In a few
days time Muslims in The Gambia will join the rest of the Muslim Ummah in
observing the Koriteh feast.
This day will, of course, mark the end of this year’s holy month of Ramadan - a month of fasting and religious piety.
Festivities on this auspicious occasion are many and do vary.
They include congregational prayers, get-togethers, visiting friends, family members and loved ones.
People also use the occasion to supplicate God’s forgiveness, pray for each other, as well as the dead.
Some use the special day to forgive each other, as well renew their friendship.
On this feast day, most people, both young and old, prefer putting on new clothes.
However, one thing that is clear is that it’s not mandatory for everyone to wear new clothes on this day. Though it’s recommended for one to put on clean clothes, it should not necessarily be a new one.
Our concern here is that, ahead of this day, some women and children give a tough time to their husbands and parents.
They demand for expensive clothes just because their friends and neighbours have one. This is ridiculous!
Such people often do not understand the economic condition of their families. It’s imperative for such people to know that “it’s good to cut one’s clothes according to one’s cloth”.
People should always appreciate what they have, and not to look at what others have.
Another concern is that some people cook more than what they can consume, and at the end of the day they throw away incalculable leftovers.
This is bad, and people should try and put a stop to it.
People should also be mindful of thieves, when they go shopping, as they also capitalise on such occasions.
“Our happiness depends on the habit of mind we cultivate. So practice happy thinking every day. Cultivate the merry heart, develop the happiness habit, and life will become a continual feast.’’