Mangaluru: Empathizing with flood survivors Muslims observe Eid Al Adha as rain gives a break

Mangaluru, Aug 12: After pounding the district hard for almost a week, rain gave a respite to the coastal city of Mangaluru and surrounding areas today providing much relief to the people, especially the Muslims who observed Eid Al Adha, the festival of sacrifice with piety and religious fervor.

Locally known as Bakrid, the second major festival of Islamic calendar is celebrated to commemorate the sacrifices of Prophet Ibraheem or Abraham (pbuh). This global festival also marks the completion of Hajj, the last of the five pillars of Islam.

Glorifying the greatness of Allah, thousands of Muslims in and around Mangaluru, like other parts of the nation thronged the mosques and Eidgahs early in the day and offered Eid prayers. Hundreds of women and children too participated in prayers in some of the mosques.

However, celebrations were overshadowed by the sufferings of the people in flood-hit areas of Karnataka and nearby Kerala.

Most of the mosques contributed to the flood relief fund while offering special prayers for the flood victims and survivors who are languishing in relief camps.

In several villages across coastal belt of Karnataka, Muslims took out peaceful procession from their jurisdictional mosques to Eidgahs ahead of the prayers.

Donning new clothes, they visited houses of their relatives, where they were treated with special sweet dishes. Platters of a variety of delicious cuisines were prepared in Muslim households. Children dressed in festival attire added colour to the celebrations.

People wished Eid Mubarak and hugged each other as a large number of shutterbugs tried to capture the poignant scenes of the festival prayers and greetings. People of all age-groups were seen taking selfies with friends after exchanging greetings.

Clerics in their Eid sermons exhorted the believers to follow the ideals of Prophet Ibraheem (pbuh), who had sacrificed everting in life for the sake of God. They also urged the believers to generously contribute to the flood relief fund and help the needy.

Mangaluru Khazi Twaka Ahmed Musliyar, in his Eid sermon at Eidgah Masjid in the heart of the city, urged the Muslims to remain steadfast in adhering to their religion and reach out to the less fortunate people and flood survivors.

“A Muslim will celebrate Eid-ul-Adha with the fear of life after death and consequent readiness to sacrifice anything for the almighty. This festival upholds the human dignity. One cannot misuse this day for any frivolous activity”, he said.

In Mangaluru city alone around over two dozen mosques were open for Eid prayers. Thakqwa Masjid at Pumpwell, Noor Masjid at Hampankatta, Kudroli Juma Masjid, Juma Masjid adjacent to Sayyid Madani Dargah, Salsabeel Masjid in Ullal and Huda Masjid in Thokkottu among other mosques attracted large number of worshippers.

Meanwhile, police beefed up security in the areas where mosques are located, particularly in the city and communally sensitive places. Police constables were also seen keeping vigil in some of the mosques.