A unique comparison of the two civilisations; the Judeo-Christian Western civilisation and Isl�m. There could be no starker contrast.
A comparison of the behaviour of people and the activities both festivals promote during this time, highlights the values of each civilisation.
Christmas is a period of excess and irresponsibility. Walk into any supermarket during this period and you observe trolleys being loaded with cans of lager and other alcoholic drinks. Levels of irresponsibility are so high that the Police have to launch their annual "Don't drink and drive" campaign.
It is a time when people eat and drink as much as they can, with little thought for those less fortunate than themselves elsewhere. It is a time to party as much as you can in search of sex. People are encouraged to spend, spend, spend.
A recent phone in on Radio showed how many daunted the arrival of Christmas and preferred to leave the country than spend Christmas at home - a cheaper alternative. People are compelled to buy gifts for others whether they can afford it or not. This is the period when credit cards reach their limits.
This is all to celebrate the birth of Christ or God! But remembrance of God is the last thing on most people's minds.
It is not surprising then that this extreme alienation from the Creator makes Christmas a peak period for suicide calls, homelessness, family strife and conflict.
Christmas prepares people to behave as they mean to carry on in the remainder of the year.
Contrast this with Ramadh�n. A period of abstention from food, drink, sex, anger and abuse. Ramadh�n is a period of total self-discipline. It is a time of abundant remembrance of Allah and his Prophets, including Is� -Jesus (A.S.).
Men, women and children can all be seen engaged in additional worship and recitation of the Qur'�n. A period when Muslims give more in charity (Zak�t, Sadaqah and Fitrah) to those less fortunate than themselves around the globe.
There are hardly any suicide attempts. Families, neighbours and the community as a whole are brought together.
This period prepares Muslims to behave in a huma This behaviour during Ramadh�n and Eid is universal, across cultures and countries for over 1400 years.
Ramadh�n will not descend into the social anarchy of Christmas. Christianity and its festivals can no longer encourage divine behaviour amongst its people. This is because only a divine religion can inspire divine behaviour amongst the mass of its people.
Western civilisation has completely severed its links with God. The zenith of this break is highlighted during Christmas itself.
Christmas is a period when much is done in the name of Jesus which is offensive to God.
Hypocrisy is the hall marks of the celebration of Christmas.
Just ponder over the amount of transgression and sin that takes place on Christmas eve. Contrary to the amount of Ib�dat and obedience along with the joy and happiness during the night before Eid. This year too, like each year more people visited the supermarkets than church on Christmas eve.
In Isl�m Eid is also a token of showing our gratitude to Allah. On Eid-ul-Fitr, we thank Allah for the numerous blessings bestowed upon us during the blessed month of Ramadh�n. The two Rak'�ts of Eid are also as a thanks-giving.
Eid-ul-Fitr is also a new day for Muslims to emerge as spiritually clean and refreshed. It is as though we are entering with a revived spirit, full of the blessings and illuminations of Ramadh�n. We inculcate a positive mind to become better Muslims. Stronger in our faith and greater in devotion to our Creator and Sustainer Allah Ta'�la.
The day of Eid is further a day to inaugurate the beginning of greater patience, endurance and self-discipline acquired through fasting.
ne and disciplined manner for the remainder of the year.
Each Eid is a Day of Remembrance. Even in their most joyful times Muslims make a fresh start of the Day by a plural session of worship to Allah. They pray to Him and glorify His Name to demonstrate their remembrance of His Favours. Along with that course, they remember the needy by extending a hand of help, the grieved by showing them sympathy and consolation, the sick by cheerful visits and utterances of good wishes, the absentees by cordial greeting and sincere considerateness, etc.
This cannot be undone and I am sure it will be greatly appreciated.
We apologise but you have been denied access to report posts in this thread. This could be due to excessively reporting posts and not understanding our forum rules. For assistance or information, please use the forum help thread to request more information. Jazakallah
