Eid spreads the message of peace in the world and more importantly within ones one self. With the establishment of peace within ones heart, following Allah's law and leading a disciplinary life the true followers is graced by the Allah. Thus, Eid-ul-Fitr holds immense importance in the life of the Muslims. Muslims throughout the world come together to celebrate twice during the year. The first is Eid-ul-Fitr, which is celebrated after the month of Ramadan as an expression of gratitude to Almighty ALLAH for having been given the ability to worship and remember Him with increased intensity and care during this month—as special efforts are made in Ramadan in this respect. The month of Ramadan is a month which comes to inculcate within us a spirit of service to humanity and compassion for our fellow human beings. Muslims worship Of ALLAH with a deeper sense of reflection and strive to improve themselves spiritually and morally. They fast during the day so that they may become more cognizant of the needs of their less fortunate brothers and sisters. On Eid-ul-Fitr, Muslims thank Allah for not only growing closer to Him, but also closer to humanity, by experiencing the pain of those less fortunate than them. Eid al-Fitr, known as ‘the festival of breaking the fast’ marks the end of a month of fasting in Ramadan. It is usually a time when family and friends get together and celebrate after a month of abstinence from food and drink during daylight hours. However, with social distancing measures in place in large parts of the world amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, creating the spirit of Eid will be more difficult same as previous year. Muslims in some parts of the world will be unable to perform Eid prayers as mosques remain closed and rather than going out to greet people, the day may have to be spent at home without seeing many loved ones. It will certainly be different to any Eid we’ve experienced in the past, but it can still be a time of giving thanks for all the blessings in our lives, focusing on the sunnahs we can fulfil and reaching out to those facing greater challenges than us.
Focus on the sunnahs of Eid al-Fitr
As well as being a time of well-deserved feasting, greeting and joy, Eid al-Fitr is also an opportunity to practice the sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and connect with Allah. In fact, the night preceding Eid al-Fitr is considered to be one of the most sacred nights in the Islamic calendar. The Prophet (peace be upon him) would not sleep on the night preceding the day of Eid and spend the whole night in worship. He (peace be upon him) said: “There are five nights on which dua is not rejected: the first night of Rajab, the fifteenth night of Shaban, Thursday night, the night before Eid al-Fitr and the night before Eid al-Adha,”. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) ordained zakat al-Fitr to purify the fasting person from indecent words or actions, and to provide food for the needy. It is accepted as zakat for the person who gives it before the Eid prayer; but it is amere sadaqa for the one who gives it after the prayer,” After the blessed month of Ramadan, the night before Eid is an opportunity to seek forgiveness, ask for acceptance our good deeds throughout the month and pray for our needs and desires to be fulfilled.
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