Id mubarak, bhaijaan
Id originates from the Arabic root word “Aud” that denotes returning time and again. Id is an Islamic festival that returns every year to spread peace, kindness, brotherhood and equality among people irrespective of caste, creed and religion. Since it is also observed as a festival of distributing charity, it’s called Id- ul- Fitr.
The word “fitr” or “fitra” means a form of charity from the rich to the poor to help them celebrate Id with festive joy. Id is not just about feasting on delicious food and wearing fancy clothes, it stands for promoting a humane and noble spirit in the society.
Id- ul- Fitr signifies living with the true spirit of brotherhood and showing compassion for the poor. It is actually meant to achieve the highest spiritual status through selfless services towards the less fortunate ones. Islam is a social religion that seeks to establish a wellmannered society; therefore, it reiterates the importance of good manners through different ways. Id is one such way to imbibe this basic Islamic value among people in a festive spirit.
Characterising men of good manners, the Prophet Muhammad ( PBUH) said: “The best among you in Islam are those with the best manners, so long as they develop a sense of understanding”. To build an ideal Muslim personality, one should be generous, compassionate, humble and sincere.
The observance of Id, in its expanded sense, symbolises the very bright side of an Islamic personality. These social virtues are reflected in the true Islamic manners being displayed on the day of Id in a way that pleases others and does not cause harm to anyone. This is precisely why Islam has enjoined that, particularly on this day, Muslims share food with others, distribute fitrah ( charity) to the poor, organise feasts and invite friends and neighbours. Obviously, such noble activities help us strengthen bonds of love, mutual harmony, brotherhood and social integrity.
Islam lays great emphasis on establishing brotherhood, irrespective of class. Therefore, the Prophet while stressing on the need brotherhood, used the Arabic word “Ummah” which includes people from all religious communities, races, ethnic tribes and social ranks, each with their own cultural, national, linguistic or temperamental features. He exhorted his followers to behave towards all of them as brothers and treat them as they want themselves to be treated. Besides, he tried to inculcate a set of human values among his followers in a bid to encourage universal human brotherhood.
Some of those Prophetic traditions are greeting people time and again, shaking hands and hugging when meeting or parting, visiting and comforting the sick, offering condolences to the bereaved, exchanging gifts with other members of the society, sharing happiness in their ceremonies such as weddings and births. Such acts that strengthen fraternity and brotherhood are greatly valued in Islam. On the day of Id every Muslim must observed and try to inculcate these values. Ghulam Rasool Dehlvi is
a Delhi- based writer