Afghans Prepares to Celebrate Eid Amid Security Concerns
19 October 2018 19:40 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Amid security concerns, devout Afghan Muslims are now busy shopping and making preparations to celebrate the upcoming Eid al-Fitr, the end of the fasting month of Ramadan, the second biggest religious festival among Muslims all over the world.
Confectionery shops and tailoring stalls in markets these days are crowded with customers who want to celebrate Eid al-Fitr with as much splendor as possible.
Eid al-Fitr will be observed either next Monday or Tuesday depending on moon sighting, in accordance with the lunar calendar.
"I am waiting to collect the dresses that I ordered for myself, my wife and my children," a Kabul resident Mohammad Azim told Xinhua.
Azim, however, has expressed some concerns about Taliban attacks but hoped that the insurgents would respect the Muslim holiday so that he and the other Afghans can enjoy the Eid al-Fitr celebration.
During the past weeks, the Taliban have continued their attacks in various parts of the country. It is still doubtful if the insurgents, known for also for being devout Muslims, would pause during Eid al-Fitr, which is one of the two holiest days for all Muslims.
Taliban militants in their latest violent attacks, according to media reports, killed 16 travelers, all civilians, in the central Ghor province on Wednesday, just days before Eid al-Fitr.
In Afghanistan, Eid al-Fitr is a three-day public holiday. Public and private offices are closed during Eid days and people usually visit each other's home and those who have grudges usually forgive their enemies and become friends again in the spirit of reconciliation.
During the Ramadan and upcoming Eid al-Fitr, the other side of Afghanistan is usually being projected, and this is the high rate of poverty in the conflict-ridden Afghanistan.
During these days, the number of street beggars goes up as the date for Eid al-Fitr nears. Men, women and children are seen sitting on the sidewalks asking for alms from passersby and motorists.
With the transfer of power from President Hamid Karzai to the next elected president still uncertain because of the contested presidential runoff, Afghanistan is facing another bleak future, especially with the specter of continued suicide attacks by the Taliban who want to regain power and rule over Afghanistan again.
ANINGTIAS JATMIKA | REUTERS