maritime activities economy and social customs of the muslims of ...

the d c e of goat or camel or cow in memory of the sacrifice of his son done by Prophet
Ibrahim(Abraham) at Mecca.
The- Muslims sacrifice as many number of goats or other
animals according to their means. The poor are always exempted from such provlrlom and
it is obligatory on those who can afford to it according to the norms as laid down in the
Hadeesh. One portion of the flesh of the sacrifised animal is taken by the sacrifice himself,
the second is distributed to the poor and indignent, the third to the relatives and friends.
During this festival a h
the poor are taken care of in that those who ca~ot afford to buy
a piece of meat enjoy it through this alms giving. During this festival also the Muslims
wear new clothes and celebrate it merrily. They congregate for a special prayer in the
idgha maidan and share their joy with friends and relatives.
prepared and taken with family and frlends.
Delicious foods are
Apart from the above Islamic festivals the households of Muslims wear a
merrv look during the Hindu festivals also. Muslim children crack crackers and light
sparklers in their houses during Deepavali. The Muslims gladly accept and relish the
Deepavali sweets offered by the Hindu neighbours. They cook pongal (sugarcandy)
like the Hindus during Pongal, the universal harvest festival. The Muslim industrial
and trade establishments also wear festive look along with that of the Hindus
during Ayudha Pooja, of course the poojas are performed by their Hindu employees.
Thus the influence of many of the Hindu festivities also have penetrated into the
Tamil Islamic society.
DARGAH WORSHIP AND BELIEFS
Dargahs or Tykhas are the tomb shrines of Muslim holymen who are known as
Walt, Aulia or Andavar (Lord). In the earlier phase these shrines served as a force
in the expansion of Islam. Within these shrines the Muslim rellglous llfe is more
flexible and accommodative rather than at the mosques. Further these shrines have
moved between the high Islam and the supposedly humble folk traditions of Mush masses.