During the month
of Ramadan, Muslims observe a strict fast and participate in pious activities
in all domains of life, as it is a great occasion granted by God for them to
take advantage of, and these will be richly rewarded. At the end of this
blessed month there is a day called “Eid-al-Fir” (Festival of Fast-Breaking).
That is the first day of the month of Shawal, the lunar month following
Ramadan.
And in this day of
relaxation after a “hard” month of training, two things are ordained:
First: all Muslims
should feel the joy and the relaxation. For this purpose, a preparation is necessary
one or a few days before, by means of “Zakat-al-fitr” (substance giving) to
those who have no means.
Secondly:
Precaution is to be taken, so that this relaxation does not lead to the pursue of
one’s unlimited desires and excess of joy, or the abandonment of one’s duties.
God says: “O
children of Adam! Don your adornment at every place of worship, and eat and
drink, but do not be excessive; He (= God) truly does not love those who are
excessive. Say: Who has forbidden the adornment of God, which He has brought
forth for His servants, and the good things of (God’s) sustenance? Say: These
are (lawful) in the life of this world to all who have attained to faith, and
to be exclusively theirs (alone) on Resurrection Day. Thus clearly do We spell
out these signs to people of (innate) knowledge” (7:31-32).
That is why, this
day starts with certain observations: after Fajr prayer one takes a light
breakfast (as a proof that it is no more a fasting day), then after the sun
rises, all families will observe the Eid-Prayer together, preferably in an open
yard. This can be followed by visits to families and relatives. Gatherings of
harmless entertainment and amusement are desirable.
“When Abu-Bakr (a close
companion of the Prophet) entered the house of the Prophet (God’s blessings
upon him) on the day of Eid, he found two young girls playing music and
singing. Abu-Bakr asked them: You are doing this in the house of the Prophet,
how come? But the Prophet immediately told Abu-Bakr to leave them be, for Eid
is a day of merriment and joy”.
In this day, it is recommended to praise God by pronouncing “Allahu
Akbar, Allahu Akbar, La ilaha illa Allah” (= God is the most great, God is the
most great, there is no divinity except God alone), as many times as possible,
as the Qur’an says:
“.. God intends (to provide) ease
for you and does not intend (to create) hardship for you. All this is so that
you may complete the number (of fast-days as prescribed) and that you extol God
for His having guided you aright, and that you render your thanks (to Him)” (2:185).
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