"Allah Is Greatest"
Muslims the world over celebrate Idul Fitr on
the first day of the month Shawwal. In India this
feast is also known as Mithi Id (the feast of
the embrace). This is for the Muslims the king
of feasts.
According to Prophet Muhammad in Islam there
are only two feasts: Id-Ajha or Bakari-Id and
Idul-Fitr. On the feast of Bakari-Id commemoration
is made of Abraham's willingness to sacrifice
his only son Ishmael in obedience to Allah's command.
Idul Fitr at the end of the month-long fast of
Ramjan is an occasion for rejoicing and thanking
Allah. On this day the faithful remember Islam's
loftiest principle, "Man is Allah's obedient servant."
To show their satisfaction and gratitude they
proclaim, |
|
"Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, "Allah is the greatest
Lail- ha-fllallah, No one is worthy of worship except
Allah,
Vallahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Allah is the greatest
Valillahil Hamd." All praise is for Allah alone."
During the month of Ramjan Muslims observe fast. From
sunrise to sunset no food or drink is taken. The purpose
of this fast is to achieve purity of body and peace
of mind. Together with the fast one must abstain from
all vices and practice self-control. Thus keeping the
fear of God and saving oneself from all evil, every
person through the grace of Allah experiences boundless
joy.
Brotherhood
This is the month to commemorate the descent of the
Koran. Hence the practice of reading the Koran during
this month. Every year during this month all honest
devotees of Allah joining faith and action, give witness
that no one but Allah is worthy of worship, and that
Prophet Muhammad is Allah's servant and messenger. After
attending the congregational worship all embrace each
other and wish each other "Id mubarak" or blessing.
The month-long fast culminating in the Idul Fitr brings
about a strong feeling of brotherhood. When this feeling
goes together with the worship of the one God, Father
of all, a sound religious foundation is laid. This community
bond is an essential element of true religion. The final
goal can only be universal brotherhood of all men under
the Fatherhood of God, the universal embrace from which
no one is excluded. Id Mubarak of entire humanity. |
