Kerala Moulavi’s Powerful Eid Message on Unity Goes Viral

According to the religious scholar, people are trying different things to divide society according to caste and religion and people should unite against this kind of division. Moulavi noted that no one religion teaches hatred and every community is worthy of mutual respect. "When society is being torn apart, we must remain unified as one. No religion teaches hatred for others,” Moulavi said during the address. His speech was amplified when he asked people not to insult or hurt the religious beliefs of other communities. Alluding to the recent disputes around non-vegetarian cuisine during Vishu festivals, he asked for people not to take action to hurt feelings, even as a joke. “We need to honor all of the community sentiments. One ought never to insult what other people revere,” he said, and was regarded by many as a man of the world in his balanced, calm delivery. 

Moulavi also condemned public festivities which included the display of slaughtered goat heads during Bakra Eid celebrations. He would stress that we need to respect this, and not create trouble, discomfort, in society at festivals." The scholar emphasized that students must receive value-based education, in addition to their communal harmony. Education shouldn’t stop at technical knowledge, and young people need development of culture, discipline, and good character, he said. “Students shouldn’t be limited to technical knowledge alone. They must also value and be responsible citizens with strong character,” he said. Moulavi had also voiced his alarm about the increasing incursion of drugs and drug use among youth during the course of his speech. He welcomed the efforts of Kerala government and the Department of Home to contain the problem of drugs, which he feels is well-researched. 

He mentioned, in particular, “Operation Toofan,” an anti-drug organization, and prayed for its role in shielding society and youth from narcotics. “Drug addiction is an epidemic and society must help maintain some control of drug abuse in the young adult years,” he cautioned. The scholar lauded current youth for being socially as well politically conscious even with more time they spent online and on social media channels. Young people should never be underestimated, he said, because they really understand current social and political issues. At the end of speech, Moulavi prayed for peace in areas affected by conflicts, including Iran and Palestine, and desired peace in every world. Eid-ul-Adha (or ‘Festival of Sacrifice’) is one of Islam’s most fundamental festivals. It celebrates the sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim in response to God while being symbolic of faith, devotion, charity and compassion. 

Coinciding on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah — the last month of the Islamic lunar calendar — the festival is also considered the completion of the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca. The date is also adjusted to suit the lunar calendar. Bakra Eid is a time for forgiveness, kindness, charity, uniting in family, and in the broader sense of social integration