Eid is a bi-annual religious festival that is celebrated by Muslims across the world. People come together to celebrate with their loved ones through food, gifts and enjoyment of the occasion. But for the families of martyrs, the soldiers who sacrificed their lives for their nation, Eid has a different meaning. In Pakistan, where the brave sons of the soils lay down their lives for the security of the country, the houses of martyrs are filled with a unique combination of joy and grief, during these auspicious occasion.
The Armed Forces of Pakistan have actively participated in many operations and wars, both within and outside the country. From the fight against terrorism to peace support operations in different parts of the world under the banner of United Nations, the Pakistan Army has always been measured upto the task. The fight against terrorism, that started gaining momentum after the September 11,2001 attacks, has cost thousands of military and civilian lives. The South Asia Terrorism Portal states that since 2003, Pakistan has lost over 7000 soldiers in operations against various terrorist organizations.
These sacrifices are not mere numbers, but stories of unrelenting valour and sacrifices offered by our patriots. The soldiers, who die in the line of duty leave behind families to mourn for them and continue living their lives with a sense of honor and prestige that comes with being the family of martyrs. Apart from ordinary days, Eid bring a renewed sense of grief owing to the void left by the martyrs.
The atmosphere that is seen in a martyr’s house is different from the other houses where people are cheerful and joyful during Eid. It is not the clamor of work and the boisterousness of celebrations that define this period, but the honoring of the deceased. The day starts like any other Eid day with the Eid prayers but the atmosphere is rather somber because of the death of a close family member. The chair that is left vacant in the dining room represents the soldier who earlier used to eat breakfast at that table.
In many of such families, Eid is a day of remembrance. They pay their respect to their dear ones by going to the graves and praying for them and placing floral wreaths outlines graves. It is touching to see children and spouses bowing in front of these graves knowing that their loved ones had made the ultimate sacrifice for their motherland.
However, the families of martyrs are not always overwhelmed by sorrow and despair; instead, they are rather strong and patient. For instance, Captain Bilal Zafar was martyred in the Swat operation in 2009. His family observes Eid by going to his grave and feeding the poor, a practice Bilal always held dear. His mother, who is crying, says that she is proud of her son and his actions were made to benefit the country.
Likewise, the family of Naik Saif Ali Janjua, who was awarded the civil award, Pakistan’s highest military award after his death, also celebrates Eid with the same feeling of giving and serving the community. They think that in this way, they contribute to his memory and continue to serve and give their all for the benefit of others.
The Government and Pakistan Army, both, endeavor to support the families of martyrs as they are fully cognizant of how much they have lost. The Pakistan Army through Shaheed Foundation provides for the dependents of the martyrs in terms of financial support, education for children and medical facilities. In Eid, different military groups pay courtesy calls on the homes of the martyrs to show their support and to assure them that their sacrifices will not go to waste.
It is important for the society to acknowledge the losses that soldiers and their families have made in order to create a sense peace and serenity in the country. In the last few years, more and more media and social organizations have focused on the plight of martyrs’ families during Eid. Documentaries, news features, and social media campaigns are all the ways in which the nation is constantly reminded of the price paid for its security and the bravery of those who protect it.
Eid at a martyr’s home is a mix of remembrance and honor. As such, although the celebrations are low-key, the essence of Eid is upheld, and the day becomes a solemn one of reflection and thanksgiving. The nation owes these families, and salutes them for their resolute spirit in the face of such a momentous loss. On this joyful occasion of Eid, it is pertinent that we pay our respect and homage to the martyrs and their families, so that their supreme sacrifices are not forgotten.
Muskan Moazzam is currently pursuing MPhil in Defence and Strategic Studies from Quaid e Azam University, Islamabad.
