Author: Rahmatullah Rahmani
Eid al-Fitr and Its Philosophy (The 2nd and Final Part)
The Wisdom of the Appointments of Eids:
As previously stated, every race and nation have its own culture and traditions, and annual gatherings with various titles and justifications have been part of human traditions since ancient times. Typically, people plan and prepare for these gatherings well in advance.
The differences in clothing, food, and social interactions at these gatherings are not surprising; many traditions have undergone various changes and innovations over time, giving rise to unusual practices and superstitions. Thus, it can be stated that people have historically organized large gatherings with different titles from the distant past to the present and will continue to do so in the future.
One of the virtues and blessings of our great Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) is that alongside his mission, he reformed these gatherings in a way that preserved their essence. Rather, he corrected and transformed their nature, centering them on “glorifying Allah” and “honoring the signs of Allah.” For this purpose, at the beginning of Eid, special phrases were introduced in the Takbirs, which could not be better than recognizing and affirming the oneness of Allah Almighty.
He (peace be upon him) made the glorification of “the commands of Allah” comprehensive in the best possible way. Then, out of compassion for His creation, he made “Sadaqat al-Fitr” obligatory, ordering everyone to pay it before going to the Eid prayer or to donate the “best charity” on Eid al-Adha, namely the meat of the sacrifice, to the poor and needy. The great Prophet of Islam (peace and blessings be upon him) promoted these divine commands, which relate to large gatherings like the two Eids, so we would always remember our duty of servitude to Him, (SWT), and our responsibility to serve His creation. If we are to organize a gathering, how much better it would be if that gathering became a means for our progress and elevation.
The primary philosophy of Eid al-Fitr is to avoid division and achieve unity among the Islamic nation. One of the lessons of this Eid, which involves congregation and is significant for the Islamic nation today, is to stand together against the enemies of Islam and their influence and domination in strong ranks of brotherhood, to avoid their oppression and the friendship of those continually plotting against the Islamic nation.
The Philosophy of Gathering People:
Everything that happens during the month of Ramadan has profound philosophy and wisdom. Each moment aligns with building a virtuous society and a proper foundation for the prosperity and development of both religion and the world, which serves as preparation for the eternal life in the hereafter. Fasting reforms the soul, breaking the fast promotes kinship bonds, emotional connection, and closeness in the clear light of Ramadan and acts of worship. Special prayers, extraordinary remembrances, and magnificent congregational prayers all possess a deep philosophy and profound meaning.
The gathering on Eid, performing the Fitr prayer, and making public charity obligatory is aimed at eliminating poverty and deprivation within society, supporting the needy, and all of this form the framework of the religion of Islam for creating a transcendent society. This vision of our religion reflects a philosophy in everything it does. Thus, all acts of worship contain wisdom.
The significance of this great gathering, which Allah has prescribed as a religious duty and obligation following the imposition of Ramadan fasting—an individual purification—aims to facilitate the gathering of the nation and collective purification through the payment of Sadaqat al-Fitr to all the poor of the nation, communal prayers, and the manifestation of divine power, “يَدُ اللَّهِ مَعَ الْجَمَاعَةِ” (The hand of Allah is with the congregation), is an expression of the path towards Allah and monotheism. This has both individual and social aspects, illustrated by “تَعَاوَنُوا عَلَى الْبِرِّ وَالتَّقْوَى” (Cooperate in righteousness and piety). When a person is purified from all sins, they are ready to present this purity to the community and the gathering of the nation, engaging in two aspects of worship: performing prayers and paying charity to eliminate poverty and foster empathy for the needy among believers—from relatives to neighbors and surrounding Muslims.
Explaining the wisdom of fasting during Ramadan, Sadaqat al-Fitr, and the prayer of Fitr with a mystical outlook enriches the path toward Allah.
The Importance of the Celebration:
Holding a celebration of joy at the conclusion of the fasting month is a celebration of happiness; however, unlike many secular celebrations devoid of spirituality, it is not accompanied by pollution, revelry, or drunkenness. Rather, it is a celebration characterized by congregational prayer led by the ruler of the Islamic community. During the Eid congregational prayer, Muslims raise their hands in prayer and implore Allah Almighty to grant them entry into all the goodness that Muhammad Mustafa (peace be upon him) and his companions were given, and to protect them from the evils from which he and his companions were saved.
