Hyderabad: Id-ul-Fitr will be celebrated on Tuesday. The moon was not sighted in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh due to the heavy cloud cover, but it was visible in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
After confirming with their counterparts in the neighbouring states, the Ruiyat-e-Hilal committee confirmed that the moon has been sighted and Id can be declared.
The sighting of the moon begins the month of Shawwal in the Islamic calendar. This time, the fasting in the month of Ramzan lasted for 29 days.
The celebrations, however, will be tempered by the violence in Gaza and killing of innocent civilians, especially children.
Many in the city are keeping Id celebrations to the bare minimum, deeply pained by the deaths.
Over 2,000 people took part in different rallies organised in the city in the last fortnight.
The social media is flooded with messages condemning the mindless violence. Id messages on the social media pray for peace as well in Palestine. It has come though as a very strong emotion this festive season.
Shagun Ali, educationist with Ocimum International School said, “I have decided not to buy new clothes and accessories this Id. It is deeply disturbing to see children being killed and there is no end in sight. Id this year will be a very low key affair with no celebrations and prayers for an end to the atrocities.”
Many are worried that despite protests from across the world, the bombing of civilians has not stopped in Gaza.
Zia Hussam, a software professional said, “How can we celebrate Id, when we know that hundreds of Muslims are being massacred? This time, there is a lot of awareness due to the social media and many people are spreading the word on the killings. There is a feeling in the community that the violence must first stop. A campaign banning Israeli products like soft drinks, chocolates, clothes and many other items have been launched. Leaflets are being distributed to all, not to buy these products.”
The feeling has permeated that they can show their solidarity to the sufferings of civilians in Gaza. Businessman, Sahik Taha Al-Amoudi said, “Id prayers for me this year are only for the people of Palestine. Safety and peace are a priority.”
The constant circulation of messages on the social media has led youngsters to get involved for the cause of Palestine.
Iftekhar Ansari, a student said, “The atrocities in Gaza are uppermost in the minds of every Muslim. Disturbing pictures and videos during Ramzan showed people burying their near and dear ones. In the last few days prayers have been offered for peace. Id prayers also will be for peace and we are not going all out to celebrate. It is sad that world leaders cannot negotiate peace.”
