Muslims Celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr Marking end of Holy Month of Ramadan
Mangaluru: Thousands of Muslim brethren gathered in front of the Idgah Mosque, Light House Hill Road on June 5 to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan.
Muslims practice fasting during Ramadan. The practice of fasting during Ramadan means that Muslims may not eat or drink anything including water while the sun is shining. Fasting is one of the five pillars or duties of Islam. As with most other religious practices in Islam, Muslims participate in the fast from the age of 12.
One of the most important aspects of the Ramadan fast is called “Niyyah” (intention). Muslims must not simply or accidentally abstain from food; they must achieve the requirement of Niyyah. To achieve this requirement, a Muslim must “intend in the heart that the fast is meant to be worship for Allah alone.” So, if someone fasts for political or dietary reasons, he would not achieve Niyyah. In fact, according to scripture, “Whoever does not make Niyyah before dawn, would not have fasted.” The determination to fast is equal in importance.
District Minister In-charge U T Khader said, “I wish the Muslim community throughout the district, state, country and the world, a very happy Eid-ul-Fitr. The Muslim community has observed month-long fasting. The month of Ramadan is a time for spiritual reflection, prayer, doing good deeds and spending time with family and friends. This is an opportunity for the Muslim fraternity to show brotherhood, harmony, peace and love. Fasting for a month will strengthen the Muslims to lead the rest of the 11 months of the year in peace, harmony and prosperity and to be a model to other communities, the State and the entire country”.
Former District Minister In-charge Ramanath Rai, MLC Ivan D’Souza, former MLA J R Lobo, Police Commissioner Sandeep Patil, Fr Praveen Martis, Rector of St Aloysius College Fr Dionysius Vaz and others were also present.