Eid-ul Fitr

What is ‘Eid-ul Fitr?
‘Eid ul-Fitr marks the end of the fasting month of Ramadaan. ‘Eid “عيد” is an Arabic word meaning “festivity”, while Fiṭr “فطر” means “breaking the fast”. The Day of Eid-ul Fitr celebrates the conclusion of the 29 or 30 days of dawn-to-sunset fasting during the entire month of Ramadaan.The month of Ramadaan will end with the sighting the appearance of the crescent moon (hilaal) of first day, Muslims celebrate ‘Eid-ul-Fitr. The first day of ‘Eid, therefore, falls on the first day of the month of Shawwaal, the tenth month of the Islamic (lunar) calendar. Almighty Allah had ordained ‘Eid-ul Fitr for the Muslims as a reward for their self-discipline during Ramadaan where all (halaal) lawful food and drink that was allowed to eat could not be consumed, now can be enjoyed on the day of ‘Eid-ul Fitr.
The aim of ‘Eid-ul Fitr is to promote peace, strengthen the feeling of brotherhood. ‘Eid is a time where all Muslims, young and old are happy be it with friends or family. Everyone wears their best although for some, it may not be new.

‘Eid is known by many names in different countries across the world.

Indonesia : Idul Fitri
Bangladesh: Shemai Eid
Malaysia : Hari Raya Puasa/Hari Lebaran
Turkey : Ramazan Bayrami
Iran : Eyde Fetr
Singapore : Hari Raya Aidilfitri/Hari Otak/Hari Raya Idul Fitri/Hari Raya Puasa
Brunei : Hari Raya Aidilfitri/Hari Otak/Hari Raya Idul Fitri/Hari Raya Puasa
Pakistan : Choti Eid
Tamil : Nonbu Perunnaal
Malayam : Cheriyya Perunnal, to name but a few.

Anas (RadiyAllahu ‘anhu) said, “Rasoolullah (Sallallahu ‘Alayhi wa Sallam) migrated to the city of Madeenah and saw the people celebrating two days of festivities. He said, ‘What are these two days?’ The people of Madeenah replied, ‘They were days of festivities in the jaahiliyyah (pre-Islamic era).’ Then he said, ‘Verily Allah has replaced these two days with (what) is better for you— the day of Adhaa and the day of Fitr.’” [Abu Dawud]

These days of ‘Eid are not ‘holidays’ in the sense that Muslims take the ‘day off’ from worship, but they serve as yet another opportunity for the believer to excel in devotion and rejoice in praise of the Lord of the Worlds. There is an inspiring message and strong, spiritual motivation behind the Day of ‘Eid as it marks the remembrance of a major act of worship.

‘Eid ul-Fitr is a time of celebration that follows after a month of refraining from indulging in worldly human desires from dusk to dawn out of pure submission to Allah. So although Muslims enjoy their food and drink, they never stop offering prayers in devotion to Allah.
This three-day long celebration ends the ninth month and begins the tenth month of Shawwaal with absolute happiness and contentment for the ability to sacrifice for Allah.

Tomorrow InshaaAllah we will hear “TaqabbalAllahu minnaa wa minkum” “May Allah accept (from) us and you”.
May Allah indeed forgive us and accept our efforts and good deeds in the month of Ramadaan and keep us steadfast throughout the year.