First of all, we should enjoy Eid Al-Fitr festival but should not forget about our fellow Muslim brothers and sisters who live in conflict-stricken countries and are spending melancholic and grim Eids due to wars, protests, bomb blasts, and political turbulences.
Some people say that we should not have a joyful time in Eid because of what is going on in sisterly countries while some feel sad because the days of the Holy Month of Ramadan are over. Yet, some believe this Eid is like others — there is nothing new to do and that most relatives do not visit one another as they used to in the past.
I would like to say to the above detractors one thing: Eid is a joyful event that should be utilized to overcome all obstacles we're facing and our pains. Yes, our fellow Muslims are going through hardships in their countries; however, it does not mean we cannot enjoy this event. We relate to them and feel their sorrow.
Eid is the best time to forget and forgive and let bygones be bygones. If you have had or having fallout or misunderstanding with one of your relatives or with your neighbors, this is the right time to forgive one another and show tolerance.
Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, enjoyed Eid Al-Fitr and always thanked Allah for the festival.
In our society, people do positive and negative things in Eid. Let me focus on the latter. It has become common for many people to exchange Eid greetings over the phone or by SMS.
One of my friends told me that his nephew, who lives next door, sends him an SMS Eid greeting. This is really shocking.
In Eid, we see many young men engage in negative practices such as car drifting and playing loud music in the car.
Most of the young men refrain from these practices in Ramadan but unfortunately they do them afterwards. Some of them stop performing prayers or start to have a low-level religiosity after Ramadan.
I am against putting up signs saying “Happy Eid” all over the city. First, these signs are costly. Second, they indicate an old-fashion way to celebrate Eid. I suggest that gigantic screens are installed in several places instead of the signs.
They are better and can be used for several educational purposes in Eid and after, in my opinion.
This brings us to the subject of the festivals organized by municipalities in Eid. The celebrations and events do not meet people expectations and many people do not show up for these events because of the venues at which they are held.
We need to have more civilized and modern centers in major cities to hold these events. We should utilize sports cities and hold such events inside them.
One important thing I would like to focus on. We should organize and support activities conducted by and for expatriates to spread love and solidarity between them and Saudi citizens.
We should focus on their traditions and shed light on them in order to develop tolerance of the other.
The positive thing is many families in our society still preserve the practice of getting together at the house of the eldest person and enjoy their time together. This practice should grow.
I would like to end here by saying “Happy Eid to everyone”.
