Sparkling lights, bright
clothes and the sound of laughter bring to mind a scene of joy and celebrations.
Mouth watering food, tasty desserts, singing and dancing complete the picture.
However sadly, in the merriment we often forget Allah’s pleasure and exceed all
limits of decency and moderation prescribed by Shariah.
The other day I went to one of the movie cinemas of Karachi and watched a
picture with my friends. After that we had a lunch and the afternoon passed by
in a blink of an eye. It was after I got home that I realized I had missed my
Duhur prayers. It has happened to all of us atleast once in our lives that we
are with our companions and having fun that we tend to forget the activities
which have been made compulsory for us. And these activities have been made
necessary for us from our creator. The one and only who created us. The one who
has all the powers of the world.
It is so disappointing how the youth today has forgotten the concept of fun and
has got disillusioned. Our deen has never restricted us to enjoy our lives. All
it asks for is to maintain our limits. In a wider context we find that Islam
allows picnics, competitions and meaningful vacations. Prophet Yaqub’s children,
for example, went for a picnic, while the companions of the prophet engaged in
dueling, camel racing and archery.
Islam encourages rejoicing. According to a famous saying; “variety is the spice
of life.” Therefore, it is but natural that we need some change in our daily
lives for feeling refreshed and energized. Since Islam is a Deen that gives us
guidelines on leading a natural life it does not ignore this important aspect of
human existence. Far from merely allowing celebration, Islam encourages such
gatherings.
Apart from two Eids, personal and national occasions also serve as permissible
reasons to celebrate. Such personal occasions as marriage, the birth of a child,
getting a new job, moving to a new house or getting a new car are some occasions
for celebration. For young children, the starting of the recitation of Quran and
its completion can also be reasons for celebration. Celebrating of such national
occasions as the Independence day also reminds us of the blessings of Allah.
We must also remember that as muslims we have a distinct identity and culture.
We must not fall prey to an inferiority complex which results in copycat
behavior. The Prophet has said “Whoever imitates a nation becomes one of them.”