This article is a full guide for anyone who needs to know about Eid Al-Fitr. We will discuss Eid Al-Fitr’s meaning, history, celebrations and prayer as well. We will highlight the most important features of the day of Eid Al-Fitr in the Muslim world. Moreover, we will show the beauty of Eid Al-Fitr and its divine wisdom.
Here we will learn the following:
What is Eid Al Fitr 2024?
Eid Al-Fitr literally means the feast of fitr or breaking the fast. It is not merely a festival or a form of celebration. However, it is a very special occasion in Islamic legislation. In the following article, we discussed the concept of Eid and its meaning in Islam.
Eid Al-Fitr occurs in the very first days of the Hijri month ‘Shawwal’ that just follows the month of ‘Ramadan’. It is named ‘Al-Fitr’ as it comes after a full month of fasting and worship.
Although Eid Al-Fitr is an occasion of happiness and celebration, it is also a great form of worship to God ‘Allah’ by following His legislation in celebrating this Eid as we will further discuss in the following paragraphs.
History of Eid Al Fitr
Eid Al-Fitr goes back to the revelation of God to prophet Muhammad (PBUH) where he legislated an Eid after the month of Ramadan.
Before Islam, people used to have two days a year to play and have amusement. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) told them that God had substituted them with Eid which is much better and more beautiful.
It was narrated that When the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) came to Al-Madinah he said: ‘You had two days when you would play, but Allah (SWT) has given Muslims something instead that is better than them: the day of Al-Fitr and the day of Al-Adha.’ (Sunan an-Nasa’i 1556)
Why is Eid-al-Fitr celebrated?
Eid Al-Fitr is celebrated for plenty of reasons. In the first place, Eid Al-Fitr celebration is a means of worship to Allah (SWT). This shows the wide scope of worship in Islam. Worship in Islam is not just the traditional form of worship, but any deed -even celebrations- that is done for the sake of Allah and according to His legislation lies under the huge umbrella of worship.
Thus, celebrating Eid Al-Fitr is a means of worship that is rewarded by Allah (SWT).
Secondly, Eid Al-Fitr is a mercy and a gift from Allah (SWT) to people after their hard work in the month of Ramadan. People are encouraged to break their fast on the day of Eid. They are allowed to eat, drink, have a husband-wife relationship, and enjoy God’s blessings.
Read the benefits of Eid Al-Fitr.
How Is Eid Al Fitr Celebrated?
Eid Al-Fitr is celebrated through a variety of things. It is worth mentioning that the day itself is full of happiness and smiles are everywhere. In the following paragraphs we will discuss some points in brief.
1. Having Iftar in the morning after Al-Fajr prayer.
It would be better to have Iftar with dates. There are traditions in some Muslim countries they would eat some sort of bakery called ‘Kahk’. Although this is not Sunnah nor encouraged in Islam, it is a kind of sugary delicious snack.
2. Heading for an outdoor prayer area.
In Eid, all people are encouraged to go out for Al-Eid prayer either men, women, or even children. This gathering is better in an outdoor area where people greet each other and pray; men together and women together.
Praying outdoor has a great wisdom that was discussed in a previous article.
3. Praying Al-Eid prayer after the Imam.
Al-Eid prayer is different from the 5 daily regular prayers in Islam. It is discussed in the next paragraphs.
4. Visit family and friends
Al-Eid is a great opportunity to keep in touch with your close relatives and greet them.
5. Having some sort of Halal amusement
For more detailed information, follow this article about Eid Al-Fitr celebrations.
How to Pray Eid al Fitr Prayer?
The prayer of Eid is different from the daily 5 prayers. It consists of 2 Rakaas, the first Rakaa has 7 Takbeer while the second one has 5 Takbeer.
After Takbeer finishes in each Rakaa, The Imam recites some verses of the Quran, then performs Rukoo’ then Sujood twice.
After the sujood in the second Rakaa finishes, we perform Tashahhud then Salam.
The Blessings and Beauty of Eid Al-Fitr
Eid Al-Fitr is so special. It is a great happiness that is rewarded and blessed by God.
Muslims gather on this day, greet each other and play in Halal ways.
If you want to know more about Eid, read all our articles about Eid in Explore Islam Blog till you have the opportunity to share Muslims this happiness one day.
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