Eid is a symbol of harmony, peace, happiness, and unity along with brotherhood. It has an immense importance in Islamic culture as it covers spiritual, social and cultural aspects. Eid is not only a time of celebration, but also an opportunity for faith, kindness, reflection and gratitude. Like the various other festivals of Assam, the Assamese muslim community has been celebrating Eid since ancient times in this land of 'Shankar Azan'. Eid is the most important religious festival of Muslims. This festival is celebrated in Assam as well as all over the world. Eid is a bond of social gathering and love where rich and poor of every society forget their status and embrace each other in a sense of brotherhood. The Assamese Muslims offer group prayers which is known as Eid Salah in mosques or open spaces called 'Eidgahs' on the occasion of Eid.
Eid is about exchanging love. Eid-ul-fitr is celebrated on the first day of the Arabic month of Shawwal. The word 'fitr' means charity. Fitr is collected before Eid prayers so that everyone, rich and poor, can share in the joy of celebrating this festival. Every able-bodied family is obliged to collect Fitr from each member. In short, Fitr helps the poor and needy neighbors to join in the joy of Eid. Thus the Muslims pay Fitr and Zakat to the poor so that the poor people can celebrate the occassion of Eid with flavour and fervour and with satisfaction without going hungry. 'Zakat' is an Arabic word. It means to sanctify or to purify. Therefore, it is important to donate a portion of the savings to the poor and needy in obedience to the command of Allah and to create a sense of equality and brotherhood among all in the society.
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Eid has a special significance in the rural as well as urban society of Assam. After the successful completion of the holy Ramadan families and friends of Assamese Muslims come together to share special meals and sweets. ‘Eid’ and ‘delicious foods’ are inseparable terms. Various traditional Assamese dishes along with Pulao, Biryani, Tandoori, Sheer Khurma & Firni are prepared and distributed. Not only in Eid but also during Ramadan now a days many individuals and organization take initiatives to organize ‘Iftaar Parties’ and provide delicious meals irrespective of any caste, religion and race. These initiatives help to strengthen the base of ‘Bor Asom’ and tied us with the thread of friendship and universal brotherhood.
Another important aspect is whether the fast should be 29 or 30? There is a lot of excitement specially among children and teenagers. It is impossible to describe in words the joy of seeing the moon when the sun sets which is popularly known as 'Chand Raat’. The moon or Eid moon is seen in the sky on the last day of Ramadan. Eid is celebrated after sighting the new moon.
The Muslim community believes that fasting during the month of Ramadan purifies the soul. They believe that if you recite the holy Quran and pray during Ramadan, the gates of hell are closed and the gates of heaven are opened. After thirty days of sacrifice and penance throughout the month of Ramadan, they were able to celebrate their most joyful and most awaited holy day. We live in the land of 'Shankar Azan' where the peace, harmony, and the spirit of brotherhood prevails. Let the spirit of holy Eid enlighten the mind and spirit of every human being and spread the message of love, peace and prosperity to each and every corner of our society.
(The author is an Assistant Professor at Puthimari college. All views and opinions expressed are the author’s own.)
