Eid prayers dedicated to violence victims

Dubai - Residents are still shocked about the rise of terror-related violence that took place during Ramadan

Mosques across the UAE dedicated their Eid prayers to victims of the recent wave of bombings and violence that struck majority of Muslim countries.
Despite the festive mood that continues to fill the country, residents are still shocked about the rise of terror-related violence that took place during the holiest month. Some of them expressed their inability to feel the true sense of celebration.
"I am a little sad that the Eid sermon had to be geared towards the unfortunate events," said Ali Al Sayed an Emirati. "It made me think of how difficult this Eid is for many in Turkey or Bangladesh or Saudi Arabia and, of course, the ongoing Syria and Palestine and Lebanon."
He added that he hopes next Eid will be a celebration under better circumstances.
"Love your family, and pray for the loss of somebody else. We are one, we are all hurt," said Al Sayed.
From the militants who killed 44 at Istanbul airport, to the young men who killed 20 hostages at a popular restaurant in Bangladesh on July 1, to the deadliest bombing in central Baghdad since 2003 US-led invasion that killed 250 people on July 3, such violence made urgent the question of what drives Daesh militants to ever more serious violence against civilians.
The latest bombing that rattled the global Muslim community was one that took place outside the mosque where the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) is buried in Madinah, Saudi Arabia, killing four people.
Sherif Maher, who said a big part of the Eid sermon in a Sharjah mosque were dedicated to victims, said it is disheartening what the Muslim world is going through.
He stated that targeting Muslims in their holiest month only proves how much these terrorist groups hate Muslims, instead of identifying with them. "I think the picture is becoming clearer by the day, that these people have nothing to do with Islam," he said.
UAE resident Haneen Al Demeary who attended Eid prayers at a Sharjah mosque, said despite recent tragedies, Muslims still have a cause to celebrate. "Our dead are martyrs; their killers are sinners. Let's keep the victims and their families in our prayers," said Al Demeary.
After finishing his Eid prayers, Ziad Gadou said: "I really can't find it in me to joyously exclaim 'Eid Mubarak'." Instead, he said he dedicated his prayers to the living who have to wake up for Eid without their loved ones walking by their side.
"I urge everyone to spare a thought, a prayer, an anecdote, a song, a breath of condolence to those who cannot afford them anymore."
sherouk@khaleejtimes.com

• UAE