This year, Eid ul Fitr is anticipated to be observed on Friday, April 21, 2023, or Saturday, April 22, 2023. But, the particular day will depend on when the moon of Shawwal, 1444, the Islamic calendar’s tenth month, would be visible.
The completion of Ramadan and the start of a feast that breaks the fast are marked by Eid al-Fitr, which falls on the first day of Shawwal (according to the Islamic calendar).
It is a crucial component of fasting and spiritual dedication and is regarded as one of Islam’s five pillars. After 29 or 30 days of fasting, it is celebrated.
What is Eid al Fitr?
During a month of self-reflection, prayer, and fasting, Eid al-Fitr is a time of celebration when Muslims from all over the world gather to feast and reaffirm their relationships with family and friends.
According to Muslim Aid, Eid al-Fitr, often known as “the celebration of breaking the fast,” is when Muslims treat themselves to goods they forwent during Ramadan.
The first month of the prophet Muhammad’s revelation of the Qur’an is commemorated during that holy month. Muslims who observe Ramadan abstain from eating and drinking throughout the day and instead use that time to practice restraint and self-control and strengthen their relationship with Allah.
Islam attaches tremendous importance to both Eid al Fitr and Eid Al-Adha, as seen by the following Hadith: Anas bin Malik (R.A.) was quoted as saying:
“Allah has given you better than those feasts (festivals of non-believers): the ‘Eid-ul-Adha’ and ‘Eid-ul-Fitr’”
(An-Nasai: 1556)
The Prophet (S.A.W.) is said to have said by Abu Said Al-Khudri (R.A.)
“No fasting is permissible on the two days of Eid-ul-Fitr and EId-ul-Adha.”
(Sahih Bukhari: 1995)
History of Eid al Fitr
Historical records claim that the Prophet Muhammad was the one who first thought of the holiday of Eid-al-Fitr, when Muhammad arrived in Medina, according to Anas, the great Prophet’s companion.
He saw people partying on two specified days, amusing themselves in various ways. Consequently, the prophet proclaimed that the Almighty had set aside two days for human celebrations, which eventually became known as Eid-al-Fitr and Eid-al-Adha. This holiday is celebrated throughout India with a lot of fanfare.
Purpose of Eid al Fitr
Eid ul Fitr marks the end of a month of prayer, fasting, and refraining from unfavorable deeds and thoughts. On this blessed day, Muslims worldwide express gratitude to Allah for giving them the grit, resolve, and perseverance necessary to complete the month-long fast and follow His instructions during Ramadan.
They ask Allah for guidance in staying on the correct path and rewards for doing good things during the holy month. The fruits of arduous spiritual discipline and a month of devotion are received on this day, which is a cause for celebration for those who follow the fast during Ramadan.
The holiday serves as a reminder to Muslims to be accepting of individuals from all social and economic backgrounds and to spread holiday cheer to the disadvantaged, the impoverished, and the unloved.
Celebration
A community-wide prayer session is held to commemorate Eid al-Fitr in an open field or big hall, and it frequently draws a sizable crowd of people, even individuals who do not regularly attend communal prayer services during the year.
In addition to the many ethnic variations of dressing to impress for prayer, there is a religious practice known as Zakat al-Fitr that ensures that everyone can afford to participate in the celebrations after two cycles of standing while reciting the Qur’an, kneeling, and prostrating in Allah’s praise, a sermon, and requests are made.
An imam conducts the prayer. Visiting relatives and friends after prayers and throughout the day is customary to share presents.
Offer Eid Salah
All Muslims worship Eid ul Fitr, the day the fast is broken, during Eid prayers, also known as Eid salah. This prayer consists of two Rakaat units and six or twelve more Takbeers. The first rakaat contains seven takbeers, whereas the second rakaat has just five.
Also, it enables Muslims to start the holy day in obedient servitude to Allah. Eid prayers are often offered with friends, family, and other Muslims in a group setting.
Exchange Gifts
Greetings present, and well wishes are all commonly exchanged during Eid ul Fitr celebrations. Muslims worldwide dress in new outfits, give out candy, and greet one another by shouting “Eid Mubarak,” which translates to “have a wonderful Eid.” On Eid, elders give children money and presents.
Dates and cookies are among the sweets people exchange with neighbors, coworkers, loved ones, and strangers. Family members exchange gifts with each other.
Usually, the younger family members receive most of the gifts. Muslims also create vibrant environments in their homes and businesses.
Pay ZAKAT
Giving to those in need, or Zakat is one of Islam’s five pillars. Muslims frequently donate to charities in the run-up to Eid al-Fitr so that less fortunate families can participate in the celebrations.
Muslims are advised to contribute and ask for forgiveness during Eid al-Fitr in addition to charitable giving, and they should look forward to the chance to fast once more during Ramadan the following year.
Suunah of Eid al Fitr
Every area of life should be lived following the teachings of Allah’s Messenger (S.A.W.). The Eid prayer should be conducted in the same manner. Below are some of the Prophet’s (S.A.W.) Sunnah about the Eid prayer that every Muslim should heed:
- To prepare for prayer, take a bath or do ablution.
- Use a Miswaak or a toothbrush. On this day, put your nicest clothing on.
- On this day, dress to impress.
- Add perfume.
- Before departing for the Eid Al-Fitr prayer, consume odd dates. Sahih Bukhari (953) .
- Before the Eid prayer, ensure you have paid the Zakat Al-Fitr.
- Before leaving for and returning from the Eid Prayer, say “Takbeerat.”
Conclusion
For Muslims worldwide, Eid ul Fitr 2023 is a day of joy, forgiveness, prayers, and excitement observed in the month of Shawwal. Everyone, from young children to adults and older folks, looks forward to the day ending the fast and ushering in the holiday season.
Muslims participate in special morning prayers on Eid al-Fitr and exchange “Eid Mubarak,” or “Have a good Eid,” greetings and ceremonial embraces.
FAQS
Q: What is the main purpose of Eid al-Fitr?
An Islamic holiday called Eid al-Fitr celebrates the conclusion of Ramadan when Muslims fast from sunrise to dark every day. Muslims can now eat during the day for the first time since they broke their fast during Ramadan.
Q: What is the significance of Eid al-Fitr?
The Islamic calendar considers Eid al Fitr to be a major holiday. Muslims commemorate the conclusion of the 29 or 30 days of dawn-to-dusk fasting around this time, and they also thank Allah for the Quran, which was originally revealed towards the end of Ramadan. In addition, they express gratitude to Allah for giving them the willpower to refrain from sins for the whole month of Ramadan.