AFTER Ramadan, the month of fasting has come the Eid-ul-Fitr for the Muslims all over the world. People left the capital city as well as other the divisional headquarters for their village homes to reunite with near and dear ones and join in the festivities of Eid together. This is the day when the Muslims reward themselves for having successfully observed the month of self-restraint when they deny themselves foods, drinks and all forms of bodily pleasure and selfindulgence during the daytime. This is also an occasion when Muslims forget the past days of ill-will and hostility towards their rivals and enemies and embrace them after saying the prayer in congregation.

So, the Eid is not merely a day of feasting and making merry. It is also the day of spiritual regeneration and rebirth for the Muslims. In the present-day context, there is room for serious introspection for the Muslims everywhere. Are the Muslims celebrating the occasion as a mere ritual or are they doing it in its real spirit? The question arises once we look at the day-to-day happenings in the countries where the Muslim populations are predominant. Senseless bloodshed, suicide bomb attacks on mosques during the prayers, gunning down marchers in a religious procession or driving suicide car-bombs into the gathering of Muslims belonging to different sects have become the stuff of news in the media. The irony is that all these are happening in the name of Islam. But Islam never allows such killings and suicide attacks by a Muslim on another Muslim or people belonging to other faiths. On the contrary, Islam teaches the faithful to be sensible, tolerant and understanding.

In this sense, this Eid-ul-Fitr has again provided us with another occasion for soul-searching. On this day of reunion, the Muslim community must again ask themselves if they are following the true path of Islam, the faith of peace and tolerance.

Talking of tolerance and patience, it must be admitted that we, in Bangladesh in particular, need to exercise more of these gifts of character during the Eid. The mad rush and stampede that are a common experience during the journey home often lead to tragic accidents on the roads and waterways every year. And these recurring tragedies have robbed the victims and their families of all the joy of the Eid-reunion forever. If they had exercised restraint and patience, they need not have to suffer these heartbreaks.

On this occasion of Eid-ul-fitr, we hope those journeying home and back would exercise caution and avoid risking their valuable lives by jumping into the overcrowded buses, trains and river vessels.

Happy Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid Mubarak to all.