Eid and Munshi Premchand

??? Embracing the Spirit of Eid: Wishing You a Joyous Celebration! ???

As the crescent moon graces the sky, signaling the end of the holy month of Ramadan, I extend my warmest wishes to you and your dear ones on this blessed occasion of Eid. May the radiance of this day fill your hearts with joy, peace, and an abundance of blessings. Eid Mubarak!

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I am reminded of a story by Munshi Premchand which was taught in my school, titled, “Idgah.”

It has been decades since then, but the impact of this story is such that I remember it even today and I feel inspired to share its summary with you.

If you have read it before, I am sure it will make you nostalgic. If you have not, then here it is, sure to inspire you and to make you curious enough to look up this prolific writer, Munshi Premchand (actual name being, Dhanpat Rai Srivastava) and perhaps read his other brilliant works which include Godaan, Karmabhoomi, Gaban and Mansarovar.

"Idgah" tells the story of a four-year-old orphan, named Hamid who lives with his grandmother Amina. Hamid, the protagonist of the story, has recently lost his parents; however, his grandmother tells him that his father has left for the milk, and that his mother has gone to Allah to fetch lovely gifts for him. This fills Hamid with hope, and despite Amina's worry surrounding their poverty and her grandson's well-being, Hamid is a happy and positive child.

The story begins on?Eid ?morning, as Hamid sets out for the?Eidgah ?with other boys from the village. Hamid is notably impoverished next to his friends, poorly dressed and famished-looking, and has only three?paise ?as?Eidi ?for the festival. The other boys spend their pocket money on rides, candies, and beautiful clay toys, and tease Hamid when he dismisses this as a waste of money for momentary pleasure. While his friends are enjoying themselves, he overcomes his temptation and goes to a hardware shop to buy a pair of tongs, remembering how his grandmother burns her fingers while cooking?rotis .

As they return to the village Hamid's friends tease him for his purchase, extolling the virtues of their toys over his tongs. Hamid retorts with several clever arguments and before long his friends become more enamoured with the tongs than their own playthings, even offering to trade their items for his, which Hamid refuses. The story ends on a touching note when Hamid gifts the tongs to his grandmother. At first she scolds him for making the purchase, rather than buying something to eat or drink at the fair, until Hamid reminds her of how she burns her fingers daily. She bursts into tears at this and blesses him for his kindness.

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Eid is a time of profound significance, where we come together to celebrate faith, reflect on our spiritual journey, and embrace the core values that define us as individuals. It serves as a reminder of the unwavering resilience and devotion demonstrated during the month of fasting, as well as the transformative power of self-reflection and selflessness.

?In the midst of our busy lives, Eid offers us an invaluable opportunity to pause, reconnect with loved ones, and extend a hand of compassion to those around us. Let us cherish the precious moments spent in the company of family and friends, sharing laughter, love, and heartfelt conversations that nourish the bonds we hold dear.

?Beyond the confines of our immediate circles, Eid encourages us to widen our embrace and extend kindness to the broader community. It is a time to reach out to those who may be marginalized, lonely, or in need, reminding ourselves of the immense impact a single act of generosity or a simple gesture of empathy can have on someone's life.

?As we celebrate Eid, let us also reflect on the lessons this holy month has imparted upon us. The virtues of patience, gratitude, and self-discipline, cultivated during Ramadan, should continue to guide our actions throughout the year. Let us strive to be compassionate listeners, understanding allies, and beacons of light in a world that yearns for unity, harmony, and acceptance.

?May the spirit of Eid inspire us to transcend boundaries and embrace our shared humanity. Let us embrace diversity, fostering an environment where everyone feels valued and respected. Together, we can build bridges of understanding, dismantle barriers of prejudice, and create a world where compassion and empathy flourish.

From the depths of my heart, I wish you a truly memorable and meaningful Eid. May this day be filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories that will forever illuminate your path. May it ignite a renewed sense of purpose and inspire you to make a positive difference in the lives of others, leaving a lasting impact on our beautiful world.

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Eid Mubarak to you and your loved ones! May the blessings of this auspicious occasion extend far beyond this day, enveloping you in a cloak of happiness, peace, and prosperity.

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#EidMubarak #JoyousCelebration #Unity #Compassion #Gratitude #Blessings #SharedHumanity