The country is celebrating Eidul Fitr on Thursday (today) with religious zeal and fervour while also observing precautionary measures to restrain the spread of the COVID-19 that already wreaking havoc on our mental health, then came economic and financial strains.
The occasion, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan, was observed with traditional Eid prayers across the country for the safety and sanctity of the nation and its citizens from all crises specifically the covid-19 epidemic.
This year Eid was celebrated differently with simplicity and a somber atmosphere. The nation is passing through a pandemic that has wreaked havoc on the life and health of the people. The COVID-19 is very much around, raging as madly as the previous year, possibly more since there are fewer limitations and not a strict lockdown at the moment.
The whole world was in the grip of coronavirus and the situation had turned painful in neighboring India. However, Allah Almighty had protected Pakistan from any major calamity for which the nation should be thankful to Him.
The worldwide catastrophic coronavirus has infected more than 870,703 people in Pakistan and killed more than 19,336 people, in addition to irreparable damage to the country’s economy.
Eid celebration must on a small-scale
In fact, Eid is a mutual festivity, bringing together families, friends and the whole Muslim society. However, the coronavirus pandemic has turned everything in our lives upside down and made it compulsory for people to keep a safe distance from others for their safety and our own.
During the three days, we need to keep our gatherings small and safe, because you never identify who can be carrying the virus. The anti-COVID precautions must not be ignored at any cost and make sure the implementation of the SOPs on the festive occasion, both individually as well as collectively. The precautions are also the injunctions of Islam as well as teachings of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace be Upon Him).
Share the festivities of Eid with the poor and needy
Eid is not just a religious festival but also provides an opportunity to take care of our society. These social responsibilities lay down the foundation of an Islamic society. For the sake of humanity, it is imperative to share the festivities of Eid with the poor and needy people, and take special care of those who had been facing economic difficulties owing to the pandemic.
The nation is going through a critical phase and many people have lost their jobs and source of livelihood. A lockdown has been imposed and it is the responsibility of the state and our society to provide for them.
It is the duty of every Muslim to help the deserving on this happy occasion. Apart from Sadaqah-e-Fitr, Zakat and other ‘Sadaqats’, such people can also be helped in several ways. Only by including them in your happiness can you find real happiness.
Remember the sick and the deceased
Several people and families right now are not well, and many loved ones have passed away in the last year or so. There are many families who are mourning their loved ones and this occasion for them is a callous reminder of those who are gone. They are not commemorating.
As human beings, all should remember those who are not well and those who are gone and pray for them. And if there are such people in your family or friends’ circle, meet them, visit an orphanage or an old age home and pray for the health of the ill ones and the peace for the departed ones. It is a tough time for many families and you should show your care for them in any suitable, but safe, way.
An opportunity to make the right choice
The government has given weeklong Eid holidays to make us stay safe and stay home, so just calm down and not take it as a reason to over-socialize and put yourselves and others in danger.
If you begin to feel down regarding all the things that you are not proficient to do owing to the COVID-19 plague, just impede for an instant and assume of those who fell victim to the virus and are not here today to celebrate these occasion like Eid in any form.
Think of the annulled that has been left in their family. This will make you understand how blessed you are to be here today to rejoice in Eid, even if at home. On every occasion you feel apologetic for yourself over everything you don’t have, begin to assume about all that you do have and you will shortly understand how blessed and fortunate you are.
May this Eid bring joy and love to your hearts and create all the opportunities to all success for you! a very blessed and safe Eid Mubarak to you all.
