MALAYSIAN MUSLIM PIETY TRANSENDS BORDERS

By P. Vijian

NEW DELHI, Nov 28 (Bernama) -- Without neglecting their religious
obligations, Malaysian Muslims in Delhi celebrated the festival of sacrifice on
Aidiladha -- with special morning prayers and shared the festivity with the less
fortunate people in the city.

About 20 families, comprising Malaysian diplomats and expatriates,
congregated at the Malaysian High Commission Saturday morning to celebrate
Eid-al-Adha in India.

"Malaysian Muslims in Delhi continue to worship our religious practices and
traditions, even though we are far away from home.

"We will sacrifice 10 buffaloes Saturdau and have also donated another four
to an orphanage outside Delhi.

"Most of the meat will be distributed to madrasas and other orphanages
around the city, like in the past years," Che Azemi Haron, Malaysian deputy high
commissioner to India told Bernama Saturday.

Meanwhile in India, which is home to 150 million Muslims, the festival of
sacrifice was celebrated across the country.

Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh greeted the nation on the auspicious
occasion with a special message.

"The festival is a celebration of the spirit of sacrifice and brotherhood.
On this occasion, I convey my best wishes to the people and hope that the spirit
of selfless giving symbolised by the Eid-ul-Zuha unites all Indians," was his
message.

In Jammu and Kashmir, the only Muslim majority state in India, the festival
mood was no different in the Kashmir Valley.

"The rush on Eid day will be directed to shrines and mosques for special
prayers before noon, and the general holiday usually constitutes rounds of near
and dear ones to offer love and respect.

"The ritual sacrifice of sheep or goats begins after Eid prayers," noted the
Kashmir Observer newspaper.
-- BERNAMA