5 Ways Muslims can Celebrate Eid-ul-Fitri in 2026

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.

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.

 

 

 

Eid-al-fitri marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan fasting, and here are four [4] ways Muslims celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr.

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.

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.

Gospel is too Precious to be meddled with the Secular World - Bayo Adegbite

 

NNI: Can we meet you?

Guest: I am Adegbite Adebayo Samuel. I'm a 26years old graduate of Political science, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. I was born into a family of five although, my father is late, as far back as 1997. I'm a Music minister with a passion to preach Jesus all around the world with the sounds of Heaven. I hail from Oyo state

NNI: "But my father is late, as far back as 1997..." With this, how was growing up been for you?

Guest: Well, It was tough, really tough, especially for my mother who suddenly found herself a single parent. It was like the silver spoon was taken away, but nonetheless, she did everything in her power by the grace of God to give myself and my siblings quality education, good morals and taught us to love the Lord. A lot of credit goes to God through her.

NNI: Inspiring! Your mum is indeed a strong woman. I thank God for His grace upon her life.

Guest: Yeah, God be praised.

NNI: What inspired Aninilematanile?

Bayo Adegbite: After completing my  undergraduate studies, I had been trusting God for an unusual grace to compose songs that will bless many around the world. I just want to be a vessel unto honour. One day, as I was heading back home from work, I started singing in the spirit (singing in tongues), a melody then struck my heart, I couldn't stop singing it, but it was still in tongues, so I asked God to help put words of understanding to fit into the melody, and not long after, I remembered a beautiful name of God I got to know in one of rehearsals in the fellowship meeting (RCFOAU) in the university. Aninilematannile! Meaning The Inexhaustible God, The One who is All-Sufficient. That was it! A new song had arrived!!!

NNI: Wow! Interesting. When did you start music?

Bayo Adegbite: I have been involved in music since childhood, in fact every member of family sings really well, but started 2015 professionally when I released my debut single.

NNI: As a gospel artiste, please narrate your salvation experience?

Guest: I got saved through a friend way back 2007. He just showed me love and then I saw how things were working out for him, so I decided to give God a chance, but now I know He gave me chance! No regrets!

NNI: Oh Wow! Who are your music mentors? Your role models in this field?

Guest: My music mentor is my Mother, Mrs Adegbite Stella Olayide, she taught me how to stay on key by dragging me to weekly services to lead the praise and worship lol and Role models are Don Moen, Wale Adenuga and Nathaniel Bassey.

 

NNI: God, Music and Man... What do you think is the bond?

Bayo Adegbite: God is the originator of music and also the creator of man. The bond here is that, music is one of the most potent weapon in the hands of men to establish and advance the kingdom of God on earth.

 

NNI: Wow! Recently Tasha Hobbs collaborated with Nicki Minaj. What do you think of gospel artistes collaborating with secular ones?

Guest: I'm not one to judge, but if i could just lend my voice. My stand is that Whatever is Gospel is too precious to be meddled with the secular world. There's a distinct line between we do in the kingdom and what goes on in the secular. We preach Christ, they preach self, so when we involve the secular guys in collaboration, in my opinion I think there's a loss of sense of identity.

 

NNI: Wow! What's the future of gospel music in Nigeria?

Bayo Adegbite: Beyond words can say or describe!!! There's an army rising in this country. God is raising music ministers after His heart

 

NNI: And I'm one of them! (smiles)

Bayo Adegbite: Oh yes! Music ministers are churning out great songs. And believe soonest, our songs will change the course of this country, Africa, and the world at large  for good.

 

NNI: Amen! How do you balance your music with other obligations-- career, etc?

Guest: It's not easy but I'll just say you'll always find time for whatever you love or love doing. So with God's help I try to prioritise well

 

NNI: What is your greatest challenge as a musician?

Bayo Adegbite: I don't know how best to answer this but, I put a lot of good pressure on myself and the good pressure is to better the person I was yesterday by improving today, but Jesus is up to the task through me. Let me just say, staying positive and motivated in midst of discouragements is my greatest challenge.

