Eid ul-Fitr is one of the most important Islamic festivals celebrated by Muslims around the world. It marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan, a time of fasting, prayer, and devotion to Allah (SWT). The festival is a joyous occasion that brings families, friends, and communities together in gratitude and celebration.
In this article, we will explore what Eid al-Fitr is, why it is celebrated, and how it is observed by Muslims globally.
What Is Eid ul-Fitr?
Eid ul-Fitr, also known as the "Festival of Breaking the Fast," is celebrated on the first day of Shawwal, the tenth month of the Islamic calendar. It is a day of joy and gratitude to Allah (SWT) for giving Muslims the strength to complete the fast of Ramadan. As mentioned in the Quran:
"…And [He wants] for you to complete the period and to glorify Allah for that [to] which He has guided you, and perhaps you will be grateful."
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:185)
The festival begins with a special Eid prayer called Eid Salah, which is performed in congregations at mosques or open fields. Then, afterwards, the Muslims exchange hugs with warm embraces and say "Eid Mubarak," which means "Blessed Eid”. They return to their homes to cook delicious foods, meet their relatives and friends, or invite them to their place for an Eid celebration.
These celebrations formally continue for the next few days and depend on the culture and traditions of the region. In Muslim countries, the government and private institutions typically give employees official holidays to celebrate Eid.
In South Asian countries, for instance, Eid is celebrated for three days, and the same applies to Middle Eastern countries; however, in Western countries like the USA and UK, only one day is given off for formal celebrations and is not recognised as an official holiday. Still, Muslims celebrate this joyous occasion within their community and share the joy with others.
Despite the differences in the number of days off, the spirit of Eid remains the same across the globe, emphasising unity, gratitude, and community.
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Why Is Eid ul-Fitr Celebrated?
Eid ul-Fitr is celebrated for several important reasons:
1. Completion of the Blessed Month of Ramadan
Ramadan is a sacred month in which Muslims fast from dawn to sunset, abstaining from food, drink, and other physical needs to strengthen their faith and devotion to Allah. Fasting in Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and is considered an act of obedience, self-discipline, and purification of the soul.
When Ramadan ends, Eid ul-Fitr is a moment of joy and celebration, marking the successful completion of this spiritually enriching journey. Muslims express gratitude to Allah (SWT) for granting them the ability to fast and worship during the holy month and look forward to continuing their good deeds beyond Ramadan.
2. Expressing Gratitude to Allah (SWT) for His Blessings
Eid ul-Fitr is a time for Muslims to reflect on the countless blessings Allah has bestowed upon them. Throughout Ramadan, believers strive to strengthen their connection with Allah (SWT) through increased prayers, recitation of the Quran, and acts of kindness.
As Eid arrives, Muslims collectively thank Allah (SWT) for guiding them through Ramadan, granting them patience, and allowing them to seek forgiveness and spiritual growth. The celebration of Eid is a reminder that gratitude should be a constant practice in a Muslim’s life, not just during Ramadan but every day of the year.
3. A Day of Joy, Unity, and Strengthening Family Bonds
Eid ul-Fitr is a joyous occasion that brings families, friends, and communities together. It is a time when people set aside their daily worries and come together to celebrate with love and unity. Visiting relatives, exchanging warm greetings, and sharing meals with loved ones strengthen family ties and promote a sense of belonging.
The happiness of Eid is not limited to individuals but extends to the entire community, where people embrace one another, reconcile differences, and spread kindness. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) emphasised the importance of maintaining good relationships, and Eid provides a perfect opportunity to do so.
The Importance of Eid ul-Fitr in Islam
Eid ul-Fitr is not just a celebration; it has deep spiritual significance. It is a time to seek forgiveness, increase good deeds, and strengthen relationships with family and friends. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) emphasised the importance of Eid and encouraged Muslims to celebrate it with joy and gratitude. He said:
"Every nation has its festival, and this is our festival."
(Sahih al-Bukhari, 952)
This hadith shows that Eid ul-Fitr is a special festival for Muslims, given by Allah (SWT) as a time of joy and celebration.
How Is Eid ul-Fitr Celebrated?
Eid ul-Fitr is celebrated with great enthusiasm by Muslims around the world. The day begins with various customs and traditions that make the festival special.
1. Performing the Eid Prayer
The Eid prayer is one of the most significant parts of the celebration. It is performed in congregations, often in large open fields or mosques, to accommodate a greater number of worshippers. The prayer consists of two rakats (units of prayer) and is followed by a khutbah (sermon) given by the Imam, reminding Muslims of the importance of gratitude, unity, and kindness.
Check out our detailed guide on how to perform Eid prayer, including step-by-step guidelines and preparation.
2. Giving Zakat al-Fitr
The Zakat al-Fitr is a special charity that is given before the Eid prayer. It is an obligatory act for every Muslim who has the means to do so. The purpose of this charity is to purify one’s fast and to ensure that the less fortunate can also partake in the Eid celebrations.
The amount given is usually equivalent to the price of a meal and can be distributed in the form of food or money. By fulfilling this duty, Muslims express their concern for the poor and strengthen the bonds of brotherhood within the community.
3. Wearing New Clothes
On Eid day, Muslims dress in their finest clothes as a sign of joy and gratitude. Many people purchase new outfits specifically for the occasion, while others wear their best garments, ensuring they are clean and presentable.
Men often wear traditional attire such as thobes, kurtas, or suits, while women wear elegant dresses, abayas, or traditional clothing from their culture. This practice symbolises renewal, purity, and respect for the special day.
4. Visiting Family and Friends
Eid is a time for strengthening family bonds and maintaining good relationships with friends and neighbors. People visit the homes of their loved ones to exchange greetings, gifts, and prayers. It is customary to start the day by visiting close family members, especially parents and elders, seeking their blessings and showing respect.
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Conclusion
Eid ul-Fitr is a beautiful and meaningful festival that brings happiness, gratitude, and togetherness. It is a time for Muslims to celebrate the blessings of Ramadan, share joy with others, and renew their commitment to faith.
By following the teachings of Islam, giving charity, and spreading kindness, Muslims make Eid ul-Fitr a truly special and rewarding occasion. May Allah (SWT) accept the efforts of all Muslims and bless everyone with peace and prosperity. Ameen.
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