The healing

Let us celebrate this Eid. It8217;s not that we are numb to the feelings of those who have lost loved ones and those who were injured in De...

Let us celebrate this Eid. It8217;s not that we are numb to the feelings of those who have lost loved ones and those who were injured in Delhi8217;s devilish blasts. It is, rather, that the diabolical designs of the terror masters must be defied. Refusal to celebrate would mean the materialising of terrorists8217; dreams of creating a fear psychosis.

The festivities must go on, even as we think of all those who have suffered. Let8217;s go to the hospitals with flowers and fruit for the injured. Islam means submission, something we all know except the misguided zealots.

Eid-ul-Fitr symbolises piety, patience, fortitude and Godliness. This day reminds us of the noble human obligation to share the festivities with the poor, underprivileged, downtrodden, besides embracing people from all walks of life. So let8217;s all get together and visit the families of those affected by the Delhi blasts, offering them sweets with our own hands.

Eid means the sharing of joys. Muslims must clearly denounce those misguided people who, in the name of Islam, call for the death of innocents. The Quran says, 8220;There shall be no compulsion in religion.8221; The Quran says whoever kills an innocent person, has killed all mankind. The Book implores that the needy, indigent, handicapped, orphans and hapless be helped. Allah is not the God of Muslims alone. He is 8220;Rehmatullil Aalameen8221;, meaning the God of all people, irrespective of faith, caste, colour or creed. Islam considers all creatures of God as one family of whom man is dearest to Him. As in the Vedic religion, 8220;Nar seva, Narayan seva8221; service to man is noblest, so it is in Islam.

This is also a day of introspection for Muslims who should spare some time to see if their actions and character can be assessed favourably in light of Islamic teachings. Have they contributed to the well-being of fellow beings, non-Muslim brethren and the nation, above all?

Eid is a time to realise the urgency of fraternal bonding and the concept of inter-faith harmony that demand a meeting of hearts and minds to weld the Ummah into a cohesive and pious force. In the present context, when Muslims are being widely portrayed as terrorists, the need to highlight Islam8217;s emphasis on universal brotherhood is of paramount importance.