After the fast, time to show gratitude

Hyderabad: The festival of breaking the fast, Id-ul-Fitr, will be celebrated with grandeur on Saturday across the country. The relevance of the festival, celebrated after a month of fasting, also emphasises the responsibility towards self and society, Islamic scholars said, calling upon the Muslim community to set an example with charity and other kind acts.

“Id is a good time for people to show gratitude for what they have and help those who are deprived of it. Give sadqa-e-fitra before Id prayers so that the poor and the deprived will also be able to take part in the festivities,” said Syed Mumshad Pasha Quadri, president of the Markazi Majlis-e-Qadria, Hyderabad.

Sadqa-e-fitra is obligatory for every Muslim individual, be it men, women or children. “It is generally calculated as 1.25 kg of wheat per person, for adults or children. Giving money which is equal to the above specified weight might be ideal for the poor and needy,” the maulana said, explaining, “A poor man can’t go around trying to sell wheat or dates and earn money and then celebrate Id. Thus, giving money is always better.”

It is not just wheat, people often give rice, dates, barley, corn, oats or whatever is the staple local food, but the quantity specified is 2.5kg for these.

Anyone who can be a recipient of zakat can receive the sadqa-e-fitra. “So important is paying of fitra that the Prophet had said the fast remains suspended between heaven and earth until it is paid,” the maulana said.

The maulana and scholars also speak about what is expected of a Muslim on the occasion Id.

“All men should congregate in mosques, open areas or community centres to offer the Id namaz. The Id prayers are followed by the Khutbah and listening to it is Sunnah as one will be reminded of responsibilities,” Mr Mumshad Pasha Quadri said.

It is also advised that one should take different paths while going to the masjid and while returning from it after the prayers, to earn more rewards, as men recite Takbeer during the entire time of the travel.

“It is preferable to walk, unless you are disabled. Recite Takbeer, eat something before prayers and encourage children to pray,” the scholar said.