Bangalore, Dec 9 (IANS) Thousands of Muslims thronged Idgah grounds and mosques in and around Bangalore to celebrate Eid-ul-Zuha Tuesday with religious fervour. Many mosques put up banners condemning terrorism in the wake of the Nov 26 Mumbai attacks.
Bearded men, burqa-clad women and children attired in new dresses gathered in hundreds at prominent mosques across the city to offer prayers under the guidance of moulvis (Islamic priests) on a cloudy and chilly day.
The mood on the festival of holy sacrifice this year was sombre and subdued, coming barely a fortnight after the terror attacks in Mumbai, and reflected the prevailing sentiment across the country.
To express solidarity with the people of Mumbai and pay homage to the victims of terror, large banners and placards condemning terrorism and espousing peace were put up outside some Idgah maidans and mosques in the suburbs.
In his address to the gathering at the main Idgah in the heart of the city, Moulvi Mufti Ashraful Ali said there was no place for violence and terrorism in Islam.
“There is no room for terrorism in Islam. Prophet Mohammed stood for Muslims and the entire humanity, irrespective of religion, caste and creed. Eid-ul-Zuha symbolises the spirit of sacrifice,” Ali said in Deccani Urdu that was relayed across the grounds through loudspeakers.
Siddique Alduri, a devout Muslim, told IANS the paigam (message) of Prophet Mohammed is mohabbat (love) and aman (peace) unto all.
“There is a sense of revulsion in the community against repeated terror attacks across the country claiming innocent lives, causing damage to properties and disrupting normal life. This is the first time I have seen banners and placards outside Idgahs and mosques condemning terrorism, and appealing for peace and harmony among all communities,” Alduri said.
To maintain law and order, the Rapid Action Force conducted a flag march in sensitive areas and thickly-populated areas of the city late Monday. Besides positioning security forces near Idgahs and prominent mosques, patrolling by mobile squads was carried out till late afternoon.
The Eid, also known as Bakr Eid, is celebrated on the tenth day of the month Dhu’l Hijja as per the Islamic calendar.
According to the Quran, the sacrifice by Ibrahim (Abraham) marked the end of human sacrifices for the Semitic race. Surrender of one’s will and purpose is the only sacrifice that Allah (God) requires.
There are about 20 Idgah maidans, 150 mosques and 100 shrines in and around Bangalore.
The festival was celebrated peacefully in other parts of the state, including in Mangalore, Hubli, Belgaum, Gulbarga and Bidar.