By: Khadija Nadeem, Grade 10, Miracle’s Editorial Member
For Muslims, the month of Ramadan is a time of reflection and commemoration and although we’re all focused on this opportune time for blessings, we’re also looking ahead and anticipating the approaching climax of our fasting. Quite literally, Eid means a “festival” or “feast” in Arabic but the Eid being discussed here is one of two major Eids in our Islamic calendar. A three-day-long celebration, Eid al-Fitr is known as the lesser Eid, in comparison to Eid al-Adha, but they both recognize, celebrate, and recall two distinct events that are significant to the history and story of Islam. Eid al-Adha, celebrated the day after the completion of Hajj, commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s devotion to Allah (SWT) and specifically his willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail when commanded by Allah (SWT). Because of this, Eid al-Adha is the festival of sacrifice in which we slaughter and distribute animals which is the act of Qurbani. Our main focus though is on Eid al-Fitr which means “the feast of breaking the fast”. In this instance, the fast we refer to is Ramadan, the month of fasting in which the revealing of the Quran to the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) occurred.
Although Eid al-Fitr concludes the holy month of fasting, it’s important to realize its values. In my opinion, one’s spiritual condition which Ramadan improves significantly is one that should be maintained. If it is a result of devotion, prayers, and attention to detail while fasting, those attitudes should be maintained on and well past Eid. On Eid, it is valuable to reflect on your own spiritual condition and improvement and to resolve not to lose or perhaps not even improve, but certainly maintain it to seek higher spiritual development. Because it succeeds the month of fasting, this Eid is also seen as a celebration of Allah’s provision of strength and endurance. While we take the time to reflect and rejoice, it is also a time for charity or Zakat, and this is not opinion but simply a crucial pillar of our religion. Eid is meant to be a time for joy and blessing for the entire Muslim community, therefore also a time to distribute one’s wealth. Even prior to or subsequent to Eid, charity to the poor is a highly emphasized value in Islam that is simply highlighted in this time of celebration.
Now, these two to three lively days of celebration for Eid usually start with the special Eid prayer which is a significant event, especially in our community. Not only does it strengthen your faith and is notably more rewarding, but reading in congregation benefits one in connecting with your community. Often, the mosques in our area take to the outdoors to accommodate the multitudes of Muslims that join their community in performing the prayer. Muslims are encouraged to continue worship and to seek forgiveness on these days but other than that, most practices vary from country to country. Even in the lower mainland, traditions are very diverse. A common event is Chaand Raat which literally translates to “Moon Night” and is a large event set up in preparation for the moon sighting for Eid. Stalls are set up to sell and buy clothes and jewelry, get mehndi done, and overall come together as a community to celebrate the end of Ramadan. Regardless of material activities that vary from community to community, the biggest aspect of Eid is to come together as a people, an Ummah.
Moreover, Ramadan is a grand time for earning blessings and doing good deeds, and a simple way to continue that onto Eid and afterward is by following Sunnahs. Sunnah is the ways of the Prophet (SAW) and includes everything down to what he said, did, and approved of. These Sunnahs are from the Hadith, recorded and preserved by the companions of the Prophet (SAW). Although we are not required to follow the Sunnah, we will be rewarded for it if we do, for we will be imitating and following in the footsteps of our Prophet (SAW). Sahih Bukhari Hadith NO. 953 narrated by Anas bin Malik, “Allah’s Apostle never proceeded (for the prayer) on the Day of Eid al-Fitr unless he had eaten some dates.” This can clearly be interpreted to suggest that the Prophet ate dates before going to Eid prayer and it is, therefore, Sunnah to do so. Additionally, a footnote in this hadith: Anas also narrated: “The Prophet (SAW) used to eat odd numbers of dates.” So eating an odd number of dates is also Sunnah, not necessarily just before going to Eid prayer.
As Muslims, Sunnahs are almost like shortcuts for us to gain more blessings as SubhanAllah, Allah (SWT) has made it easy for us to improve our faith. On Eid day, and the ones that follow, observing Sunnahs is an accurate and useful way to continue to reap rewards even after Ramadan.
To conclude, Eid is an important day for us Muslims not only for celebrating but also for reflecting and holding ourselves accountable to the standards we set during Ramadan. Often, we find ourselves becoming forgetful or lenient with the caliber with which we practice our beautiful religion. Sometimes, we need only a reminder so let this Ramadan guide you, and may we all continue to be pious during this month, the next, and all the rest we are fortunate to see.
Laysa Lil Insana illa ma’ sa’aa
That man can have nothing
but what he strives for.
