The end of Ramadan is one of the two main celebrations in the Islamic calendar. A holiday called Fitr Bajrami, in Arabic (Ajd) means something that returns and is repeated every certain period of time. The word eid, however, has evolved and today the meaning is a holiday. The word Fitr is the root of the word iftar (breaking the fast) and indicates the end of the month of fasting. It would be wrong to assume that we, Muslims, celebrate the fact that they should not fast, as Muslims are really saddened by the passing of the month of Ramadan. The reality is that Muslims celebrate because Allah has allowed them to participate in this month and complete the month of fasting and spiritual reflection. Muslims celebrate the fact that Allah, in His infinite mercy and wisdom, can accept their deeds and reward them.
"During the month of Ramadan, the Qur'an was sent down as a guide for people with clear proofs of true guidance and as a criterion (between right and wrong). So those of you who live to see that month, you should They fast, and whoever is ill or on a journey, he should fast the same number of other days. that He has guided you, thanks to Him ", al-Baqara 2: 185.
Eid (or celebration) is not performed in the way you might expect. After watching last Monday, showing that the blessed month of Ramadan is over, Muslims wake up to the dawn prayer and the beginning of a very special day. In the early morning, Muslims bathe and wear the best clothes in preparation for the special Eid prayer. It has become customary to wear new clothes in celebration of Eid. "Allah is beautiful and He loves what is beautiful," and Eid is a time to display the favors of Allah. It is an act of worship to eat some dates before being conveyed for prayer, emphasizing the fact that the month of fasting has indeed ended and thus fasting on the Day of Eid is forbidden, as it is a day of celebration and remembrance of Allah.
The Eid prayer will be held outside in a large open ground. In bad weather or due to lack of adequate commitments, the Eid prayer is sometimes performed in the mosque. Muslims can be seen walking and driving in the prayer area, holding prayer rugs and praising Allah. His or her words saying: "Allah is great, there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah; Allah is great, praise be to Him!"
"Allah accepts our righteous deeds." Children fly in anticipation of gifts and holidays, older people reflect on the success of Ramadan and the greatness of Allah. A quiet silence then spreads through the crowd as the Eid prayer begins. It differs little from normal prayers and although it is not obligatory, it is recommended that Muslims attend. They stand side by side and thank Allah not only for the joy of Ramadan, but also for the countless blessings He bestows on us every day.
Before the prayer begins, a special charity should be offered. It is called Zakaat al-Fitr. Every adult Muslim, who is financially capable, is expected to provide a small amount, from which food is bought and distributed to the poor. Ramadan was a time when Muslims strive to give generously and the celebration at the end of Ramadan is performed with the same spirit of generosity, ensuring that all Muslims have the opportunity to enjoy the day of the holiday.
At the end of the prayer, the group disperses and travels home, or to celebrations via another route. Muslims try to imitate the instruction of the Prophet Muhammad to travel from the place of Eid prayer using different routes. This and the fact of prayer being held in open fields are done to show the strength of Muslims, to promote the pride of the faith, and to praise Allah openly. Eid ul Fitr is a day, but in many Muslim countries, businesses and offices can be closed for up to a week. Due to time constraints and the fact that this Muslim holiday is not always recognized in Western countries, some Muslims are unable to attend more than a few hours of celebration. Muslims in different countries and different families celebrate in different ways.
- Has family and friends meetings for breakfast, brunch or lunch.
- It is an occasion for visits, greetings, love and good wishes.
- It is a time to heal lost relationships, change and revitalize relationships.
- Special meals are prepared and dishes are often sent to neighbors and friends.
- Every country or community has its own signature dish, and a special benefit of being part of a Muslim community in the west, means being able to enjoy delicious cuisine from all over the world.
- Gifts, money and sweets are usually given to children and some adults exchange gifts.
- Celebrations vary from community to community. There are picnics and barbecues, neighborhood fairs and parties, community events can last through the night and fireworks. They become new friends, old acquaintances are renewed and families spend quality time together.
- Celebrating Eid requires contact with relatives, kindness to parents, empathy for the poor and concern and compassion for neighbors.
- It is a day to visit and welcome and some Muslims take the opportunity to visit the cemetery.
- The memory of death and the afterlife is important all the time. Even at this time of celebration, we actually submitted to Allah, realizing that we are all a spirit away from death.
- In the middle of life is death and a Muslim realizes that this life is a temporary stop on the way to the final abode.
Ramadan was a time of reflection and Eid is a time of celebration; however, rich displays of wealth and materialism should be avoided. Muslims who grasp the natural benefits of Ramadan are grateful for this time to celebrate and understand, but it is one of the ways that Allah bestows His mercy on us. Life can sometimes be full of trials and tribulations, but with difficult times, as well as with the celebrations that Allah has given with wisdom, mercy and forgiveness. A Muslim is encouraged to celebrate by praising Allah, but he never forgot to forget that the ability to love life and to celebrate is only one of the bounties of Allah.
