On Eid, clerics appeal to Muslims to help eradicate polio

LUCKNOW - Eid-ul-Fitr, marking the end of the holy month of Ramzan, was celebrated with enthusiasm in this Uttar Pradesh capital Monday with Muslim clerics appealing to the community members to join hands for eradicating polio from the state.

“After holding prayers, I personally appealed to the Muslims to make efforts to combat polio,” Maulana Khalid Rasheed, prominent Sunni cleric who heads Lucknows oldest Islamic seminary, told IANS.

Soon after the congregational prayers were over at Aishbagh Eidgah (the biggest prayer ground in the city), I asked them (Muslims) to take a pledge for eradicating polio. I believe, over the years, Muslim clerics have considerably contributed in sensitising the community members. The resistance among Muslims towards anti-polio drops has come down as a result of our efforts,” he added.

According to officials, as many as 250 cases of polio were reported from various parts of Uttar Pradesh, particularly the western region, till Sep 18.

On the occasion, clerics asked Muslims to continue performing pious deeds even after Ramzan and abide by the Quran.

After the prayers, Muslims exchanged greetings and sweets with their relatives and friends. Children donning new clothes and skull caps were seen visiting parks.

Muslims also visited houses of their relatives, where they were treated with ’sheer korma’ - a sweet dish prepared from vermicelli, garnished with dry fruits.

In other parts of the state, the festival was celebrated with religious fervour and gaiety. Huge gatherings were seen in cities like Kanpur, Agra, Varanasi and Allahabad.