Importance of Eid-ul-Fitr in Islam – Time of Joy for Muslims
Eid-ul-Fitr is the most important festival of Muslims in the Islamic calendar. The significance of Eid-ul-Fitr is purely spiritual. This day does not mark any historical event but its existence gives Muslims an occasion to offer thanks to Allah Almighty for having given them the strength and the will to observe fast and obey His commandments during the holy month of Ramadan.
Eid-ul-Fitr means “festival of breaking the fast” and marks the end of the month of Ramadan.
Eid-ul-Fitr is celebrated on the first day of Shawwal at the completion of the holy month of Ramadan. Shawwal is the 10th month of the Islamic calendar. On this day Muslims show their real joy for the health, strength and the opportunities of life that Allah has given to them to fulfill their obligation of fasting. Traditionally Eid-ul-Fitr is celebrated for three days and is an official holiday in Muslim-majority countries.
The true joy of Eid-ul-Fitr is only for those who observe fasts regularly. Eid-ul-Fitr is a happiness that is renewed every year because Muslims collectively are expected to observe the fasts. Eid-ul-Fitr is the day when Muslims assembles in the congregation of the Day when they whole-heartedly pray for forgiveness and strength of faith. On the day of the celebration typically a Muslims gets up very early, wear new clothes and attends special prayers held only for this occasion in big mosques which are Eid prayer and wish one another “Eid Mubarak”.
The Eid prayer is generally followed by the sermon and the attendees ask Allah for forgiveness, mercy, peace, and blessings for everyone in the world. The festivities and enjoyment start after the prayers with visits to friends, relatives and thanking the Allah (SWT) for all blessings. Eid is a time to come together as a community and to renew friendship and family ties. Muslims are obliged to give to the needy food-stuff at the rate of a prescribed weight, on behalf of them and of every member of their family, including servants and guests who were sheltered under their roof on that night on the eve of Eid-ul-Fitr. It would certainly be pleasing to Allah Almighty if we did not forget these lessons after Eid-ul-Fitr and the month of fasting.
It is a custom or tradition across different Muslim cultures that Muslims share and exchange gifts with each other on the day of Eid-ul-Fitr. This exchanging of gifts besides its superficial implications also symbolizes the sharing of love and joy with each other, which ultimately leads to greater love and respect for each other. Thus, the celebration of Eid and the gift exchange that takes place during it actually helps bring people closer to each other.
Eid-ul-Fitr is one of the most auspicious occasions awaited by Muslims all over the world. This festival is a blessing of Allah Almighty and its purpose is to help Muslims come close to each other, spread joy and love to all the people that come in contact with a Muslim. May Allah (SWT) continue to grant us peace in the world and also bless all believers to the path of righteousness! Ameen
