Lucknow, UTTAR PRADESH :

Lucknow :

For Atiya Mushtaq, a principal in a Lucknow-based madarsa, July 7, 2016 or 7/7 would certainly go down as a special day in her life, as for the first time she got an opportunity to offer Namaz on the day of Eid-ul-Fitr at the historic Aishbagh Eidgah. A separate provision was made for the women to offer the Namaz. While the men offered their Namaz on the grounds of Eidgah, provision for women to offer Namaz was made at the Tayyab Hall.

Reacting on her being a part of the rare occasion, Atiya, said, “It really gave me a special feeling after I offered the Eid Namaz. It was definitely a special moment in my life, and I would treasure it.” She further expressed hope that this unique and positive trend continues in the future as well.

Fariah Saad, a housewife too was excited after offering the Namaz. She said, “We had offered Namaz in various mosques across the world. But, for the first time, I got such an opportunity in India, and I am proud to be a part of it.” She further stated that this historic move would go a long way in sending a positive message about equality of males and females in Islam.

Lucknow also made history, when on the occasion of last Eid-ul-Zuha (September 25, 2015), the historic Sibtainabad Imambara witnessed a unique citizen-driven initiative called ‘Shoulder to Shoulder’ (S2S) where a joint Shia-Sunni Namaz was performed to spread the message of universal brotherhood. As per mutual agreement, Sunni Imam Maulana Shehzad led the prayer at the Shia monument and everybody followed as per their individual manner, hands folded or otherwise. Shia cleric Maulana Kalbe Sadiq had then said, “It is a welcome move that both sects are standing together to pray and this should be sustained and nurtured.”

The weather too played a positive role, as women along with their family members were seen entering the gate and then moving to Tayyab Hall to offer Namaz. Speaking to reporters after the Eid celebrations were over, Imam of Eidgah Khalid Rasheed Firangi Mahali said, “We are of the opinion that both men and women are equal, and hence for the first time, provision was made for women to offer Namaz at the Eidgah.” He further stated that this would certainly send a positive message in the society that women are at par with their male counterparts.
Greeting the people who had gathered at the Aishbagh Eidgah on this occasion, chief minister Akhilesh Yadav, said, “I extend my best wishes to people of the state on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr. The entire country is celebrating Eid and all sections of the society are celebrating the festival. Eid symbolises brotherhood, bonhomie and I hope that Eid would also generate love among people.”

UP Governor Ram Naik while addressing the people said, “Mohammed Sahab’s message was to spread brotherhood. His teachings are relevant even today throughout the world and also in other religions.” He further stated that a true Muslim is concerned about the welfare of his neighbours, society, fellow citizens and the country. “Terrorism is a global problem, and I just came to know about a second terror attack in Bangladesh’s capital city of Dhaka,” Naik said. He urged the audience to take pledge to spread love and also hoped for good rains. The governor also exuded confidence that UP would become “Uttam Pradesh”.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News Home> City> Lucknow / Arunav Sinha / TNN / July 07th, 2016