YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED

importance is attached to this night and the Quran calls it ‘better than a thousand months.’ (The Quran, 97:1-3) Once Aishah (The wife of the Prophet), asked the Prophet as to how she should pray during Lailat-ul-Qadr. The Prophet gave this prayer: “O God, You are the Forgiver, You love to forgive Your servants, so You forgive me.” (Sunan Ibn Majah) The greatest thing to ask God is forgiveness. It is forgiveness which leads one to eternal Paradise. Therefore, one should seek forgiveness from God Almighty on this night. What is the essence of the festival of Eid after fasting for a whole month? As fasting does not imply mere hunger and thirst, the day of Eid alFitr does not merely imply feasting and celebration. It should rather strengthen in us the right perspective of the ephemeral nature of this worldly life and the imminent delights of the Hereafter that are sure to follow. This should be truly manifested in the thankfulness we present to the Creator by offering prayers and by giving more in charity to the needy. As the period of fasting is spent in self-preparation and spiritual development, the day of Eid should inculcate in the believer a new spirit and a renewed sense of zeal and determination towards the journey to the life Hereafter. The message of Eid fosters the rekindling of our faith and the opening of new vistas and an entirely fresh and innovative approach to the struggles of life which would culminate by the grace of God with the rewards of everlasting Paradise. Does Eid help in strengthening the social bonds among people? The occasion of this festival provides, above all, a valuable opportunity to extend the hand of friendship to people from other communities and remove misunderstandings often prevalent in the society. Muslims should forge friendship with their neighbours, friends, and colleagues to foster harmony and the spirit of sharing. Eid provides a God-given opportunity for social interaction between different communities. By sharing our happiness with them we can go a long way in easing the tension between people of all faiths. The establishment of cordial relations among different communities will result in prosperity of the community and the nation at large. o