Festive seasons are inherently joyful, whether encouraged by religions, created by peoples, or adopted by nations. They constantly renew joy, bring people together, and provide a consistent opportunity for happiness regardless of events or circumstances.
In previous years, political Islamist movements promoted hatred, violence, and even melancholy. Their publications, fatwas, sermons, and statements were aimed at spoiling the festive seasons for Muslims. Each year, they chose a cause or event to systematically spread their negativity, with no religious justification other than spreading frustration and general discontent for known political aims.
The Prophet Muhammad celebrated and encouraged festive occasions, even when most of the world was not Muslim and Muslims were few and vulnerable, enduring continual hardships. When some challenge the Prophet in these practices, they reveal their own intentions and goals.
While astronomical determination of festive dates is more accurate and helps governments and businesses plan effectively, leaving the determination to moon sighting adds an element of pleasant surprise for the public, even if it's just a difference of a day. This contributes more happiness to these annual joyous events, and promoting happiness and welfare is among the responsibilities of stable and prosperous states.
In some Arab countries, especially the Gulf states, there is historical stability and pervasive security, allowing people to focus on success and happiness. Conversely, some Arab countries experience "stable chaos," with political Islam movements, religious violence organizations, and armed sectarian militias perpetuating chaos, hatred, and violence.
While Arab poets and writers, like the famous Al-Mutanabbi, have expressed sorrow in the festive seasons, this exaggeration is intended to deepen expression rather than idea. It differs from those who systematically create stifling environments to provoke constant dissent against states and governments.
There are numerous reasons for joy, such as the defeat of "chaos" parties, "terror" organizations, and "sectarian" or "fundamentalist" axes, which is happening more this year in our region. The success of ambitious development plans and major achievements by states, governments, and peoples also brings joy and happiness, which individuals, families, and communities are entitled to in recurring festive moments.
Some nations experiencing chaos are returning to stability, moving towards security and prosperity after enduring long periods of chaos, terrorism, and sorrow. This resurgence is growing in Arab countries this year, strongly supported by politically and economically stable Arab states, allowing people to find a clear path to a better future.
The joy of festive seasons is a human nature, a spiritual need, and psychological relief. They are times for connection, joy, and tolerance, allowing people to destress and motivate themselves towards more work and success. It is appropriate, unlike those who advocate somberness even in times of mourning as "parties of gloom" suggest.
Finally, most Arab countries agree on the festive dates each year, with some differences due to moon sightings, a known factor. Some diverge for other reasons. Wishing everyone well in these festive occasions.