PANJIM: Muslims across the State celebrated Eid-ul-Fitr on Thursday, by offering namaz at mosques. Thereafter thousands of Muslim brethren were seen greeting each other “Eid Mubarak,” which means 'Blessed Eid'. The celebration of Eid followed a one-month Ramadan fast.
Muslim brethren commence the day with Namaz. One devotee from Bhoma said, “Today we read the holy Namaz and feel extremely delighted and happy. Everyone came here to celebrate and being with everyone our Idgah was full of love and prayer. In this Eid, we want to give all our wishes to all our Muslim brethren in Goa and India.”
Hafiz Usman Shiekh, the Imam at Mapusa Islamic centre, explained that Eid-ul-Fitr is a celebration of gratitude for new life. It is believed that during the holy month of Ramzan, when an individual observes the fast, it is not just a physical abstinence from food and drink, but a holistic fast where one refrains from negative thoughts and actions. This month is also an opportunity to understand and empathise with the less fortunate by experiencing hunger and thirst. Additionally, Fitra, the donation given during this time, is an important aspect of seeking forgiveness and purifying oneself from sins. It also serves as a means to help the underprivileged and enable them to celebrate the joyous occasion of Eid in a dignified manner.
Meanwhile, Asif Hussain, State President, Jamaat e Islami Hind also extend his greetings, saying, “Eid serves as a powerful reminder of the significance of living in harmony and spreading joy to all. Let's welcome this day with open hearts, and may its spirit inspire us to spread love and kindness throughout the year.”
The Eid-ul-Fitr festival reverberates through the air as the world commemorates the festival with the ushering of the crescent moon. While Muslims worldwide spotted the crescent moon on April 9, in India, a few regions namely Kerala and Jammu & Kashmir were able to see the crescent moon and consequently, the festival was celebrated on April 10. The rest of the nation celebrates it today, April 11, with much pomp and religious fervour.