By Dr. Syed Ahmed for TwoCircles.net,
Imphal: Muslims in Manipur celebrated Eid-ul-Fitr on Friday with religious fervor and gaiety. In Imphal city, Muslim males thronged the nearby masjids to offer the special morning congregational namaz. At the heart of Imphal city large number of Muslims gathered for the namaz at Sadr Bazar Jame Majid, near Khwairamband Bazar. Huge number of Muslims also performed namaz at other masjids in and around the Imphal city, namely Hafiz Hatta Masjid, Golapati Jame Masjid, Babupara Masjid, Mantripukhri Masjid and Porompat Masjid.
Stating the essence of the festival, a Maulana said, “Eid-ul-Fitr is one of the two festivals which the Muslims through out the world celebrate. It marks the end of the month of fasting or ramadan. Eid-ul-Fitr is the festival of breaking of the fast. It is a sort of reward for the extreme abstinence and prayers that the Muslims had observed during the month of ramadan. With these Almighty has symbolically shown the followers of Islam that leading a pious and conscientious life in one’s lifetime will be rewarded with eternal happiness in paradise. On this occasion Muslims are enjoined to give sadqah fitr, a specific amount, to the poor so that they could also celebrate the festival.”
After the congregational prayer, Muslims, besides other things, prayed for bringing peace and harmony in the society. Md. Hayatullah, who performed the Eid namaz at Hafiz Hatta said, “I performed the Eid prayer at the Hafiz Hatta Masjid. This year the number of namazis has increased. Many had to pray at the ground in front of the masjid. We commenced our prayer by begging His forgiveness for the sins we had committed. We prayed to the Almighty to shower his blessings on us. We also prayed to strengthen our spiritual values and also to promote peace, harmony and prosperity in the State.”
After the prayer, Muslims exchanged greetings, visited relatives and friends, and prayed for the deceased. Nurjahan, a housewife, said, “Every Muslim household prepares meat and other delicacies for the day. The food is enjoyed with families, friends and neighbors. Young boys and girls, in their newly-bought attires, visit their friends. Children in colorful attires also visit their relatives and neighbors to collect edi (small amount of cash given by elders). In the evening the married women, in rich and colorful attires, visit their parents’ homes along with their husbands and children. They take prepared meat, fruits like apple, banana, sweets, coconut, etc. They eat with their parents and brothers, and take their blessings.”
On this day, Muslims also offer special prayers for the deceased relatives by visiting the graveyards.
The Governor, Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister of Manipur extended their greetings to the Muslims and the people of the State on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr.
The newly appointed Governor of the State Ashwani Kumar stated in his message that the festival of Eid-ul-Fitr, preceded by a month-long fasting, not only spreads the message of peace, brotherhood and universal love but also prepares mankind to perform deeds of high value to enhance the human souls. He further said that the celebrating Eid-ul-Fitr festival strengthens the feeling of oneness and ill-will is forgotten and forgiven. On this auspicious occasion, let us all resolve to work together to spread the message of peace, friendship and love.
In his message, Chief Minister O. Ibobi expressed hope that the holy festival spreads peace, tolerance and harmony among the people of the State.
MPs, politicians, political parties, military officials and civil organizations of the state also extended warm greetings to the people of Manipur on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr.
Jamiat-ul-Ulema, Manipur also extended its warm wishes to the people of Manipur on the auspicious occasion. We hope that the auspicious festival brings the much needed unity and integrity, peace and harmony in the State, the message stated.