NEW DELHI/DHAKA, 22 December 2007 — Eid Al-Adha was celebrated in India yesterday with traditional fervor and prayers at mosques. For 151 million Indian Muslims, who constitute 12 percent of the country’s population, the day began with congregations in mosques and open grounds with prayers for peace.
In Delhi, Jama Masjid was one of the main mosques where Eid prayers were held. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad was among those who attended the prayers. During his address at the mosque, Azad emphasized the importance of education in meeting the challenges of the modern world.
Former President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam and diplomats from Muslim countries offered their Eid prayers at Fatehpuri mosque in the city. Prayer leader at the mosque Mufti Mohammed Mukarram Ahmed called for communal harmony. He urged the US to stop atrocities against Muslims in Afghanistan, Iraq and Palestine.
President Pratibha Patil in her Eid message said: “Let us this day remind ourselves of the spirit of service and sacrifice associated with this festival and motivate ourselves to work toward progress and prosperity of the nation.”
Vice President Hamid Ansari called on the people to celebrate Eid with compassion and serve the cause of humanity.
In his message, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said: “The festival commemorates the spirit of the supreme sacrifice of Prophet Abraham. This selfless sacrifice is an inspiring example of subordinating self-interest to the greater good of humanity. On this occasion, I call upon the nation to reaffirm this commitment toward uplift of the poor, the needy and the underprivileged.” External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee said, “The occasion reminds us of the sacrifice, devotion and commitment. These are qualities that are so necessary for peace and progress of our country.”
Eid was also celebrated in Bangladesh yesterday. Relatives visited former prime ministers Hasina Wajed and Khaleda Zia in special jails in Dhaka. Hasina and Khaleda are in jail facing corruption charges.
Hasina’s husband Dr. Wajed Miah and her aunt Zebunnesa visited her at the special prison. As least 12 people had sought permission to visit the Awami League chief but only two were allowed. Dr. Zubaida Rahman, wife of Tareque Rahman and Sharmila Rahman, wife of Arafat Rahman Koko, two sons of Khaleda Zia visited the former premier in the special prison at the Parliament Secretariat premises. They stayed there for two hours.
