Eid Al-Fitr: A Celebration Of Life’s Values

Fasting and Eid are symbols of these two realities. Fasting represents the first phase, and Eid represents the second. This system teaches that to attain happiness and success in life; one must first pass through the valleys of effort and hardship. When Ramadan ends, the crescent moon signaling the start of a new month in the lunar calendar appears in the sky. Upon sighting it, the believers say: “O God, bring this moon upon us with peace and security. Make it a moon of safety and Islam for us.” (Musnad Al-Darmi, Hadith No. 1729) This teaches that the month of Eid is a month of peace and security. On this day, believers must pledge to live among people as well-wishers. They should speak words of peace and act in ways that promote safety. On Eid day, young and old alike leave their homes, saying: “Allah-u-Akbar, Allah-u-Akbar.” They gather at one place and perform two units of congregational prayer. This is a declaration that only God deserves greatness, and that they themselves choose the path of humility. They reject arrogance—both in relation to God and in relation to people. After returning from the Eid prayer, people meet one another. They give gifts and serve food, and drinks. This, too, is symbolic. It means that the believers should live their lives in this same manner throughout the year. They should leave behind isolation and live together in