Eid al-Fitr—the Day of Muslim Festivity

O, now with few days left, the blessed Ramadan, the month of fasting and abstinence, is nearing its completion. It came, with its own splendid, sublime and shimmering hue, and those who welcomed this month, in a right manner with sincerity, piety and true spirits, are the real winners. And for them, there’s a day of swift transition and great jubilation…and that’s ‘Eid al-Fitr’, (The Festival of Fast-Breaking) which marks the end of Ramadan and beginning of the next lunar month, Shawwal, in the Islamic calendar.

Following the rituals, Muslims wake up for the dawn prayer (Salaat ul Fajr), take bath, get dressed in festive or best available clothing, apply perfume and eat a breakfast of dates, in odd numbers.

One can see a visible atmosphere of revelry, where men, women and children in an entertaining mood, hastens to offer the Eid prayer while reciting the words of glorification to the Almighty Lord. 

Recalling Ramadan’s sanctity, rewards and serenity on the day of Eid al-Fitr, it’s time to feel blessed and show gratitude to the Almighty Lord, remember Him and supplicate unto Him for His forgiveness, mercy, peace and blessings. Indeed, it’s time of great feasting and family festivity!

Adhering to the genuine Islamic teachings and traditions, Eid al-Fitr has a significant, obligatory Salaat (prayer) consisting of two Rak’ah (units), which is offered to the Almighty Lord.

Imagine, if every day of our lives becomes like that of Ramadan, with acts of upright devotion and submission to the Almighty Lord, then we can cherish our lives, with piety, celestial succor and true happiness.

But, before offering the Eid al-Fitr prayer, one has to make obligatory charity to the needy and poor person, and the noble purpose of this donation is to ensure that all members of the community have food to eat after Ramadan and during the day of feast (Eid).

What a beauty of Islam that provokes our inner conscience, and makes a compelling duty to care others. It not only teaches us how to be steadfast, patient and devoted by controlling our thirst, hunger and other corporeal instincts, but inspires us to show empathy for the poor.

Well, for anyone, the best thing is to be with his whole family on Eid al-Fitr. One can share the joy and festive moments with their dear and loved ones, and feel the goodness of this day. For children, the day of Eid al-Fitr is merriment, fun fulfilling occasion as they get surprise gifts from their elders.

After the Eid prayers, there comes the time to feast at home with one’s family. As the culture varies, there’s again a variety of traditional dishes, appetizing meals and special cookies for everyone. And so well looks the atmosphere in a festive pomp where people greeting one another, and children, with great expectations to receive gifts and small sums of money as ‘tokens of love’ from their elders. 

So, let’s with contentment, after few days, express our farewell to Ramadan, the month of mercy, forgiveness, good deeds and charity, and let’s heartily prepare for Eid al-Fitr, the day of Islamic festival, with a sense of thankfulness, generosity and jubilation.

Eid Mubarak (Blessed Eid)!