The end of the month of Ramadan marks the Eid festivity. Eid-ul-Fitr falls on the first day of Shawaal, the tenth month of the year, according to the Islamic calendar. The month of Shawaal is followed by the month of Ramadan, which is the month of fasting and in which the Holy Qur'an was also revealed. Eid-ul-Fitr has no connection to any historical event, and it does not have any relation to any seasonal changes either; the event has spiritual significance only. Muslims across the globe thank Allah for providing them with courage, endurance and determination throughout the fasting month of Ramadan. The day of Eid brings spiritual rejoice and happiness to the Muslims. The happiness is not caused due to the ending of Ramadan, but because of the successful completion of the task; reward for which is only for Allah to give.
The day of Eid is generally observed as a holiday. Special dishes are prepared at home, and a customary visit to family, friends and relatives is paid on the day. Children receive gifts and monetary reward from elder family members. Family members and friends often receive new sets of clothes on the occasion. Muslims distribute alms among the poor, expressing their gratitude towards Allah. This is called Sadaqa-tul-Fitr or the charity for breaking the fast. It is a mandatory act and if a Muslim, on Eid day, has goods more than his needs, he must give Sadaqa-tul-Fitr. The Sadaqa-tul-Fitr is often distributed after Fajar prayer and before the Eid prayer.
Before going to the prayer, it is Sunnah to eat something. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) used to eat odd number of dates before proceeding. On the way to the Eid prayer and while waiting for it and on the way back, one should recite the Takbir: Allah hu Akbar, Allah hu Akbar, La ilaha illullah, wal lah hu akbar, Allah hu Akbar, wa lil lah hil hamd. (Allah is the greatest, Allah is the greatest, there is no god but Allah, Allah is the greatest, Allah is the greatest and all praise belongs to Him.). After the Eid prayer is completed, there is a sermon, during which the Imam speaks of the Sadaqa-tul-Fitr, and thanks Allah on the completion of the fasting month of Ramadan. The sermon is Sunnah, which should be given in Arabic and must be listened quietly before leaving the prayer ground. Once the prayer is over, Muslims greet each other three times.
Eid-ul-Fitr holds great significance. The distribution of charity on the Eid day is another important aspect. Every Muslim, who earns, must pay Zakt-al-Fitr, a sum to be donated for the month of Ramadan towards other needy Muslims. It can either be in the form of cash or basic food items, which include wheat, dates, barley etc. This is different from the usual Zakat, which is given to purify one’s wealth. Zakat-al-Fitr is, in fact, paid in the wake of the basic needs of Muslims, who cannot rejoice as per their own will. It is recommended in the Holy Quran to give donation to the poor on this auspicious day. Muslims around the world pay Zakat-al-Fitr before going to the mosque or to the prayer ground in the morning, to offer prayers.
Eid-ul-Fitr is a festival which also gives rise to brotherhood and interactions among other Muslims. People visit each other on the day of festivity. Friends, relatives and loved ones are offered sweets and gifts upon greeting. Sisters and daughters also receive gifts on this occasion. Gifts are given to children, mostly in the form of money. The Eid day is a matter of immense pride for the kids in the family. They get up early in the morning, take bath, dress up and accompany their parents and relatives to the prayer ground. Muslims also pay a visit to the graveyard. This custom is known as Ziyarat-al-Qubur. The purpose of this custom is to pay homage to the departed souls.
The day of Eid is the day of forgiveness, when all Muslims whole-heartedly pray for forgiveness from Allah. Allah has assured those who approach Him with sincerity of His mercy and forgiveness. Any true Muslim would feel ashamed of himself before Allah is he holds any enmity or ill feelings towards his Muslim brothers. Happy is the one who makes others happy and Eid-ul-Fitr is its practical demonstration.
