Curious to know what Eid al-Fitr is in the Muslim belief and why it’s a unique event for Muslims throughout history? Eid al-Fitr is a truly special occasion, filled with joy and blessings from Allah. On this day, Muslims gather to greet one another, share happiness, and enjoy permissible forms of celebration.
This article is a comprehensive guide for anyone who needs to learn about Eid al-Fitr. We will also discuss the meaning, history, celebrations, and the Eid al-Fitr prayer. We will highlight the most important events of Eid al-Fitr in the Muslim world.
What Is Eid al-Fitr?
Eid al-Fitr literally means the festival of breaking the fast. It is not merely a festival or a form of celebration; rather, it is a very special occasion in Islamic legislation.
Eid al-Fitr takes place on the first day of the Hijri month of Shawwal, which directly follows the month of Ramadan. It is called “al-Fitr” because it comes after a complete month of fasting and worship.
Although Eid al-Fitr is an occasion of joy and celebration, it is also a great act of worship of the Almighty One God, “Allah,” by following His commands in celebrating this Eid.
Read also: Eid Mubarak wishes
History of Eid al-Fitr
Eid al-Fitr dates back to the revelation from God to Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), when an Eid was legislated after the month of Ramadan.
Before Islam, people had two days each year for play and amusement. The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) informed them that God had replaced those days with an Eid that is better and more beautiful.
It was reported that when the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) arrived in Medina, he said: “You had two days for entertainment, but Allah (Exalted be He) has replaced them with two better days: the Day of Sacrifice and the Day of Breaking the Fast.” (Sunan an-Nasa’i 1556)
Why Is Eid al-Fitr Celebrated?
Eid is a manifest symbol of the religion and one of its honored rites. Human nature inclines toward joy on festive days. The following are some reasons for the Muslim celebration of Eid al-Fitr:
- An act of worship of Allah: Observing Eid al-Fitr is itself an act of devotion. It demonstrates the comprehensive nature of worship in Islam, where every act—including celebrations—done sincerely for the sake of Allah and in accordance with His guidance is considered worship and is rewarded.
- Gratitude for the blessing of fasting: Eid al-Fitr expresses thankfulness to Allah for the blessing of completing the fast of Ramadan and for granting the ability to worship throughout the blessed month.
- A mercy and divine gift after Ramadan: Eid is a mercy and a gift from Allah following the believers’ effort in Ramadan. On the day of Eid, Muslims are encouraged to break their fast, eat and drink, enjoy lawful intimacy with their spouses, and partake in Allah’s blessings.
- Manifesting joy and keeping the Prophetic traditions of the Eid: Muslims express happiness by exchanging greetings, wearing new or best clothes, keeping the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him).
Read also: Benefits of Eid al-Fitr
How Is Eid al-Fitr Celebrated?
Eid al-Fitr is observed through a range of joyful and meaningful practices. The day is marked by happiness, gratitude, and communal worship. The following points summarize the main aspects:
1. Eating after Fajr (breaking the fast of Ramadan)
It is recommended to eat before going out for the Eid prayer, preferably dates. In some Muslim cultures, people also prepare festive sweets such as kahk. While cultural foods vary and are not part of the Sunnah, they express lawful joy and celebration.
2. Going out to an open prayer space
Men, women, and children are encouraged to attend the Eid prayer. Gathering in an open area allows the community to come together in worship and greetings, strengthening unity and shared joy.
3. Performing the Eid prayer behind the Imam
The Eid prayer has a distinct form that differs from the five daily prayers. It is performed in congregation and represents one of the most important rituals of the day.
4. Visiting family and friends
Eid is a special opportunity to maintain family ties, exchange greetings, and spread goodwill among relatives and neighbors.
5. Enjoying within Islamic limits
Lawful entertainment and expressions of happiness are encouraged, in accordance with the guidance of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), who allowed joy and celebration on Eid within Islamic boundaries.
Read more: How to celebrate Eid?
How Is the Eid al-Fitr Prayer Performed?
The Eid prayer consists of two rak‘ahs (units of prayer), with 7 takbeers (proclamations of “Allahu Akbar”) in the first and 5 in the second. After the takbeers, the Imam recites Qur’anic verses, performs rukū‘ (bowing) and sujūd (prostration), and the prayer ends with tashahhud (testimony of faith) and taslīm (salutation).
For a detailed guide on performing the Eid prayer, read this article: Eid Prayer
Conclusion
To conclude, Eid al-Fitr is a blessed and joyous occasion that combines worship, gratitude, and communal celebration, marking the end of Ramadan. Understanding its meaning, history, and rituals helps Muslims and non-Muslims alike appreciate the spiritual and social significance of this special day. The article goes through the following points about Eid al-Fitr in Islam:
- What is Eid al-Fitr? – The festival of breaking the fast, celebrated on the first days of Shawwal after Ramadan.
- History of Eid al-Fitr? – Legislated by Allah in the second year of Hijrah; the first Eid prayer was performed by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
- Why is Eid celebrated? – As an act of worship, gratitude to Allah, and a celebration of joy and mercy after the condensed worship month of Ramadan.
- How is Eid celebrated? – Through prayer, visiting family and friends, enjoying permissible celebrations, and communal greetings.
- How is the Eid prayer performed? – Two rak‘ahs with 7 takbeers in the first and 5 in the second, ending with tashahhud (testimony of faith) and Islamic salutation.
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