No, ASJA, no!

THE EDITOR: I see that once again the ASJA is celebrating “The Festival of the Two Eids.” The venue has been changed, but more of that later. Doubtless this year, the call will again be to make Eid-Ul-Adha a public holiday. I beg to disagree on the following grounds. Firstly, it was the selfsame ASJA which recommended the Id-Ul-Fitr as a public holiday in the mid sixties. Then, as now, the greater of the two Ids was the Id-Ul-Adha. For the uninitiated, Id-Ul-Adha involves the sacrifice of Father Abraham involving his son. As a result, one could only surmise that by calling now for the holiday to change, the present administration is condemning the efforts of that of the past.

Secondly, the sacrifice is a very sacred time for the Muslim community. Hence, by having a public holiday where approximately ninety four percent of the population has no idea of the importance of the festival, the sanctity of the commemoration of such a significant event would be violated. My case in point is that after almost forty years of Eid-Ul-Fitr being a public holiday, some of the populace including one of the television stations, still confuse it with Divali. Thirdly, Christians are of the view that Abraham was commanded to sacrifice his son, Isaac. Muslims believe that it was his son Ishmael. So right there controversy would begin to simmer if the holiday were to be changed. This is what the country could do without. Lastly, in Social Studies, all schools learn about the festivals of the other religions. For example, at Divali, someone explains how the relevant rites are conducted.

If Eid-Ul-Adha were to be declared a public holiday, I would like to see the ASJA scholars explaining to the students of Lakshmi Girls how to slaughter a cow! Get my point? Now for the facts surrounding the celebration. I notice that the venue is at the car park of a mall belonging to an official of the organisation. I know for a fact that the Government disburses a significant amount of money towards the funding of the celebration. Does any of it go in payment of rent for the premises? A fee is also charged for the use of tents by the various jamaats. The questions also arise about the sanitary conditions under which the food is prepared, the adequacy of the water supply and the situation of the toilet facilities.

Maybe the dynamic Mayor of Chaguanas should mobilise the Health Department to monitor the situation in these areas. Then there is the question of parking. I do not wish to go there, figuratively as well as literally! I noted with concern the agenda as outlined by a spokesman. A place where boys could meet girls under the watchful eyes of parents. Boy meets girl for two hours under the “watchful” eyes of parents, and love will blossom! What a dotish dreamer! Next item — fashion show!

Girls parading under the hawk eyes of their parents and scores of lustful men both old and young — especially old! Islam as interpreted by ASJA! To top it off there will be booths where the banking sector will be represented. Bankers trying to explain to the crowd, the Halal aspects of Ribah! For those who do not understand, Islam totally condemns Ribah (loosely translated as usury) it is declared as Haraam (unlawful). I have heard the previous celebration described as ASJA NAGAR where items including food are sold flea market style. I am a Muslim but on that day I will have a quiet day of rest with my family. To the other Muslims, please be guided accordingly. God Bless!

F ALI
San Fernando