Mumbai : The Muslims across the city gathered twice on Friday to offer their prayers – in the morning for Eid al-Adha, popularly known as Bakra Eid, and in the afternoon for the Juma namaz. However, the stampede that happened on Thursday during a Hajj ritual in Mina, Saudi Arabia, in which over 717 pilgrims lost their lives, including 18 Indians, did cast a shadow.
People were seen discussing the gravity of the incident, as special prayers were offered for those who lost their lives. Moreover, prayers were offered for the well-being of farmers in the state who are suffering due to deficient rainfall this season.
Appeals were also made to donate for the farmers’ cause. In fact, people chose to donate ‘Qurbani’ money for the welfare of farmers. Many Muslims also donated money to actor Nana Patekar’s NAM Foundation. They seemed impressed by Patekar’s appeal to farmers to take inspiration from the Islam which deems suicide to be a sin.
Also, the Social Education and Welfare Association (SEWA), a city-based NGO, launched a drive to help farmers in distress in the worst-hit districts of Beed, Latur and Osmanabad, as part of the festival.
Speaking to Free Press Journal, SEWA President Yusuf Abrahani said, “According to Islam, it’s the duty of a Muslim to help anybody who’s in distress, irrespective of his religion and belief. We, with the support of Imams from around 100 mosques across the city, urged people to donate for the poor who are suffering due to drought. The response we received from the people was overwhelming.”
He added that the amount collected on Eid, along with Rs 20 lakh which SEWA has donated, will be used to help farmers irrespective of their religion.
Meanwhile, clerics at various mosques also appealed to the devotees to pray for peace and not violate the government’s ban on beef during the ritual sacrifice.
