A somber Eid for Chitralis

Dr Mir Baiz Khan

Today, Chitralis join Muslims all over the world to celebrate ‘Id festival, but in a somber mood rather than in jubilation. Ramadan, the month of fasting, begins with observing piety with added determination through fasting, supererogation (prayers in addition to the daily obligatory prayers) and charitable activities and ends in celebration and festivities. Not this year for Chitralis who mourn the loss of their 38 sons, all in their prime age. ‘Id is an occasion which brings joy and pleasure to all Muslims regardless of their age, gender, social and economic status. All wear their new or best clothes. They prepare feasts to share with their neighbors and friends. Children receive gifts from their parents and gifts are also sent to married daughters to reassure them that they are not forgotten. The day begins with the congregational prayer which concludes with an invocation for peace, prosperity, forgiveness of sins and deliverance of difficulties. This year it is different for the people of Chitral. The sermons will focus on the Arandu killings and the ‘Id day will be a kind of a remembrance day and prayers for the souls of the victims.

The Chitrali community from Arandu to Borughil is mourning for the loss of its 38 sons whose lives were cruelly taken away from them this week in an unprovoked attack by those for whom killing humans is nothing but a blood sport. Today, there is no ‘Id for the families of the victims; those they left behind (wives, children, parents, brothers, sisters, grandparents as well as neighbors) are grieving their irreparable loss. Their lives changed forever. Instead of celebrating the ‘Id, they grapple with the horror of the loss of their loved ones. Children of these martyrs will not be in the playground; most likely they will accompany their young widow mothers to the graves of their fathers. Allah’s final revelation the Qur’an tells Muslims that killing one human being is like killing all humans and feeding the poor and the orphan is an obligation. Contrary to this divine commandment, the cold blooded killers took not only 38 human lives, but also made many children orphan and their mothers widows on this very auspicious occasion of the ‘Idulfitr.

Consider the timing of this barbaric killing. Four o’clock in the morning is the time Muslims rise for prayers, meditation and self reflection; they listen to the recitation of the Qur’an and repeat incessantly the beautiful names, asma al-husna, to the rhythm of tasbih (rosary). It is a time when life is relatively calm and free of the pressure of the material world. The killers chose this most peaceful time to kill and they did it with the slogan Allahu Akbar, God is great. For any sincere believer, this is the worst violation of the sanctity of our Faith, the Faith of Islam. How to respond to such a callous act?

The people of Chitral regardless of their political and religious affiliations must forge unity around a common purpose and that purpose is peace, security and respect for human dignity. Fortunately, unlike many other areas of the country including those contiguous to it Chitral has been peaceful. Government institutions, civil society organizations, development agencies as well as educational institutions have been functioning uninterruptedly which is what gives people a sense of normalcy. Political and religious leadership in Chitral, the security agencies and local administration all have played a positive role in maintaining peace and tranquility in the district which is commendable. The best response to the current tragedy and to honor the fallen soldiers is to be united and check the infiltration of the criminals into Chitral. Each and everyone whether living in the valleys or on the border villages must be vigilant of any suspicious activities and bring them immediately to the knowledge of the concerned authorities.

Violence brings misery, destruction and suffering and peace brings happiness, prosperity and sense of security. Thus, peace is the bedrock upon which a sound prosperous society can be built. The people of Chitral have demonstrated that unity in the interest of peace and common good is achievable. The fallen soldiers gave their lives to defend the borders so that the citizens can be safe and live in peace. It is now an obligation upon all Chitralis wherever they may be to honor the ultimate sacrifice that these soldiers made and be vigilant of the enemies of peace. In every conflict since the inception of Pakistan, Chitralis have sacrificed their lives in defense of their country, but never before so many soldiers were killed instantly. This is what makes this ‘Id quite somber. May the souls of the fallen soldiers rest in eternal peace. -- Dr. Mir Baiz Khan Toronto, Canada, 01 Sep 201

Somber Eid thoughts- Let us unite

This year Eid-ul-Fiter (Meethi Eid) went sour in Chitral as the people of Chitral remain busy in burying their loved once who were ambushed and martyred by so called Afghan Taliban at Arandu Chitral. It is really a sorry state of affairs that Govt of Pakistan did not take the incidence seriously and now almost forgotten in Islamabad. This indifferent attitude of the Govt has given birth to many questions in the minds of local people. We doubt that whether this incidence will be the start of stoling the peace of chitral by the national and international conspirators. As the world has been witness to the fact that brave Chitrali soldiers have defended their mother land against the so called Taliban supported by the latest aircrafts of the International Force. This means that the world must also know that if some thing wrong is done with Chitral, then every individual of Chitral will stand to protect every inch of the land.

I request to the people of Chitral to know that it is the high time to be united irrespective of religious and racial differences in defense of Chitral and not to allow any conspirator to enter the valley who may come with different profiles. The blood of martyers will not go waste and Inshaallah we will proof to the world that we are the most peace loving people and we reject the conspiracy of the Great Game Two started by Uncle Sam, America.--Jahan Ali Mazhar, Charun Chitral, 02 Sep 2011

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