Psychological research shows that in the moments of mirth, one is more prone to shower generosity upon others. Eid offers us an opportunity to exhibit generosity and forgive others. The spirit of offering charity enjoins upon us to cut a pound of our flesh to help others. What else can be equated with cutting one's pound of flesh more than forgiving others? Here, we cut the flesh of our ego.

The realisation of the enormity of pains and problems people are going through in this world of cut-throat, selfish pursuits can help us develop empathy for them. Empathy is the antidote to moral disengagement – justifying our harmful actions to avoid guilt – the thinking that stops one from forgiving others by playing the victimhood card.

Fasting demands from us the sacrifice of our selfish pursuits. If, on Eid, we nurture grudge and animus against any of our relationships, we can't relish the bliss of Eid. If we embrace each other while nourishing the William Blake's 'poison tree' in our hearts, that........

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