 

NNI: You started in 2015? Wow! That's great. What do you count as your achievements so far?

Bayo Adegbite: I believe my greatest achievements is how the songs God has given has touched the lives of people. Recently someone told how she got baptised in the Holy Ghost with evidence of speaking in tongues while singing one of the songs God gave me. That for me is a great achievement!

 

NNI: Wow! I love this testimony. Where do you see yourself in next five years?

Bayo Adegbite: Next five years! Well I believe by then by the special grace of God, I would have joined of frontiers in the gospel music ministry in Nigeria and the world at large to keep advancing the kingdom of God through music

 

NNI: What would you love to say to your supporters and to inspire other musicians?

Bayo Adegbite: To all those who have supported me so far, I want to say a big thank you. I'm immensely grateful. I also humbly ask that you keep praying for me like you've always done. May God keep us all in Jesus name. I love you all.

To my fellow music ministers, we must keep pushing for excellence and trust God for every step we intend take. let's keep raising the banner of Christ, drawing men solely to Him.

 

NNI: Thank you for your time sir.

Bayo Adegbite: My pleasure

Fasting: Sultan Declares Thursday 1st Ramadan 1444AH

Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, the Sultan of Sokoto and President General, Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), has declared Thursday, March 23, as the first day of the Ramadan 1444 AH in Nigeria.

Abubakar announced the sighting of the new crescent in Sokoto on Wednesday in a radio and television broadcast.

He said the new moon was sighted in different parts of the country and that reports of the moon sighting were received from Muslim leaders and organisations from across the country.

“After due verification and authentication by the national moon sighting committee and states committees’ confirmation, as well as routine scrutiny, I hereby announce the sighting of the new moon of Ramadan signifying the end of Sha’aban 1444 AH.

”In accordance with Islamic law, Muslims are to commence fasting on Thursday accordingly,” he declared.

The sultan however urged Muslim faithful to devote themselves fully to the worship of Allah throughout the holy month, urging them to use the period to pray for the progress, peace and prosperity of the nation.

“We have chosen leaders that will take the affairs of our country and States in some months to come, we should continue to pray for them in order to be able to redeem their promises to us.

“No one should maltreat anyone or cause destruction that will affect our relationships, especially against those perceived to be political opponents.

“Elections have come and gone and winners have emerged as destined by God, so let every Muslim reconcile in the spirit of brotherhood, love, peace and unity.

“Islam was built on five pillars, and peace, unity and brotherhood among Muslims were basic and fundamental ingredients to strengthen the religion.

”We should not break relationships because of politics. We should live peacefully with one another irrespective of religious and tribal differences,” Abubakar said.

The Sultan also called on wealthy individuals to assist the poor and stressed the need for increased religious tolerance and brotherhood in Nigeria.

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar in which Muslim faithful observe one month fast.

Fasting in the month of Ramadan is a compulsory religious obligation for all adult Muslims.

I Don't Need Any Religion, Wole Soyinka Declares

Nobel Prize-winning author, Wole Soyinka, has stated that he does not have a need for any religion and does not worship any deity.

 

He said at the public presentation of his two-volume collection of essays on Sunday.

Soyinka admitted that he is a mythologist and also believes that people have a right to create myths around themselves based on their experiences.

He said, “Do I really need one (religion)? I have never felt I needed one. I am a mythologist. I believe that people have a right and cannot help creating mythologies around themselves,

around their experiences about what they project from the inner recesses of their minds as answers to questions.

 

“And so I find nothing wrong with utilising mythologies as part and parcel of my creative warehouse.

"But religion? No I don’t worship any deity. But I consider deities as creatively real and therefore my companions in my journey in both the real world and the imaginative world.”

I have Never, won't run my administration on religious bias, Tinubu assures CAN

Presidential Candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has assured the leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria that he will not run his administration on the basis of religion if elected President of Nigeria.Tinubu who met with the CAN leadership in Abuja on Wednesday at an interactive session assured them that the same way his administration did not discriminate against anyone either based on tribe, religion or gender when he was Lagos Governor, he would not start such in office as president.

