Eid-ul-Fitr, marking the end of the Islamic holy month of Ramzan, was on Thursday celebrated across Meghalaya, a predominantly Christian State, with prayers for peace across the world.
Muslims prayed for peace in the world, particularly in Iraq, Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia following the terror attacks.
“We are sad about the situation in the Middle-East and Bangladesh, whose people are being bombarded. Allah will listen to our prayers for peace, stability, development and happiness in the world,” said Shillong Muslim Union general secretary Sayeedulah Nongrum.
Thousands of men and children clad in new clothes and wearing skull caps offered prayers in Eidgahs and mosques in Shillong, Dawki, Nongpoh, Lad Rymbai, Byrnihat and in the Garo Hills region.
The biggest congregation was at the Eidgah of India’s first glass mosque, the Madina Masjid here, where nearly 10,000 people offered prayers. Hafiz Saddam Hussain led the prayers.
Every Muslim family gave to charity - fixed at Rs 60 this year - as per Islamic rules, so that the poor can also celebrate the festival.
After the prayers, Muslims visited the houses of relatives and friends to greet them. Guests were treated to “sheer khorma” (sweet made of vermicelli, milk and dry fruits) and other delicacies.
Governor V. Shanmuganathan and Chief Minister Mukul Sangma greeted the people on the occasion.
Mr. Shanmuganathan hoped that the festival will be celebrated with fervor and traditional gaiety inspiring compassion, brotherhood and goodwill.
Common values
Mr. Sangma said Eid-ul-Fitr “which marks the end of the month-long fasting, remind us of the common values that unite us in our humanity, reinforcing the obligations that people of all faiths have towards each other and strengthen the bond of unity and brotherhood amongst all”.
Muslims constitute four percent of Meghalaya’s nearly three million people. - IANS
