IN the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
Eid-ul-Fitr is an occasion celebrated by Muslims worldwide to commemorate the end of fasting during the holy month of Ramadan. Fasting is obligatory for all healthy Muslims who are not traveling or subject to other specific exceptions.
The term Eid-ul-Fitr is derived from two words: “Eid” and “Fitr.” “Eid” means something that returns repeatedly, symbolising the recurring happiness associated with this occasion. This word is mentioned only once in the Noble Qur’an, in reference to the disciples of Prophet Isa [Jesus] (AS). Surah Al-Ma’idah (5:115) states: “Said Jesus, son of Mary, ‘O Allah, our Lord, send down to us a table from heaven spread with food that it may be to us a festival [Eid], to the first of us and to the last of us, and a Sign from Thee; and provide sustenance for us, for Thou art the Best of sustainers.’”
“Fitr” means to break or open the fast, so Eid-ul-Fitr refers to the recurring festival celebrating the breaking of the fast.
The first Eid-ul-Fitr was celebrated by the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) in the second year of Hijra (the migration from Makkah to Madinah), the same year fasting in Ramadan was divinely ordained for Muslims. That year also saw the Battle of Badr. It is narrated that Prophet SAW, still weak from the battle, had to be supported by Bilal (RA) while delivering the sermon.
Traditionally, Prophet SAW would offer the Eid prayers in an open space rather than at the mosque. After performing the two Raka’ats of the Eid prayer, he would turn around to deliver the Eid Sermon while the congregation remained seated. The Prophet (SAW) also preferred to walk to the prayer grounds rather than use another mode of transport and would take a different route on his return.
It was also the practice of Prophet SAW to eat something sweet (usually dates, and always an odd number) before going for the Eid prayers. This contrasted with his practice for Eid-ul-Adha, where he fasted before the prayer and broke the fast with the meat of the sacrificial animal.
Prophet Muhammad SAW instructed that all women, regardless of age or whether they were praying, should attend the Eid prayers. After delivering the Eid sermon, he would visit the women’s area to offer them advice and guidance.
In his recorded sermons, Prophet SAW would glorify Allah SWT in a special way on Eid. In one sermon, he emphasized the importance of avoiding innovations in Islam. He also mentioned, “Al-Sa’at, i.e., the Day of Resurrection, and I are together like these two fingers of mine.” Hazrat Jabir (RA) narrated that when the Prophet spoke of the Day of Resurrection, his face became red, and his voice grew loud and awe-inspiring, warning of the severity of the Day.
In his first Eid sermon, Prophet SAW advised people to always adhere to the path of righteousness and obey him in all matters. He also advised women to give Sadaqah (charity) to avoid becoming fuel for hellfire. When one woman asked, “O Prophet of Allah, why have you singled out women?” He replied, “It is because you complain too much and are ungrateful to your husbands.” At the Prophet’s admonishment, the women immediately gave their jewelry as charity.
Prophet Muhammad SAW encouraged Muslims to attend Eid prayers, regardless of their emotional state. He said, “The people who will be called to Paradise first on the Day of Judgment are those who praised Allah Ta’ala in both happiness and sadness.”
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On this joyous occasion, we should strive to follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad SAW as closely as possible. Some practices to adopt include:
.Cutting the hair, trimming the nails, performing Ghusl (bath), and using a Miswaak.
.Wearing nice clothes, preferably new, or at least clean clothes; women should wear the Hijab.
.Applying Itr (perfume) (for men only).
.Performing the morning prayer in the local Masjid and going to the Eid ground early.
.Paying the Sadaqah al-Fitr before the Eid prayer.
.Walking to the Eid grounds and taking a different route on the return journey.
.Eating some dates before leaving for the Eid prayer (preferably three, five, or any odd number); if dates are unavailable, anything sweet should be eaten.
.Expressing happiness, giving charity, and approaching the Eid prayer calmly, with a dignified and lowered gaze.
May Allah SWT grant us the goodness and guidance to celebrate Eid as His pious servants did, to stay away from sins, especially on this Mubarak day, and to accept our acts of worship. May He include us among those He has blessed and accept their repentance, as well as the sacred souls destined for His Paradise in the hereafter. Ameen.
and then