signifies the end of the month of fasting (the first day of the month
of Shawwal).
Eid-ul-Fitr is a unique festival. It has no connection with any
historical event nor is it related to the changes of seasons or cycles
of agriculture. It is not a festival related in any way to worldly
affairs.
Its significance is purely spiritual. It is the day when the Muslims
thank Allah (SWT) for having given them the will, the strength and the
endurance to observe fast and obey His commandment during the holy
month of Ramadan.
This day, in Muslim world, brings rejoicing and happiness. The
rejoicing is not, however,at the departure of the month of Ramadan; it
is the happiness which manfeels after successfully completing an
important task.
It is celebrated for three days in a holiday called Eid-ul-Fitr (the
Feast of Fast Breaking). Gifts are exchanged. Friends and family
gather to pray in congregation.
The feast of Fitr is God's reward for those who fast during the holy
month of Ramadan. In this month, man should try to add to his true
knowledge of God, do acts of charity for the needy, renew his beliefs
towards his Lord and thiswill be a real Bairam Feast (Turkish word
meaning festival) for him. The prayers of the day of Bairam a reason
of unity and solidarity of Muslims all over the world. On this day do
honor God for His endlessand all-enhancing mercy.
In view of the great significance attached to this day of Eid,
numeroustraditions consisting of prayers and worship of God on this
day, have been quoted from Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw)and his Ahlul
Bayt.
Taking a solemn bath (Ghusl) on the night preceding Ramadan Eid is
highly recommended (Sunnat). This is a night of great sanctity and
profound virtues, and should be preferably spent in worship and prayer
to Allah (SWT).
Imam Zainul Abedin (A.S.)used to spend this wholenight in devotion,
and has said: "This night is as important as that of
Shab-e-Qadr/Laylatul Qadr" (that is to say, the odd night towards the
latter part of Ramadan when the Holy Qur'anwasfirst revealed to our
Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw)).
It is quoted from Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) that "one who offers six
Rakat prayers on this night reciting in each Rakat Sura 'Al-Hamd'once
and Sura 'Qul Huwallah'five times Allah(SWT) will pardon his sins".
Haris Aawar narrates that Hazrat Ali (A.S.), on this night, after
Maghrib prayers, used to offer two Rakats prayers. In the first one he
used to recite Sure 'Al-Hamd' once and Sura 'Qul Huwallah' one hundred
times, and in the other both the Suras only once.After completion of
the prayers he would bow his head in prostration and recite "Atubo
Ellallah" 100 times and then would say, "I swear by one (God)! He has
the sole command over my life". Whoever will, in this way, offer two
Rakats prayers, the Beneficent will positively fulfill any wish begged
from Him. (Aamal- e-Shabe Eid-ul-Fitr)
The conception of Eid in Islam is not confined onlyto celebration
extravagance, luxurious feasts, friendly handshakes and embraces. The
Muslims should rather devote thisday to the worship of Allah (SWT) and
should beseech Him to approve their virtuous deeds and forgive their
sins. This is because the doors of God's pardon are kept open this day
and His Blessings are bountiful.
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