The Muslim community globally is facing extremely turbulent times.

With the onslaught of anti-Islamic hysteria, the month of Ramadaan should strengthen and fortify us to rise up and face these challenges in an intellectual and responsible manner.

With the guidance we draw from the glorious Qur’an and the prophetic traditions, we are able to strategically and wisely drown out these voices of anti-Muslim rhetoric.

We must recommit ourselves to change at grassroots level.

We must be able to knock on doors and open our homes to people of other faiths, and even those who do not profess any particular faith.

It is important to expose the values of the religion of Islam in a practical fashion to our fellowmembers of humanity: the values of love, respect, tolerance, honour and dignity.

We must forge relationships and open up avenues of dialogue.

This grassroots effort of winning the hearts and minds of individuals was the way of all the prophets over the ages, in particular the beloved prophets Moses, Jesus Christ and Muhammad (Peace Be Upon All Of Them).

On this glorious day of Eid, we offer special prayers to our loved ones who have departed from this world. May their abode in their hereafter be of absolute bliss.

After this period of spiritual and moral rejuvenation, it is imperative for all Muslims to focus on the challenges facing our beloved country – especially the growing needs of the poor and marginalised.

Eid Mubarak is a meaningful step towards a spiritual and moral revolution of love, justice, peace and harmonious coexistence with all our fellow South Africans.

From all at the Gatesville Mosque we extend to you Eid Mubarak.