Dr. Forqan Uddin Ahmed :
This Eid-Al-Fitr is primarily a feasting day after the strenuous 30 days of fasting in Ramadan which is the 9th month of the Islamic Calendar. Apart from that, this month and Eid celebration also signifies the achievement of communication with the celestial spirit and religious merits, characterized by sacrifice, self-discipline, and charity. With fasting, prayers, and charity, one becomes a modest person and attains self-control. The three basic reasons for celebrating Eid-Al-Fitr are narrated as showing gratitude towards God for being a constant guide in the fasting month of Ramadan, going to the Mosque and praying at least five times a day and asking God for forgiveness and to carry out the act of charity towards the poor and needy and it is called “Zakat-Al-Fitr”
The pleasure of the Eid is so arranged that the hungry and the have-nots can join and share despite their all want and sorrows. In Islam, there is a practice of giving “Zakat” by which discrimination, disparity and injustice will be minimized. At an Eid congregation all people forget and forgive their past ill activities, they submit their humble prayer before God for peace and unity. As a result, we see a very heavenly atmosphere at an Eid congregation and it becomes a big meeting place with each other. So we always become the worshipers of truth and beauty. Let us promise that we spread the teaching of humanity to all humankind for God’s mercy.
This time there is no sign of that indescribable joy. There is no tide of happiness. Due to the corona virus epidemic, normal life has come to a standstill in Bangladesh as well as all over the world. In such a situation, Eid-ul-Fitr is knocking on the door. After a long month of fasting and strict worship, Eid-ul-Fitr is on the doorstep. The month of Ramadan is over. But this time, we have a different Eid. There is no color of happy Eid in this world which is gray with the color of grief and death. Considering the risk of corona virus infection in our country and the world at present, the worshipers have been requested to perform Eid prayers in the nearest mosque instead of Eidgah or open space this year. Eid festival brings a big change in the economy of this country. It is worth mentioning that we are all more or less acquainted with some words during the Coronation period. The whole world is suffering from frequent lockdown, isolation or quarantine. Everything seems to be cornered for fear of Covid-19. The joy of Eid cannot be imagined where living and live have become issue. So it can be said that this Eid is a mixture of joy and pain. Even then people love to dream. Dark days will be left behind and light will come. Therefore, the main prayer of this Eid-ul-Fitr is to make the world corona free.
We are passing the very shaky days. Due to COVID-19 the whole world is under dark. This time is very critical and crucial for human kind. The world is being jolted by the alarming affect of novel coronavirus. Human life is at a state now, every day people are dying and living in quarantine both home and institution. By social distancing inter country relationship is almost off. But social communication like face book, video conferencing are on. So, in a sense we are in a state of detachment from one another. Public transportation, navigation and air flight are off now. These hamper the world economy in their worst way. Though the situation is very rough and critical, people are suffering a lot due to this crisis. Every state and a nation tries utmost to overcome this crisis. In this situation, the coordinated efforts are needed to combat this condition.
Today humanity faces an acute crisis not only due to the corona virus, but also due to the lack of trust between humans. To defeat an epidemic, people need to trust scientific experts, citizens need to trust public authorities, and countries need to trust each other. Over the last few years, irresponsible politicians have deliberately undermined trust in science, in public authorities and in international cooperation. As a result, we are now facing this crisis bereft of global leaders that can inspire, organize and finance a coordinated global response. In this moment of crisis, the crucial struggle takes place within humanity itself. If this epidemic results in greater disunity and mistrust among humans, it will be the virus’s greatest victory. When humans squabble – viruses double. In contrast, if the epidemic results in closer global cooperation, it will be a victory not only against the coronavirus, but against all future pathogens.
Is Eid-ul Fitr only a connotation of joy or more? Whatever the difference is found in Eid-ul Fitr of this year- we do not wish any tragedy or curse from Covid-19. Eid connotes always joy. It’s boundary is not joy only. It encompasses blessings, hope, values, zeal and humanity. Corona has given a wider range of Eid explanation. Eid will not only limit in joy. It will act as a bridge between love, friendship, togetherness and humanity towards mankind. It will not speared panic or fear to the people- rather it will inspire and enhance sense of carefulness insisted of fear and anxieties. May this Eid-ul Fitr bring grace us with joy, values, ethics & humanity?
(Dr. Forqan is former Deputy Director General, Bangladesh Ansar & VDP)
