– M Rafi Ahmed
Coimbatore: The Festival of Sacrifice (Eid al-Adha) was celebrated with religious fervour and gaiety across the Western Tamil Nadu by offering special prayers followed by Qurbani. However, this year, the Eid al-Adha Khutba focused on the plight of Palestinians who couldn’t celebrate the festival due to war, hunger and displacement.
Thousands of male, female and children braving the scorching sun took part in the Eid prayers at Karumbukkadai Islamiya Matriculation school grounds in the heart of Coimbatore city. In his Khutba (sermon), Masjidhul Ihsan Imam Moulana Moulavi Mohammed Ismail Imdhadhi, while speaking on the significance of the Festival of Sacrifice, shed light on the Takbir in Islam which signifies the act of proclaiming and magnifying the greatness of Allah. It is a rhythmic expression of devotion and reverence, serving as a fundamental component of various Islamic rituals and festivities.
Takbir is the Arabic phrase “Allahu Akbar” meaning “Allah is the Greatest.” It is a fundamental expression in Islam, used in prayers (Salah), Adhan (call to prayer), Eid celebrations, Hajj, and moments of gratitude or hardship. Takbir signifies Allah’s supreme greatness and authority, strengthening faith and devotion among Muslims. It is widely mentioned in the Quran and Hadith, emphasising its spiritual significance. He went on to say that the Takbir (Allahu Akbar) is a universal one which is uttered across the globe by the Muslims.
After Eid al-Adha prayers, qurbani, the Udhiyah or the ritual sacrifice of a livestock animal, is performed. In Islamic tradition, it honours the willingness of Abraham (Prophet Ibrahim) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to Almighty’s command.
Soon after the prayers, Muslims both young and the old greeted each other by uttering the word “Taqabbalallahu minna wa minkum” – a beautiful Arabic supplication exchanged among Muslims, especially during the festival of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. This phrase holds significant spiritual value as it represents a mutual prayer asking Allah to accept the worship and good deeds performed during sacred times.
Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH) Tamil Nadu president PS Umar Farook and secretary M Abdul Hakkim coordinated the arrangements for the Eid prayers at the school campus. Over 12,000 Muslims were present at the Eid congregation.
[The author is former Indian Express and Deccan Chronicle chief]
