With few days left of the month of Ramadhan, millions of Muslims all over the world are now anticipating with happiness and excitement the coming of Eid-ul-Fitr, a Muslim holiday marking the end of fasting. Eid is an Arabic word meaning "festivity", while Fiṭr means "to break the fast". Eid is a very significant day in Islam which carries a much deeper meaning than mere festivity or rejoicing. In my view, the various meanings of Eid-ul-Fitri are closely linked to what fasting during the month Ramadhan, as enjoined by Allah (subhanahu wa ta ‘ala [swt] – the Most Glorious and Most High) aims to achieve for every Muslim.

     First of all, Ramadhan is the month in which the Qur’an was sent by Allah (swt) as a guide to mankind, providing clear signs for guidance and judgment between right and wrong. Allah (swt) has commanded that this month be spent in fasting when He said:

 “Ramadhan is the (month) in which was sent down the Qur'an, as a guide to mankind, also clear (Signs) for guidance and judgment (Between right and wrong). So every one of you who is present (at his home) during that month should spend it in fasting. (Qur’an, 2:185).

     Eid-ul-Fitr is thus a day of thanksgiving when Muslims gather in prayers to express their gratitude to Allah (swt) for guiding them from darkness into light through the Holy Qur’an and helping them to fulfill their spiritual obligations during Ramadhan. They thank Allah (swt) for all His mercy, forgiveness and blessings which He showers to His devoted servants in abundance during the month of Ramadhan. Muslims also express their gratitude to Allah (swt) by sharing their wealth and generously giving in charity to the poor and needy during Ramadhan and Eid.

     Fasting promotes a strong will, develops patience and self-discipline and the ability to bear hunger and thirst and other forms of hardship. It trains the body to submit to lofty spiritual goals. Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam [saw] – peace and blessings be upon him) also said: “Fasting is a shield or protection from the fire and from committing sins”. Fasting is therefore a tool for developing excellent morals and supreme virtues. It teaches the believer to renounce vices, to control emotions and lower instincts, to restrain the tongue against sinful or inappropriate remarks and the mind against contemplating upon wrongdoing. Celebrating Eid-ul-Fitr is therefore a means of praising and glorifying Allah (swt) for providing Muslims an excellent opportunity to improve themselves and develop within them, moral consciousness and supreme virtues during Ramadhan.

     The celebration of Eid-ul-Fitr is a manifestation of the equality of all Muslims in the sight of Allah (swt) regardless of gender, race, color and status in the society. Fasting is obligatory on all Muslims whether rich or poor, man or woman, powerful or weak, influential or downtrodden. No single Muslim is exempted from the fasting of Ramadhan on the basis of his wealth or his position, or his status in the society. Fasting should also be made at a prescribed time and no one can begin his fast after dawn and breaking of the fast should likewise be made at a prescribed time and no one has the right to break his fast before sunset. All these rules instill among Muslims the feeling of equality before Allah (swt). 

     Fasting also promotes a spirit of cohesiveness among members of the Muslim community and develops among them the excellent virtue of humility. Eid-ul-Fitr is therefore also a manifestation of the unity of the Muslim community in a common declaration and affirmation of Laa ilaaha illallaah Muhammadar Rasuulullaah [there is no God except Allah (swt) and Muhammad (saw) is the Messenger of Allah (swt)]

     Ramadhan is full of Allah (swt’s) mercy and forgiveness of sins. In one of the Prophet (saw’s) sayings, he said: "and whoever fasts in the month of Ramadan out of sincere faith, and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all his previous sins will be forgiven."  It is therefore during the month of Ramadhan that Muslims try their best to atone for their sins and wrongdoings by completing their fast, performing various acts of worship and giving generously in charity. Eid-ul-Fitr is therefore also a day of forgiveness when Muslims, from the start of Ramadhan until Eid-ul-Fitri fervently beseech Allah (swt) for forgiveness of their sins, shortcomings and wrongdoings. At the same time, it is during Ramadhan and Eid that Muslims try their best to strengthen their bonds with family and friends by setting aside differences and asking each other for forgiveness.

     During Eid-ul-Fitr, Muslims pray to Allah (swt) and glorify Him in remembrance of His bountiful favors to them. They remember the deceased and pray that Allah (swt) may grant them mercy and forgiveness and reward them with eternal life in paradise; the poor and the needy by giving them assistance to meet their needs; the grieving by extending them sympathy and consolation; their kindred, relations and friends by asking their forgiveness and extending them warm greetings. Eid-ul-Fitri is therefore a day of remembrance of Allah (swt’s) abundant blessings and favors and of the believer’s duties and obligations to his family, relatives and fellow human beings.

     Finally, Eid-ul-Fitr is a day of victory when a Muslim who succeeds in completing his fast and attaining its spiritual benefits celebrates the Eid with a triumphant spirit. Eid is the day when he reaps the fruits of his sacrifices and good deeds and on that day, Allah (swt) will grant mercy, forgiveness and blessings in great abundance to His devoted servants.

     To all my dear brothers and sisters in Islam, I wish you all the happiness and blessings of Eid-ul-Fitri. May we continue to appreciate the significance of Eid-ul-Fitri not only after Ramadhan but in our everyday life.

EID MUBARAK

1 SYAWAL 1430H

MINAL AIZIN WAL FAIZIN

17 September 2009