Muslims in Kerala celebrate Bakr-Id

Muslims in Kerala today celebrated Bakr-Id with prayers and acts of charity recalling the great sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim at the altar of unflinching faith in the Almighty.

The faithful gathered in large numbers at mosques and specially arranged Id-gahs across the state, where Imams and religious scholars gave out the Id message of total dedication to God, universal love and compassion.

Imam Maulvi Jamaluddin Mankada led the Id prayers at the famed Palayalam Juma Masjid in the sate capital.

Soaring prices of essentials in the state did not dampen the festive spirit of the occasion. The state Civil Supplies Corporation had organised special Bakr-Id fairs across the state where provisions were sold at subsidised prices.

Kerala Governor RS Gavai, chief minister VS Achuthanandan and leaders of various political parties greeted people on the occasion.

In his message, Indian Union Muslim League president Panakkad Syid Hyderali Shihab Thangal called upon the Muslims to march forward on the path of love and harmony.

Since extremism and militancy had never been the path of Islam, the faithtul should steer clear of such ideologies, Thangal said in a message sent from Mecca, where he had gone to perform the holy Haj.

IUML national president and Union minister E Ahmed said it was important to follow the message of Bakr-Id in the present day world.