As the blessed month of Ramadan bids farewell, Muslims worldwide eagerly await the joyous occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr. This year Eid al-Fitr 2024 will be celebrated either on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, or Thursday, April 11, 2024, after the moon sighting of Shawwal 1445, the 10th month of the Islamic calendar.
Eid al-Fitr
Eid al-Fitr, known as ‘Eid al-Fitr‘ in Arabic-speaking regions and many Asian countries, holds great significance in Islam. It marks the end of the long fasting period of Ramadan, during which Muslims fast diligently from dawn to sunset. Eid al-Fitr is a festival and a reward from Allah for the pious believers who fast during Ramadan. It is a time of thanksgiving, celebration, and communal harmony.
عید پھیکی لگ رہی ہے عشق کی تاثیر بھیج
آ گلے مل!!! یا لباس عید میں تصویر بھیج
Eid pheeki lag rahi hai ishq ki taaseer bhej
Aa galey mil!!! Ya libaas eid mein tasveer bhej”
وہ بڑے لوگ تھے صاحب
چھوٹی عید پر کیسے آتے ؟
“Woh baray log thay sahib
Chhoti Eid par kaise aate?”
دو گھڑی تری دید ہوجائے
اپنی بھی عید وید ہو جائے
“Do ghari teri deed ho jaye
Apni bhi Eid veed ho jaye”
عید کے دن جب بھی قریب دیکھے
میں نے اکثر اداس غریب دیکھے
“Eid ke din jab bhi qareeb dekhe
Main ne aksar udaas ghareeb dekhe”
جن کے بغیر شام تک نہ گزرتی تھی
ان کے بغیر عید گزاردی ہم نے
“Jin ke baghair shaam tak nah guzarti thi
Un ke baghair Eid guzardi hum ne”
Hadith emphasizing the importance of Eid
Anas bin Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Allah has given you better Eids than these Eids: Eid al-Adha and Eid al-Fitr” (Al-Nisa’i: 1556). This hadith illustrates Eid al-Fitr’s and Eid al-Adha’s importance in Islam.
میرے دیدار سے منسلک اُنکی عید ہے شاکرہ
گر نقاب اُلٹ دوں تو اُنہیں عیدی مل جائے
“Mere deedar se mansalik unki eid hai Shukra
Gir naqab ulta doon to unhein eidi mil jaaye”
Eid fasting is prohibited
It is important to note that fasting on the days of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha is prohibited, as in the hadith of Abu Saeed al-Khudri, may Allah be pleased with him, that the Messenger of Allah, may God bless him and grant him peace, said: “There is no fasting. Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.” It is permissible in two days.” (Sahih Bukhari: 1995).
عید ملنے سے پیشتر وشمہ
اپنا قبلہ درست کر لو نا
“Eid milne se pehle wazan
Apna qibla durust kar lo na
Celebrating Eid al-Fitr
The festivities of Eid al-Fitr bring Muslims together in a spirit of joy and unity. It begins with a special Eid prayer, followed by heartfelt ‘Eid Mubarak‘ greetings among family and friends. New clothes are worn, delicious feasts are prepared, and gifts (Idi) are exchanged as tokens of love and generosity.
تیرے چہرے میں چاند دِکھتا ہے
اپنی آنکھوں کو چُست کر لو نا
“Tere chehre mein chand dikhta hai
Apni aankhon ko chust kar lo na”
Importance of Eid prayer
The Eid prayer is of great importance, with scholars recommending attendance as wajib (obligatory) for Muslims. This gathering not only fosters spiritual unity but also allows for the delivery of Eid khutba (sermons), which emphasize the teachings of Islam and promote communal bonding.
پھر دکھاوے کا تبسم لانا پڑے گا
عید پہ مجھ کو مسکرانا پڑے گا
“Phir dikhawe ka tabassum lana pare ga
Eid pe mujhko muskurana pare ga”
Sunnah practices for Eid
Following the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) enriches the Eid experience. Sunnahs include performing
- Ablution or bathing,
- Wearing the best clothes,
- Using a toothbrush or toothbrush,
- Applying perfume,
- Eating odd dates before the Eid prayer,
- Reciting specific takbirs
- Listening attentively to the Eid sermon.
مصروف ہے خلق عید کی تیاریوں میں
اور میں فکر مند ہوں ہر ایک سے ہنس کر ملنا ہوگا
“Masroof hai khalk Eid ki tayyariyon mein
Aur main fikrmand hoon har ek se hans kar milna hoga”
Zakat al-Fitr
Zakat al-Fitr, also known as al-Fitr or Sadaqat al-Fitr, is obligatory for every Muslim, ensuring that the less fortunate can participate in Eid celebrations. It involves giving the needy a fixed amount of grain, barley, or dates before Eid prayers.
Embrace the spirit of Eid
Eid al-Fitr is a time of immense joy, reflection, and generosity. As we celebrate with our loved ones, let’s remember those less fortunate and lend a hand to charity. May this Eid bring blessings, unity and peace to all Muslims around the world. Let us join in praying for the well-being of our Ummah and continue to spread the message of love, compassion, and unity.
Eid Mubarak to you and your family! May Allah accept our prayers, fasting, and good deeds. Amen
