Eid al-Fitr is the festival to spread love, care and compassion; and to show gratitude towards the Almighty.
It is celebrated by billions of Muslims across the world after sighting the moon. It marks the end of the holy month of Ramadhan. In this month Muslims fast and refrain themselves from all the activities that may lead to disobedience of Almighty. They follow a strict routine of sahur, iftar and a long prayer taraweeh. They help the poor and needy by paying zakat (an obligatory duty). These things help them connect to the Almighty and also enlighten them spiritually.
Eid is celebrated just after Ramadhan as the happiness and joy to accomplish a month of fasting. And to show gratitude to Allah. Eid al-Fitr is a unique occasion to renew our spiritual and social lives. After Ramadhan it helps us improve our character and our absolute faith in Allah. It also provides an opportunity to strengthen our unity and brotherhood. It symbolises love, compassion, gratitude and faith in one God.
Eid is celebrated to please the Almighty. The spirit of Ramadhan i.e. self-control self-introspection and charity, etc. also passes to Eid. It is the first congregational festival of Muslims.
The name of Eid al-Fitr comes from the word ‘Fitra’ which means ‘charity’ which is supposed to be given before the Eid prayer and it is compulsory to all men, women, young, old, children and everyone to give this charity in form of either grains or money. The purpose is to help and benefit the needy, the unfortunate and the people in the society so that they can also participate in the Joy of the occasion. The concept of Fitrasymbolises the idea that the individual can be happy only if he/she contributes to making society happy. This spreads the message of love, brotherhood and support that in turn makes a happy society.
On this day the people wear best clothes and perfumes and go to Eidgah (which is normally a plain ground) and mosques. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ always made sure that all the needy, the orphans, widows, etc. were able to share the joy of Eid.
Women also participate in the celebration of Eid by attending prayers in the Eidgah.In the time of Prophet Muhammad ﷺwomen used to attend the Eid congregation. A Hadith narrated by Ibn ‘Abbas:
The Prophet ﷺ offered a two rakat prayer on the Day of Eid al-Fitr and he did not pray before or after it (that time). Then he went towards women along with Bilal and ordered them to pay alms and so they started giving their earrings and necklaces (in charity). (Sahih al-Bukhari:964)
The whole month of Ramadhan and Eid is a period of introspection for the Muslims.They can access their actions and their character whether it can please the Almighty or not. Whether they have contributed to the well-being of the people in the society or not.
In conclusion, Eid is celebrated to show gratitude to the Almighty for enabling us to observe fast for a month with strict routine of self-discipline and self-control.
In the prayer, when millions of people bow before the Almighty, it gives a soul stirring feeling that without any discrimination of colour and status all people are bowed in front of the Creator of this world. This is also an example of brotherhood, compassion, love and peace. At last, while we are celebrating the delights of this great occasion, let us not forget about our brothers and sisters who are suffering across the world and pray that this Eid will bring a smile to their faces.