Remember victims of plane crash, coronavirus in your prayers

Eid Mubarik to all our readers! Eid means ‘happiness’ in Arabic and the festival of Eidul Fitr is one of great happiness and celebration and do remember, when your arms can’t reach people close to your heart to give them a hug, you can always show them you love them with your prayers and good wishes. In these times of ‘social distancing’ and for those who observe it, it may be hard to stay away but it is in the best interest of all.

Though Eidul Fitr is considered second in importance to the two we celebrate, there is something about this one which is special - maybe because it heralds the end of a month of fasting; because it is a time for bonhomie and fellowship or because the whole family, including children, is so involved in the process.

The best thing about Eidul Fitr is that people are motivated to do a good deed and are generous about helping those who are less fortunate than themselves. Besides the injunction that a percentage of yearly earnings be given for charity (zakat) many people go a step further and donate to orphanages, NGO’s which run on public donations and other organisations which help the needy and disabled.

As you go about your celebrations spare a thought for those who cannot because of illness; a death in the family or other unfortunate incidents that call for sobriety and prayer. Remember to include elderly family members in your celebrations as they too need love and consideration - their thoughts and feelings do not fade away just because they are getting on in years. Tomorrow is another day and who knows what it will bring, so here’s wishing your Eid celebration is full of warmth and fun. May this day bring peace, happiness and prosperity to each and every one.

With special prayers for those who perished in the ill-fated crash or those who lost their lives due to coronavirus.