A message of peace and harmony on Eid

Muslims in the city will celebrate Eid-e-Milad, the day that marks the birth of prophet Mohammed today, with rallies, religious lectures, charitable work and spreading the message of peace and communal harmony.

A massive rally has been organised from Turbhe store, which will wind its way through Turbhe, Vashi, Kopar Khairane and culminate at the Hazrat Mehmood Shah dargah in Ghansoli. Similar rallies have been organised all over the city including at Airoli and Nerul.

Trucks and motorcycles bedecked with green flags, with large cut outs of the mosque of the prophet in Medina, will have the devotees mostly dressed in traditional clothes, raising slogans and reciting couplets in praise of the prophet.

Food and juice will also be distributed along the way to everyone by several organisations. Nizam Shaikh, who heads Eid-e-Milad Garib Nawaz Yuva Committee said, “We have been arranging for special sharbat and food on this day for the past several years. This is meant not just for the Muslims but everyone in the region.” Zulfiqar Qureshi, chairperson of Aman Social Welfare Trust, said: “This day is the perfect day to preach communal harmony and peace. That is what our prophet taught us. We can be good Muslims only if we are good to our neighbours, irrespective of their religion or caste.” Khaleel Subhani, who heads Garib Nawaaz madrassa in Turbhe, said: “The main motive of this day is for the people to introspect on their past deeds and look for a way to improve their behaviour and become better human beings.”

BACHCHAN KUMAR Eid-e- Milaad celebrations.