Bilal Bashir Bhat
Eid means joy, celebration, and above all, unity. An important part of this unity lies in the tradition of performing the Eid prayer at the Eidgah, an open-air enclosure reserved for Eid prayers.
Historically, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) performed the Eid prayer continuously in the Eidgah, except on a few occasions when rain necessitated a mosque. This practice, deeply rooted in the Sunnah, underscores the importance of gathering Muslims to celebrate Eid.
Nowadays, especially in our Kashmir Valley, we see a deviation from this tradition. Eid prayers are being offered in many local mosques and even in the streets and colonies just for our convenience. This trend, intentionally or unintentionally, highlights division among Muslims rather than promoting unity.
The Eidgah serves as a powerful symbol of Muslim unity. It is a place where the entire community, regardless of sect, social status, or race, gathers to offer prayers and celebrate the blessings of Eid. This collective worship is a clear manifestation of the Islamic principle of unity.
When Muslims stand shoulder to shoulder in an open space, it not only strengthens communal bonds but also publicly expresses the unity of the Muslim Ummah. Dividing into small groups diminishes the powerful message of unity that Eid represents. Instead of showing our unity, we exhibit our quarrels and differences.
Reviving the practice of offering Eid prayers in the Eidgah can help solve these problems. It requires the collective effort of common people. The Eidgah can be used as an opportunity to promote messages of unity and cooperation between different sects and groups within Islam. If seasonal reasons prevent us from offering prayers in the selected Eidgah, there is still no justification for scattering Eid prayers from street to street.
This situation extends beyond Eid prayers; organizing Friday gatherings every 100 meters also conflicts with Islam’s real essence. Islam teaches unity, yet we seem to be playing a role in scattering the fabric of Islam for the sake of our convenience.
