MUSLIMS around world are this evening selecting their best outfits and conditioning their taste buds in readiness for tomorrow’s gatherings to be punctuated by delicious meals as they celebrate Eid-ul-fitr marking the end of the holy month of Ramadhan.
For the last 30 days, Muslims were put to a stern test of complete abstainance from food, water and sexual relations from before dawn to dusk.
The essence of Ramadhan is to for Muslims to rekindle their relationship with God while working to become attributes of charity, tolerance, unity, prayerfulness, love and forgiveness.
The celebrations tomorrow will be preceded by special congregational prayers and sermon to be held after sunrise.
After the prayers and sermon, believers usually joyfully and sincerely embrace each other emphasizing unity and love within the community.
They also encouraged to visit the the cemetery to supplicate for those who have left the world.
Amidst the euphoria of the celebrations, this practice serves as a reminder of the mortality of human beings, that nothing in this life is permanent and that all are to inevitably return to the Creator at some point.
Similarly, visiting the sick and the weak in the community to offer solidarity, prayers and comfort is also an emphasized practice of during Eid-ul-fitr celebrations.
Then afterwards of course, both Muslims and non-Muslims can look forward to the enjoyment of sumptuous foods and delicacies.
Sharing of food with relatives, loved ones and friends will be a common feature in many Muslim households.
In this way, the kinship, brotherhood and comradery are further strengthened.
Mention and congratulate a Muslim you know…
©Kalemba May 12, 2021
