Prayers held for end to Middle East war
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Mar 21: Amid tight security arrangements, Eid ul-Fitr was celebrated with religious fervour and traditional gaiety across the Jammu region today, with a large number of Muslims gathering at various Eidgahs and mosques to offer special Eid prayers and prayed for peace and betterment of mankind.
Click here to watch video
Eid ul-Fitr marks the end of the fasting month of Ramzan is considered a sacred and holy month in Islam. The month is observed through fasting, prayers and charity, and ushers in a festival of joy, togetherness and thanksgiving.
Eid-ul- Fitr falls on culmination of Ramzan and Muslims on this day throng the mosques and Eidgahs from early in the morning to offer special Eid Prayers.
There was festivity in various markets in Jammu especially Katikan Talab, Gujar Nagar, Residency road etc with people seen busy in making purchasing. There was also huge rush in confectionary shops and Sweet shops with people purchasing Eid gift packs. The members of other communities were seen offering Eid greetings to their Muslim brethren in a traditional way.
The merry making children attired in colorful costumes were also seen busy in purchasing toys, sweets, ice cream etc and hugging each other on the occasion by offering Eid greetings.
At Residency Road NC Office the party men were seen busy in distributing sweets among the people and offering Eid greetings.
Meanwhile, hundreds of devotees offered prayers at different mosques and Eidgahs across the region, with the main congregation held at the Eidgah on Residency Road in Jammu, followed by gatherings at the Mecca Masjid in Bathindi, the Jamia Masjid in Talab Katikan, Jamia Masjid in Ustad Mohalla and Jamia Masjid in Sidhra.
In Jammu biggest congregation was held Eidgah Residency road where a large number of Muslim devotees performed Eid prayers and prayed for world peace, brotherhood and immediate end to war in Middle East. Religious scholars highlighted the significance of the day, emphasizing compassion, sacrifice and gratitude, and prayed for peace across the world, particularly in the conflict-hit regions of West Asia.
The Shahi Imam of Jammu, Mufti Inayatullah Qasmi, said Eid is a day of joy and gratitude after a month of fasting and worship. “We pray that Allah keeps everyone happy, prosperous and in good health, and that humanity lives in peace and harmony,” Qasmi told reporters here.
Referring to global conflicts, the Shahi Imam said war is not a solution and urged nations to resolve differences through dialogue.
“We appeal to all countries to sit together and end this loss of human lives,” he said.
National Conference provincial president Rattan Lal Gupta, who visited the Eidgah on Residency Road with party leaders to greet people, said Jammu has a long tradition of communal harmony.
“Irrespective of religion, people in Jammu celebrate each other’s festivals together. Today also, people of all communities have gathered to share the joy of Eid,” Gupta said.
Expressing hope that prayers offered on Eid would bring peace, prosperity and employment opportunities to the region, he said, “We also pray for an end to conflicts around the world.”
Extending Eid greetings, National Conference (NC), MLA Bashir Ahmad Veeri said global conflicts have led to rising prices and hardships for the people.
“We pray that wisdom prevails, the war ends, and people get relief from suffering. We also pray for peace and brotherhood in our country,” Veeri said.
After offering prayers, people were seen exchanging greetings and sweets to embrace the festival in a spirit of unity and celebration. Eid was also celebrated with traditional fervour across Doda, Kishtwar, Ramban, Poonch, Rajouri and Udhampur.
The post Eid celebrated with religious fervor, gaiety across Jammu region appeared first on Daily Excelsior.