Eid-ul Fitr coincides with the first day of Shawwal, the tenth month of the Islamic calendar. In Islamic countries, Eid-ul Fitr is considered as the most significant festivals with a three-day public holiday.
Eid-ul Fitr is the Eid of brotherhood, unity and solidarity of Muslims across the world. On this day, all followers of the Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) stand beside other in mosques to pray the Almighty Allah. After praying the Eid-ul Fitr prayer in mosques, they hug to congratulate the Eid days to each other and go each other homes to further aware of each other’s problems.
The celebration marks the end of the holiest month in the Islamic calendar, and is a joyous occasion for worshippers worldwide. Muslims all over the world eagerly anticipate Eid-ul -Fitr, which means “the festival of breaking the fast”, because it comes after a month of fasting between dawn and sunset.
Eid is meant to be a time of celebration, and of spending quality time with family and friends. Typically, Muslims will wear new clothes, either traditional dress or the best clothes that they own. On this day, Muslims forget about any pains and enmity they had received from their Muslim brothers in past months. They face to each other with love and sincerity and renew their friendship.
To help our ailing world that is deeply wounded by lovelessness, it is important that we explain to people what real love is. We have to ensure that they understand that real love can build only on deep faith, a profound fear of and love for God. When people begin to love each other for their love of God, a peaceful atmosphere will emerge naturally.
On this most auspicious occasion, Muslims, while celebrating the conclusion of the fast are also required to reflect on what they have achieved during the month of Fasting. Peace and harmony that one has achieved by observing the rites of the Ramadan fast needs to be extended throughout one’s life to be effective.
The Holy Quran tells us that all of mankind is descended from one couple, Adam and Eve. Thus we are all brothers and sisters, and our differences in languages and colors are but a mercy that we might know one another. Language and race should never be a reason for discriminating against people.
A Muslim undoubtedly should maintain good relations with his relatives, but he should not unjustly favor them over others. Further, a Muslim must be good to his neighbors, no matter their religion.
One of the key elements of Eid is Zakat ul-fitr, meaning “charity of breaking the fast”, which must be paid before the end of Ramadan or Eid prayers. This form of charity is intended so that the less fortunate can also enjoy Eid. It is obligatory upon Muslims, and stems from one of the five pillars of Islam, Zakat, which requires Muslims to give charity to help their communities and to strengthen their spiritual relationship with the Almighty Allah.
Zakat ul-Fitr is a one-off payment, usually in the form of food or its monetary equivalent to the value of about 100 AFG which allows the less fortunate to celebrate Eid. The donation is intended to absolve the donor from any shortcomings they committed during the holy month and act as a form of thanks to God for allowing observance of the fast. All Muslims must pay this amount, regardless of age or gender, so long as they possess enough to feed themselves. The head of the family will pay on behalf of any children or dependents.
It is worth mentioning that there are two Eids celebrated by Muslims around the world. Eid-ul -Fitr, as explained above, comes at the end of Ramadan and celebrates the breaking of the fast.
Eid ul-Adha, which means “festival of the sacrifice”, is approximately two months after Eid-ul -Fitr and is culturally considered a bigger event. It coincides with the Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia, known as Hajj, which every Muslim is expected to undergo at least once during their lifetime, if they are physically and financially able.
Zarabi
Eid-ul-Fitr; time for brotherhood & solidarity among Muslims
