By Dr. Syed Ahmed for TwoCircles.net,
Imphal: Prayers and greetings marked the Eid-ul-Adha celebrations by the Muslims in Manipur today.
In the Imphal city, Muslims performed the Eid Namaz in the mosques. Muslim males, clad in kurta-pyjama, were seen in large number in the early morning performing namaz at some of the prominent mosques, like Sadr Bazar Jame Majid, at Imphal main market, Jame Masjid at Hafiz Hatta, Jame Masjid at Golapati, etc.
Children celebrating Eid in a Muslim locality.
Before the namaz, the Imams delivered lectures from the pulpit of the mosques on the significance of celebrating Eid-ul-Adha, and the regulations of performing the qurbani, or the tradition of the sacrifice of animals enjoined in the Islamic law.
Describing the importance of Eid-ul-Adha, a devout Muslim from Hafiz Hatta said, “Eid –ul-Azha is celebrated by Muslims across the globe. The annual festival is celebrated in Zul Hijaj, the last month of the Islamic calendar. In this month Muslims from all over the world gather at Mecca, in Saudi Arabia to perform Haj.”
More than 300 Muslims from the state had gone to perform Haj. Eid-ul-Adha literally means Eid of sacrifice. As a part of the celebration, Muslims sacrifice animals to commemorate Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his own son Ismael at Allah’s order. In Manipur, cow and goat are the most preferred animals for sacrifice.
The sacrifice of animals commences after the namaz. The meat is distributed to the relatives, friends and the poor. Every Muslim is enjoined to imbibe the spirit of sacrifice which is shown to us by Prophet Ibrahim. This is the essence of celebrating the festival.
“After the namaz we prayed to Allah to enhance the spirit of sacrifice in all of us, and bring peace, harmony and prosperity in the state,” added the Moulana.
Muslims exchanged greetings and visited relatives and friends. Specially prepared meat and other delicacies were offered to visitors. Married women visit their parents along with their husbands and children in the evening taking eatables.
The Governor, Chief Minister and other dignitaries of the state extended greetings to the people of the state and especially the Muslims on the occasion. In his message, Governor of Manipur Dr. K.K. Paul expressed hope that the festival promotes tolerance, harmony and goodwill among the people of the state.
The message of Chief Minister of Manipur O. Ibobi stated, “The festival commemorates the supreme sacrifice made by Prophet Ibrahim for the sake of mankind. The joy of sharing and charity associated with the festival promotes the love and compassion to serve the poor and needy. May the festival unite the people of this state in a spirit of common brotherhood for the cause of humanity.”
Rajya Sabha MP Haji Abdul Salam wished that the auspicious occasion brings peace, progress, prosperity and happiness, and strengthen the bonds of communal harmony, brotherhood and amity among the different communities in the State.”
Minister (Agriculture and Fisheries) Md. Abdul Nasir and Parliamentary Secretary Md. Amin Shah also greeted the people of Manipur. Different political parties and civil society organizations also wished the Muslims on the occasion.