As we celebrate the festival of Eid ul Fitr today, prominent city-based Muslims come together to spread the message of Islam being a religion of peace and tolerance.
Muslims in the city get together with their friends and family, preparing and sharing some of the yummiest delicacies, in their ethnic finery and exchanging gifts and pleasantries.
This holy day comes at the end of Ramadan which is filled with merriment and thanksgiving. And most of all, a call to peace, by one and all.
Kulsum Shadab Wahab, CEO Hothur Foundation shares, “Ramadan is the beginning of a new chapter of heart purification of the soul and rejuvenation of the body and Eid is a time for reflection and starting afresh. It’s a time to rejoice with family and friends. I’m remembering those who don’t have enough at this time. It’s a time to count our blessings while also giving charity to those in need. Fasting teaches us empathy and Eid al fitr is a much deserved gift of feast for those who have fasted and demonstrated sincerity in the month of Ramadan. I would like to give the message of celebration of harmony and to spend your wealth on people who are less fortunate. I hope Eid brings purity and sanctity to our souls and peace to humanity.”
Deeply shocked and saddened by the situation around the world, wife of Bengaluru-based wildlife conservationist Saad Bin Jung (nephew of yesteryear batsman Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi), Sangeeta Jung states, “In the present circumstances what is happening goes against the spirit of Muslim. Terrorism is not Islam! Our prayers are for our friends in Bangladesh. We have to learn to love and be sensitive to each other, instead of getting into Hindu-Muslim divide. As an Indian, we need to be human beings first. Saad and I always believe that religion is personal and should be practiced at home. We have to be humanitarian towards each other. I feel, it’s an economic war and not a religious war that’s just going to another level. We want everyone to be tolerant. This holy month has taught us to be more loving, kind and charitable and we need to bring about that change.”
Agreeing to the above and reiterating her feelings on spreading the message of peace and harmony, wife of Dinesh Gundu Rao working president of the Congress party Tabu Rao believes, “It’s such a sorry state of affairs with so many people misusing power in the name of religion. Most of us Indian Muslims want to be secular and spread joy and message in this time of tragedy. The onus lies in all of us fighting against terrorism and praying for peace on this holy day of Ramadan. Besides celebrating, I’m also praying for a tolerant nation that rises above religious customs and learns to respect each other as human beings first and anything else later.”
We wish our readers Eid Mubarak!