The most important message of the Eid congregation is: “وَ اعْتَصِمُوا بِحَبْلِ اللَّهِ جَمِیعًا وَلا تَفَرَّقُوا” Translation: “And hold fast all together to the rope of Allah (the Quran) and do not become divided.”
Thus, Muslims in the East and West celebrate Eid al-Fitr each year, rejoicing in it and thanking Allah Almighty for granting them one of the most significant obligations in Islam: fasting during the holy month of Ramadan.
Deeds That Should Not Be Forgotten During Eid:
1. Observing Kinship:
Observing kinship is obligatory not only on Eid but especially emphasized on Eid days, when it is important to bring joy to the hearts of relatives and provide them the happiness of Eid by giving gifts, particularly to children and women.
2. Striving to Obey Allah Almighty and Avoiding Sin:
Obedience can be demonstrated through giving food and visiting neighbors or accompanying children to visit orphans and needy children, providing them with the joy of Eid by giving them new clothes, money, etc. In doing so, one not only brings joy and happiness to the hearts of their needy Muslim brothers but also earns rewards.
However, many people, mistaking it for relaxation and enjoyment, carry the burden of sin on Eid days. Women wear excessive makeup, young men adopt feminine characteristics, and many spend significant time searching for cinemas, watching movies, listening to music, and engaging in entertainment on the streets, which provokes the wrath of Allah Almighty. The media in many Islamic countries have turned Eid into a day of shamelessness and sin. On this day, television channels are filled with vulgar, inappropriate movies, unruly series, and songs that incite baser instincts. Advertisements highlight questionable content and promote distractions that turn people away from beneficial pursuits toward harmful activities.
Instead of promoting kinship and bringing joy to the hearts of the poor and needy, these actions break sacred boundaries. What sins are committed, and what evils are openly endorsed, while Eid should be a day of goodness and joy? This media portrayal drives people away from good towards harm. Thus, it is essential for every wise Muslim to avoid such distractions during Eid. It is imperative to refrain from celebrating in ways that disobey Allah Almighty and to focus on permissible enjoyment within the bounds of His Sharia, such as visiting relatives, wearing new clothes, and engaging in child-friendly activities.
If a Muslim adorns themselves with Islamic customs on Eid while obeying Allah Almighty joyfully and truthfully, it demonstrates their service to Allah in both easy and difficult times.
Greetings and Congratulations:
Among the customs of Eid are the affectionate greetings that people exchange, using various phrases such as: «تقبل الله منا و منكم» Translation: “May Allah accept our good deeds and yours.” Other variations include “May your Eid be blessed,” “May Allah return the blessings of Eid to you,” or similar greetings recognized among the Companions and sanctioned by scholars.
Hafiz Ibn Hajar (MABH) narrated authentically from Jubayr bin Nufair, stating when the Sahaba of the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) met on Eid, they would say: «تقبل الله منا و منكم»
Translation: “May Allah accept our good deeds and yours.”
Eid al-Fitr is not just another day among countless others that can be easily defined or named. This day marks the end of a month and the beginning of a path: the end of the month of tears and smiles, mercy and expectations, forgiveness and seeking forgiveness—the conclusion of the beautiful moments of breaking fast, beautiful dawns, and moments of supplication to Allah, giving way to a path of return and a season of renewal, singing of regaining one’s lost self.
Eid al-Fitr celebrates spiritual beauty, divine glad tidings, and the benevolence of Allah. The end of every act of worship is a festival appropriate to that worship; just as prayer ends with Salam, Hajj concludes with sacrifice, and the week culminates on Friday, the conclusion of Ramadan is Eid al-Fitr—the festival that nurtures the essence of human nature and sown the seeds of monotheism within its soil. Eid al-Fitr stands as the happiest festival of Islam and resembles a harmonious rhyme at the close of the verse of worship. Rajab and Sha’ban serve as sixty days of preparation for Ramadan, while Eid al-Fitr alone handles the farewell of that blessed month of Allah. Now that Ramadan has passed and Eid al-Fitr has arrived, we experience sadness for its departure while feeling joy for its arrival, praising and thanking Allah.
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