A festival that brings joy to all!

A much-anticipated event in the world, and with the dates confirmed, Muslims all over the world are preparing for their favorite festival of Eid al Fitr. It marks the end of Ramadhan, the holy month of dusk-to-dawn fasting observed by Muslims across the globe.

Eid al Fitr is a time for Muslims to thank the Almighty for giving them the strength to fast and reflect on all the aspects of life they're grateful to have. It is customary for Muslims during this time to seek forgiveness from each other for any wrongdoings that may have occurred during the year.

During the period of the festival Muslims introspect and reflect on their inner character. Also it helps unravel their sense of self that include their strengths and weaknesses, which can then be worked upon during the rest of the year.

Eid al Fitr also heralds the noble messages of unity and brotherhood. It entails compassion, empathy, and benevolence. It sends strong messages against violence and communal discord. It is a gentle reminder of love prevailing over hatred.

While across cultures, traditions may differ, there’s a unanimous joy that is celebrated in the form of food, family, and friends. Malls and shops offer special discounts, and restaurants and hotels prepare special Eid menus and events.

Having lived in Oman for over two decades, I have come to know a lot about the festival and traditions of my Muslim friends not in the Sultanate but also many other countries. Eid is not an exclusive festival of Muslims alone, but it is a celebration of all who values affection and friendship. Muslim or non-Muslim, the festival brings joy to all!

I found Ramadan and Eid to be a time, except during the catastrophic coronavirus period, to celebrate with family and friends. The scrumptious food and the drooling aroma of the delicacies being prepared made it more special!

Indeed the calamitous Covid-19 era has been both difficult and challenging. The past three years have brought changes in how we celebrate Eid. Those who lost their family members to the dreaded coronavirus have to celebrate it without their loved ones by their sides.

For many of those who recovered from the virus, many still find it extremely challenging to re-acclimate to “normal” life.

The economic upshot from the pandemic has had a disparate impact on certain sectors of the economy, particularly the service sector, and certain population groups and could risk continued labor dislocations.

The human costs in terms of lives lost will permanently affect global economic growth in addition to the cost of elevated levels of poverty, lives upended, careers derailed, and increased social unrest. In addition to this is the fallout from the war in Ukraine which has aggravated the woes. The conflict has sent global food prices soaring.

The pandemic, which is again showing signs if resurgence in some countries, is not completely gone. It is incumbent upon us all to continue to stay cautious while partaking of the blessings during this Eid.

We should not ignore the fact that we are still in the midst of unusual circumstances. Eid invites us to become exemplary embodiments of the truth which we profess and reminds us of the virtue of sacrificing some of our own comforts for the benefit of others.

After all, responsibility is a fundamental virtue of Islam! Along with all celebrations, I still believe that Eid is a festival that brings along the vibrancy of peace and love to cherish life. All of us should come together shoulder to shoulder to share and care.

Why not make this Eid a memorable one by celebrating it in a way where we can bid goodbye to hatred, jealousy, and enmity and bring in an era of love, sympathy, and brotherhood?

May this Eid al Fitr bring all peace, happiness, and prosperity! Happy Eid to all in advance!