SILCHAR, Sept 9: Along with the rest of the country and the world, the festival of Id is being celebrated with all religious fervour and happiness in Barak Valley also. Id marks the end of Ramadan, a month when Muslims fast throughout the day and eat only at night. Prayers, feasts and family get together are the major highlights of the celebrations. It was during this month that the holy Quran was revealed. Id means recurring happiness or festivity. Id is celebrated with much enthusiasm and fervour and Muslims from all strata of life can be seen adorned in beautiful new clothes, visiting the mosques to attend Id prayers. Greetings of Id-Mubarak are exchanged.
A very important aspect of Id is the charity. Gifts in kind and cash are given to the needy. The first Id of the year is known as Id Al Fitr. Al Fitr literally means breaking of fast. The Id Al Fitr is celebrated to mark the end of a month long fast during the month of Ramadan. Fasting has many special benefits. The most important is learning self control. It also purifies one’s spiritual nature which becomes a means of coming closer to Allah. Ramadan is also a time of concentrated worship, reading of the Quran, purifying one’s behaviour, giving charity and doing virtuous deeds.
Id Al Fitr is a day of joy and thanksgiving. On this day, Muslims show their joy for the health, strength and opportunities of life. On the 10th day of Dhul-Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic calendar, Muslims around the world celebrate this feast of commitment, obedience and self sacrifice to Allah. They wear their nicest clothing and attend Id prayers in the morning. This is followed by a short sermon, after which everyone socializes. Prayers are offered in mosques and Idgahs and elaborate festivities are held. (The Sentinel)