Sad Eid celebrations for Muslims 

Saru Khan, president of the Trinidad Muslim League Inc, said this year's Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations will be a sad time for many Muslims, who would have anticipated large gatherings to celebrate the end of Ramadan.

During the month of Ramadan, Muslims have had to use technology to stay connected instead of gathering at the mosque for prayers and communal meals.

As covid19 restrictions that prohibit gatherings of more than five people remain in effect, Muslims now have to cancel Eid-ul-Fitr grand celebrations.

Khan said, "It's a sense of sadness more than frustration knowing we can't gather to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr as (brothers) together. What is important is we understand the need. We must not gather in one location for our safety. But we use Zoom and other virtual conferences to keep each other informed."

This year, for Eid celebrations, Khan said they would be using alternative ways of giving alms (charity) to the less fortunate instead of the usual mass gathering at mosques.

"Families will have their personalised Eid celebrations in their homes and the sermons will be streamed live for members."

Imam Sheraz Ali of the Nur-E-Islam Mosque El Socorro mosque,  president of  Muslims of TT, told Newsday his members were devastated by the restrictions but they understood and accepted the reasons to keep people safe.

"We will have a sermon and prayers virtually. We won't invite people to the mosque but people can tune into our live broadcast on TV and social media.

"We cancelled all food and drink celebrations. It's very difficult but we are encouraging people to have it among their families and practise social distancing. All is not lost.
"We will also be cancelling alms, where thousands from all over come to get what we give. Instead we will give out meals at lunch at our mosque during lunchtime as a token, instead of giving our alms."

Kahiam Hosein, secretary of the Darul Uloom TT, said covid19 had affected  the spiritual practices of Muslims during Ramadan.

He told Newsday, "The mosque usually is alive during this time. This year we understand the restrictions. There might be batches of five per rotation for prayer to be done. There is some aspect of leeway that exists. At home Muslims can do this at home also. This is what we have advised.

"We're going to act within the law and at the same time fulfil spiritual obligation."

The Muslim community isn't the only group that will have gloomy celebrations this year as Indian Arrival Day will not have grand celebrations.

Chairman of the National Council for Indian Culture (NCIC) Deoroop Teemal said there would be a recorded programme broadcast on television and social media on Indian Arrival Day. "That's it. No cultural shows or other events to commemorate 175 years since the first indentured Indian workers arrived on the Fatel Razack to Trinidad from India."

Teemal said there were a lot of family and cultural events along with an exhibition planned for this year's celebration.

The cancellation of events on Indian Arrival Day has left NCIC members disappointed, but just like the Muslim community, they will be complying with covid19 restrictions for the safety of the country, Teemal said.