By Mariam Adrish Ramadan, the holy month of the Islamic calendar in which Muslims plan to devote each and every second of this month with good deeds, prayer, and worship of Allah, and to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr that would come at the end of Ramadan.
This Eid is one of the greatest awaited occasions among Muslims and Muslims make extraordinary planning for this day because this is the day of scattering joy and happiness all over the world. We will discuss the Eid-ul-Fitr as a blessing below and the major duties and obligations as a Muslim
The Blessings of Eid-ul-Fitr:
On the day of Eid, there is joy all around, the festival of Eid-ul-Fitr itself is a blessing from Allah. Hazrat Anas (RA) narrates about Eid in the following way:
“Holy Prophet came to Madinah, the people had two days in which they used to entertain and amuse themselves. He asked: “What are these two days?” They said: “We used to amuse ourselves and take pleasure in these two days during the Days of Ignorance (jahiliyyah). The Messenger of Allah said, “Allah has substituted for you something better than these two; the Eid of Adha (sacrifice) and the Eid of Fitr .” [Sunan Abi Dawood].
Therefore, both the festivals of Eid are actually, occasions of joy and happiness given by Allah to Muslims. Hence, there is no attribution of Eid with anyone else, nor are there any connotations.
Duties and Obligations:
Eid-ul-Fitr is an occasion of joy and happiness, however, this joy and happiness do not come with the general implications where celebrations are without any boundaries but these celebrations also come with certain constraints in the form of duties and obligations. These duties and obligations come in the form of Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and the things He used to do on the day of Eid. The lines below the major duties pertaining to Eid-ul-Fitr. 8 Sunnah’s to do on Eid:
- Taking shower on the day of Eid before wearing new clothes is a Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and a Muslim must also make sure that before wearing on clean clothes he is also clean in bodily respect as well.
- Wearing best clothes, and for the men perfuming themselves. If the clothes are new then well and good. If new is not available then one must wear the best clothes and on those best clothes, one must apply perfume as well to ensure that one is best prepared for the prayer.
- Have an odd number of dates before leaving for ‘Eid Prayer’. If one does not have dates any food will do.
- Going to the Eid prayer.
- Even if the woman is not praying she is encouraged to come and attend.
- Saying Takbir for the morning till the Imam starts the Eid prayer.
- Greet one another with good greetings.
- Take a different path home than the one that you took to come to the prayer area.
Offering Eid Prayer:
The first major obligation pertaining to Eid-ul-Fitr is the offering of Eid prayer. Praying to Allah on the day of Eid means that a Muslim understands and realizes the fact that all the joy and pleasure in his life is a blessing of Allah and he needs to be thanked for it. Hazrat Jabir (AS) tells about the offering of Eid prayer by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in the following way:
“I prayed with the Messenger of Allah the two Eid prayers more than once or twice, without an Adhan or Iqamah.” (Muslim)
Therefore, the offering of Eid prayer was a routine of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), hence every Muslim must also try to offer this prayer and start the day of Eid-ul-Fitr with the worship of Allah and by being grateful to Him.
Fitrana:
Islam is a religion that pays great emphasis on giving charity. The celebrations of Eid-ul-Fitr are a perfect occasion when being charitable can lead to others being happy and joyful. In this regard, Islam gives the concept of Sadaqah-ul-Fitr that has to be offered before the offering of Eid-ul-Fitr prayer.
The right time for offering this Sadaqah is between the Fajr and Eid-ul-Fitr prayer. Therefore, a Muslim must consider this Sadqah as an obligatory act pertaining to the celebrations of Eid-ul-Fitr and offer it before the prayer.
Conclusion:
Eid-ul-Fitr requires is an occasion-specific to happiness and joy all around. However, in celebrations, a Muslim must not forget that these celebrations need to be thanked and in celebrations, one also needs to make the less fortunate a part of it so that they could also celebrate Eid and the spirit of this blessing is revived.
Dear sister or brother, In Islam Allah, sees the tears and the struggles you made for this religion, and none of it, absolutely none of it will go wasted. Instead, every single hardship you face with patience will be rewarded with generous bounties that no human can understand. He will give you from places unknown and will make your pathway to Jannah easier Insha’Allah.
May the auspicious occasion of Eid, bless you with peace and bring joy to your heart and home. Eid Mubarak!
A successful marriage requires falling in love again and again with the same person. We aim to help you find your PERFECT SOULMATE: Register here for FREE 🙂
