Eid-ul-Fitr
marks the end of the Holy month of Ramadan fasting; and here are major
reasons why Eid-ul-Fitr or Eid-al-Fitri is important to Islam.
Eid-ul-Fitr
isn’t to say it celebrates the end of Ramadan though, as it celebrates
the accomplishment of an important obligation in Islam. Fasting is one
of the Five Pillars of Islam. Therefore, it is a Muslims duty to observe
fasting and to complete this blessed month. It is a day to thank
almighty Allah SWT for the strength, privilege and opportunity to be
able to fulfil this Holy month.
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| Image showing the Eid Moon as symbol for Eid celebration | Image credit: Getty Images |
Eid-ul-Fitr
follows the final day of fasting in Ramadan and is usually celebrated
over three consecutive days. On this day, Muslims unite in the
congregation and recite prayers together. Following the all-important
recitation of prayers, they celebrate and rejoice with family, loved
ones and friends. Traditionally, a feast is prepared and enjoyed
together. Visiting family and friends throughout the day is common.
Muslims generally greet each other with “Eid Mubarak” on this day, which
means “Eid blessings”.
Another importance of
Eid-ul-Fitr is also to give charity to those in need and remember those
who are far less fortunate than we are. Whilst we are out buying new
clothes for the celebration of Eid and preparing extravagant meals, it
is also important to remember those who don’t have these options readily
available to them.
Zakat-ul-Fitr is also donated
on this day, which is compulsory for even children. It is the
responsibility of the head of the household to ensure this is paid
accordingly. It is usually given prior to the Eid prayers. The
significance of this is to ensure those in need of help are provided for
and are given the opportunity to celebrate Eid as well.
So,
whilst we are preparing ourselves for Eid this year, let's spare a
thought for those out there who are not able to see the benefits of Eid.
Let’s get together, do something nice for our fellow Muslims, and give
them the opportunity to smile and enjoy this Eid with us.
You
can do this through Muslim Aid’s Eid gift programme, be it is a small
gesture or a big gesture; you can ensure somebody else out there has an
Eid just as blessed as yours.
When is Eid 2023?
Due to the Islamic Calendar being a lunar calendar, Eid is generally
depicted by the sighting of the moon the night before. There can be a
variety of date’s dependant on regional sightings.
In Nigeria and around the World, there are always National public holidays to celebrate Eid.
1. Perform Eid prayers: Also known as Eid salah, Eid prayers are performed by all Muslims around the World on Eid ul Fitr when the fast is broken. This prayer includes two Rakaat units along with six or twelve additional takbeers.
The first rakaat has 7 takbeers while the second rakaat has 5 takbeers. The purpose of these prayers is to show gratitude to almighty Allah for blessing Muslims with the holy month of Ramadan and enabling them to do Ibadah during the sacred month. It also allows Muslims to begin the holy day with dutifulness to Allah and show their obedience to Him. Eid prayers are usually performed in congregation with friends, family and other fellow Muslims.
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| How to celebrate Eid-ul-fitri | Image credit: Getty Images |
2. Pay zakat al-Fitr and do Charity
Eid ul Fitr is also considered as a day of charity. In addition to showing gratitude to Allah, Muslims pay Zakat al-Fitr, which is an obligatory payment in charity. Many Muslims around the World volunteer at soup kitchens and food banks, handing out food to those in need. Eid ul Fitr also serves as a day of introspection for Muslims when they reflect on their actions and assess whether they have contributed to the well-being of those less fortunate.
3. Enjoy Feasts
It is forbidden for Muslims to fast on Eid ul Fitr. The festival starts with a light breakfast in the morning that traditionally includes dates and some sweets. Then, during lunch, families and friends gather and enjoy various local delicacies like kahk, kunafa and qatayef. The feast is considered incomplete without a large spread of food, including dishes like haleem, biryani, kebabs, nihari and the traditional dessert called sewayin. After performing their Eid prayers, Muslims get together with their friends, relatives and acquaintances. They often hold massive celebrations at homes, community centers or rented halls.
4. Exchange gifts and greetings: Exchanging gifts, greetings, and wishes is a big part of Eid ul Fitr celebrations. Muslims around the world wear new clothes, distribute sweets and exchange greetings with each other by saying “Eid Mubarak”, meaning “have a blessed Eid”. Elders give children money and gifts, which is called Eidi. Friends, neighbors, colleagues, loved ones and even strangers exchange sweet, treats like dates and cookies. Family members also buy presents for one another. Typically, most presents are given to the families’ youngest members. Also, Muslims decorate their homes and workplaces into colorful settings.