‘The celebration of Eid, for me, lies in the joy of giving’

Eid is such a festival that brings joy. My father Sufi Mohammad Mizanur Rahman, the Chairman of PHP Family, one of the leading business conglomerates in the country, has always kept us disciplined. He never wastes a penny but fulfills all our necessary demands. 

So we didn't have any chance to be spoiled. We are really happy and grateful to the almighty Allah as we are blessed with a beautiful family. Consequently, a vibe of joy coupled with mutual love, respect, and affection always reign supreme in our family. I had a wonderful Eid when I went to perform holy hajj back in 2007.

Muslims, regardless of their level of piety, cherish Ramadan and Eid-ul-Fitr. Their faces will light up with excitement while sharing their childhood Ramadan and Eid memories. We bow our heads to Allah a lot more during this month. We recite the Quran more and strive to become kinder, more compassionate and charitable, selfless, less angry and we do our best to stay clear of gossip and negativity. 

Ramadan is truly a beautiful time, it is such a spiritually encapsulating experience, that for the entire month we believe we can be better people and we really try to do our best to become so.   

Several decades ago, I heard a song aired on the popular show 'Ityadi' hosted by Hanif Sanket. An excerpt from the song still echoes in my mind and that is 'Shob Anander Shesh Achhe, Deyar Anander Shesh Nai'. Our family tradition and teachings too are suggestive of the spirit of giving. 

The joy of giving never ends. The practice truly soothes our souls. What we receive is not important; rather what we can give to others means a lot. If we follow the path of giving rather than receiving only, society will become harmonious. This is the most significant message of Eid-ul-Fitr. 

Since last year, Eid celebrations have indeed been a bit glum, with most of us stuck indoors, unable to go to Eidgah or mosques for community prayers. It is, for the second year, in a row we are going to embrace the same fate. Lockdown and the pandemic have really torn us apart. 

Coronavirus has made us learn many things. It has not only forced us to adapt to the 'new normal' situation but also generated new Imam in many families. Last year during the lockdown, my younger brother Mohammed Ali Hossain, Director of Finance, PHP Family, acted as the Imam to perform Eid-ul-Fitr Salah at our family prayer hall, where we also perform Sufi songs after every Esha prayer. We have a familial music band called 'Aswad' in which I play the role of a team leader.  

I am now in Bangkok, Thailand, for the treatment of my daughter. Lockdown has also been imposed here for a few days and I am waiting for the situation to become normal. 

The grim situation has made us a lot more grateful for all we have, brought us closer to Allah and we are finally beginning to care for the less fortunate people. What we really need to realise is the plight of the poor right now. I am happy to celebrate Eid in a simple way sharing my joys with them. 

Also, the fear of the pandemic and the desperation to be 'safe' has led us to the path of Allah. Usually, we find a way to lift our spirits, especially on Eid, but with the increasing number of Covid cases in the world, all the excitement circling Eid has disappeared. Yet, I think of things positively. I hope the dark times will disappear and a new light with the rays of good hope will beam unto the earth.

Mohammed Mohsin is the vice chairman of  PHP Family