Twitter users reflect on tragedy and the true meaning of Eid

Sarah Khamis highlights the topics that had been trending on Arabic social media last week.

Condolences poured in on Titter for Dubai's ruling family on the death of Sheikh Rashed bin Mohammad Al-Maktoum. Khaled Desouki / AFP Photo

Discussions on social media this past week reflected the main news stories in the region. One of the most-talked-about topics was the death of Sheikh Rashid bin Mohammed, the son of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

The death of the young man left everyone heartbroken. This month being the season of pilgrimage and religious milestones, the Haj and Eid were also discussed.

Sheikh Rashid’s death

Condolences poured in from everywhere for Dubai’s ruling family on the death Sheikh Rashid at the age of 33.

Indian prime minister Narendra Modi offered his “deepest condolences to @HHShkMohd on the unfortunate and untimely demise of his son”.

A similar messages came from artist Swizz Beatz @THEREALSWIZZZ. “May his soul rest in peace,” he tweeted.

The news equally shocked and saddened the Pakistani community. Cricketer Shoaib Malik @realshoaibmalik said that his thoughts and prayers were with the people of the UAE. “May Allah bestow His supreme mercy on him.”

It was a great tragedy before Eid, wrote @MariaHelenyF. “May the soul of Sheikh Rashid rest in peace. May God guide his family and friends through this critical time.”

No one can go against the will of God, said @samiesn. “It is not about how soon or how young a person has to leave.”

@PurpleNaNo shared a link to a poem dedicated to the late Sheikh Rashid. They were “heartbreaking words”, the writer commented.

The real image of Islam

Prior to the stampede tragedy at Mina yesterday, people were praising Snapchat and expressing their gratitude to the messaging application for streaming images of worshippers during the Haj in Mecca. This way a great way to show the world the true image of Islam, users said.

“Whether black, white, brown, rich or poor, we are all equal in Islam,” @ssbsb2010 commented.

@onecupofbrown was appreciative of the efforts: “I’m so happy that everyone could get a glimpse of the experience – thank you Snapchat.”

@Riham_Osman wished he could enjoy those images with his parents. “This Haj story makes me wish I was there with my parents right now,” he wrote.

It’s unique that everyone wears the same dress to seek Allah’s blessings and forgiveness. It’s only in Haj that you cannot distinguish between the rich and the poor, commented Abdulla @al3losh.

@ImamQasim asked: “Can you spot a politician, doctor, engineer, rich or poor when people are in ihram?”

For Raneem @Ranoo9m, it was the most beautiful place in the world. He said he was lucky and proud to be there.

Fahad @F_M_N_B shared photos of Saudi soldiers helping children and the elderly. “This is the true image of Islam,” he remarked. He thanked the soldiers and the Saudi government for their effort.

@S201200532 shared a photo of the pilgrimage to explain why men must wear ihram: “The ihram is one way of demolishing racism, nationalism and tribalism.”

Eid Al Adha

While Muslims exchanged Eid greetings on Twitter, many non-Muslims celebrated the spirit of the occasion by contacting their Muslim friends and compatriots.

It was interesting to note how some people reacted differently to Eid messages. For example, @Farahsai was not happy with the amount of Eid messages he received. He pleaded with people to stop sending those “broadcasts”.

There were also notes of caution from individuals like @AbdullahAtaee, who advised people not to eat too much meat.

On Twitter: @SarahKhamisUAE