Eid al-Fitr (ʿĪd al-Fiṭr) 1446 AH: A Blessed Celebration of Gratitude and Community
Eid al-Fitr (ʿĪd al-Fiṭr) 1446 AH: A Blessed Celebration of Gratitude and Community
Eid al-Fitr (ʿĪd al-Fiṭr) is one of the most significant and joyous celebrations in the Islamic calendar, marking the completion of the sacred month of Ramaḍān. It is celebrated on the 1st day of Shawwāl, the 10th month of the Hijri calendar.
What is Eid al-Fitr?
Eid al-Fitr literally translates to the "Festival of Breaking the Fast." After a month of fasting, worship, and self-reflection during Ramaḍān, Muslims around the world come together to offer thanks to Allah ﷻ for giving them the strength to complete their fasts.
"O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous."يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا كُتِبَ عَلَيْكُمُ الصِّيَامُ كَمَا كُتِبَ عَلَى الَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَّقُونَ— Surah Al-Baqarah 2:183 (Quran.com)
Acts of Worship on Eid al-Fitr
1. Zakat al-Fitr (Charitable Giving)
Before the Eid prayer, Muslims are required to give Zakat al-Fitr, a special obligatory charity meant to purify the fasts and provide for those in need.
"The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) ordained Zakat al-Fitr as a purification of the fasting person from idle talk and obscenities and as food for the poor."فَرَضَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم صَدَقَةَ الْفِطْرِ طُهْرَةً لِلصَّائِمِ مِنَ اللَّغْوِ وَالرَّفَثِ، وَطُعْمَةً لِلْمَسَاكِينِ— Sunan Abi Dawud 1609 (Sunnah.com)
2. Eid Prayer (Ṣalāt al-ʿĪd)
The Eid prayer is a congregational prayer performed in the morning of Eid day. It consists of two units (rakʿahs) and includes additional Takbīrs (saying "Allāhu Akbar").
"I attended the prayer on the day of Eid with the Prophet (ﷺ). He started with the prayer before the sermon without Adhan or Iqamah."شَهِدْتُ مَعَ النَّبِيِّ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ الصَّلاَةَ يَوْمَ الْفِطْرِ فَبَدَأَ بِالصَّلاَةِ قَبْلَ الْخُطْبَةِ بِغَيْرِ أَذَانٍ وَلاَ إِقَامَةٍ— Sahih al-Bukhari 963 (Sunnah.com)
3. Takbīr and Remembrance
From the night before Eid and continuing until the prayer, Muslims are encouraged to recite the Takbīr:
اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ، اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ، لا إِلَهَ إِلا اللَّهُ، وَاللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ، اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ، وَلِلَّهِ الْحَمْدُ
This act is supported by various traditions and is explained in detail on IslamQA.info.
4. Festive Gathering and Celebration
Eid al-Fitr is not only about worship but also a time of joy, family gatherings, community bonding, and sharing meals. It is Sunnah to wear one's best clothes, apply perfume, and greet each other with:
"Taqabbal Allahu minna wa minkum" (May Allah accept [good deeds] from us and you).
Spiritual Reflection and Gratitude
Eid is more than just celebration; it is a reminder to be grateful for Allah’s blessings.
"...and to complete the period and to glorify Allah for that [to] which He has guided you; and perhaps you will be grateful."وَلِتُكْمِلُوا الْعِدَّةَ وَلِتُكَبِّرُوا اللَّهَ عَلَىٰ مَا هَدَاكُمْ وَلَعَلَّكُمْ تَشْكُرُونَ— Surah Al-Baqarah 2:185 (Quran.com)
Conclusion
As we celebrate Eid al-Fitr 1446 AH, let us reflect on the lessons learned during Ramaḍān—patience, discipline, empathy, and gratitude. May this Eid bring joy to all, strengthen our communities, and increase us in righteousness.
References:
• Qur’an: Quran.com
• Sunnah: Sunnah.com
• Islamic Rulings: IslamQA.info