Tinubu said, "My belief in the need for secular government and faith-based organizations to work in unison is not something adopted recently to benefit my campaign.

"As Governor of Lagos, I partnered with the Christian to improve lives and foster education. For instance, I returned mission schools to their owners, most of who are Christians.

"I instituted yearly Christian Denomination Service at the Governor’s residence as we approached the new year. This tradition continues in Lagos.

"More importantly, we fostered an atmosphere of religious tolerance and inter-faith collaboration. My cabinet was diverse and talented.

"In the exercise of government, I did not give a thought to whether a team member was Christian or Muslim, Yoruba, Igbo or Arewa.

"I have never lent myself to baseless prejudice and discrimination. To do so would be a recipe for failure in the governance of a diverse society and I am not a man that is familiar with failing.

"I never chased people out of Lagos nor made them feel unwanted. Under my administration Lagos welcomed all comers and continues to do so today.

"After me, Lagos has had one Muslim and two Christian governors. I may not be perfect. What human being is? But I am not a petty man secretly wedded to secret biases and prejudices.

"As such, I see all Nigerians as equals and as brothers and sisters in our national family.

This means no one is inherently inferior or superior to anyone else, regardless of faith, place of origin, social status and gender. Anyone who does not hold this fair and equitable view, should not run for president in a country such as ours."

Ondomind

New Man Movement Organises 2022 Edition of Gospel Writing Contest

The New Man Movement, in a press release on its website, dated 31st January, 2022 has officially announced a Call for Submissions into the New Man Gospel Writing Contest. 

The 2022 edition of the writing contest which has held yearly since 2016 is a gospel writing contest where creative writers across the genres of poetry, drama, prose and article writing are given a space to show their literary expertise. 

Nelson Vincent Ayomitunde, President of the New Man Movement revealed through the release on the website that the writing contest has evolved to recognise the efforts and excellence of Christian writers as well as showing them to the world thus, propagating the gospel through creative writing.

The New Man writing contest which is in its sixth year is a fully gospel writing contest with the theme, Burning Altars which is taken from the Bible book of Leviticus 6:12.

According to the Press release, entries are open to all Christians and true believers without restrictions to age, race, nationality or location. Submission of entries into the New Man Writing Contest is also free.

Entries into the writing contest are expected to be creatively written in line with the general theme. These entries can be in form of Prose/short story, Poetry, Drama or Essay/Articles All entries are required to be properly typed in Microsoft Word(and uploaded to the submission portal via the ministry's website. 

The press release also indicated that participants in the New Man Gospel Writing Contest are entitled to submit a maximum of two entries ONLY.  Meanwhile, the contest is open for submissions from January 31st till March 11th, 2022.

Apostle Olopade Heals Man With COVID-19, Requests to Visit Isolation Centres

Another Popular cleric in Ondo State, Apostle Olopade Elijah Oluwatosin, who is the lead pastor of the House of Encounters International Ministries, has called on the government and the general public to permit him into isolation centers to pray for people with COVID-19 symptoms. Apostle Elijah stated that he already prayed for a case which now tests negative as a testimony. This is coming after Apostle Johnson Suleiman of the Omega Fire Ministries made the same declaration of healing COVID-19 patients in a Sunday service video.

In an official statement released via his social media handle, Apostle Elijah Olopade said:

"In case you have anyone with the Covid-19 symptoms, or you know any isolation center that will permit me to come pray, please send a text or call me directly on +234(0)9069652349."

 

According to the cleric, he is on the search for such cases to prove the healing power of God at work. In his words, "To God's glory, I've been able to pray for a case. God healed him and the symptoms stopped. So I'm looking for more cases."

Read: How GetProspa is Helping Nigerian Businesses Own Corporate Accounts at Zero Cost
 

NELOC News had earlier reported that the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic broke out as at December 2019 in Wuhan China and has risen in infections by large numbers  according to the World Health Organisation and the Nigerian National Centre for Disease Control.