Eid al-Fitr: A Day of Thanksgiving and Sharing

EID AL-FITR: A DAY OF THANKSGIVING AND SHARING Although there are several special times in the Islamic calendar, there are really only two religious festivals. These are Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. Eid al-Fitr concludes Sawm, the ritual fasting period of Ramadan, one of the five pillars of Islam. Eid al-Fitr which marks the end of Ramadan is a day of thanksgiving and jubilation, as it signifies the successful completion of the sacred month of Ramadan, the time of earnest labour spent in fasting, prayers and study of the Quran. It is the loftiest achievement of moral exercises, which is celebrated with the greatest of zeal on the day of Eid al-Fitr. Eid al-Fitr is observed with the spirit of thanksgiving all over the Muslim world, by offering prayers to God, and rejoicing on the accomplishment of an act of dedication and submission to the Almighty. The Muslims pay obeisance to the Lord in congregation—displaying the real spirit of brotherhood, equality and fraternity through congregational prayers and feasts. An atmosphere of festivity and celebration can be found in all Muslim localities all over the world. There is no dearth of delights and merriment that accompanies any human celebrations. The poor and rich alike are attired in their best clothes, houses are cleaned and decorated, and greeting cards and gifts are exchanged. Delicious meals are cooked, and friends and relatives are invited. It is also an occasion when friends from different communities share this joyous occasion. They have meals together and take part in one another’s happiness. Man is a social animal, and he needs to interact with fellow human beings. Festivities and celebrations exist in all societies of the world. Likewise, for the Muslim community, this is a great occasion to interact with one another. This festival brings people together fulfilling a basic need of human nature. Due to one’s own priorities, often one does not have the time to socialize in this fast-