Mohammad Younis Bhat (Zahid)
The word Eid comes from the Arabic root ‘aada ya‘oodu, meaning something that returns again and again.In Islamic terminology, Eid is a day of joy granted by Allah as a reward for completing acts of worship, celebrated with gratitude and unity.
Eid in the Light of Qur’an and Hadith
Eid is a day of Allah’s mercy and blessings.Eid al-Fitr comes after Ramadan as a sign that a believer has strived in fasting, worship, and taqwa.The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Allah has replaced your two festivals with two better ones: Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.”
(Abu Dawood)
There are only two Eids in Islam:
1. Eid al-Fitr
2. Eid al-Adha
These are ثابت from the practice of the Prophet ﷺ, the Companions, the Tabi‘een, and the early generations. There is no third Eid in Shari‘ah.
Importance of Eid al-Fitr
Eid al-Fitr is a reward for completing the fasts of Ramadan.Sunnah Method of Celebrating Eid includes: Performing ghusl; wearing clean and good clothes; applying perfume; offering Eid prayer; congratulating one another; visiting relatives and elders, and giving charity.
Common Mistakes on Eid
– Making Eid only a day of games and amusement
– Playing cards and engaging in useless activities
– Fixing cemetery visits specifically for Eid day
– Considering condolence visits necessary on Eid
– Immodesty and fashion display
The Real Message of Eid
Eid is a day of gratitude to Allah.It is a day of unity, mercy, family ties, and respect for elders.Eid is one of the most significant and beautiful occasions in Islam. It is a day of gratitude, joy, worship, unity, compassion, and social harmony. It is not merely about wearing new clothes, preparing special meals, and engaging in entertainment; rather, its true spirit lies in thanking Allah, strengthening bonds of kinship, caring for the weak, and spreading happiness in society.
A true believer’s happiness is never confined to his own self; it reaches his family, relatives, neighbours, and the entire community.
The Importance of Eid Salah and Its Proper Method
The most important and central act of Eid is Salat al-Eid. This prayer is a great symbol of Islamic unity and collective gratitude. It is (necessary) according to many jurists and an emphasised Sunnah according to others, but in every case its importance is undeniable.
Through this prayer, the entire Muslim community gathers in one place; the message of equality and brotherhood is displayed; and gratitude to Allah is expressed collectively
The Sunnah method includes:
– Taking a bath (ghusl) before going
– Wearing clean and good clothes within Islamic limits
– Applying fragrance (for men)
– Eating something (before Eid al-Fitr prayer)
– Reciting Takbir on the way to the Eidgah
– Going by one route and returning by another
– Listening attentively to the Khutbah
Neglecting Eid prayer and being busy in worldly activities is a great deprivation.
Participation of Women in the Eid Gathering
In the time of the Prophet ﷺ, women used to attend the Eid prayer and the collective du‘ā. Even those who were unable to pray were encouraged to be present so they could share in the blessings and supplications of the gathering.
Therefore, with proper Islamic guidelines such as modest dress, complete hijab and avoiding intermingling, women may attend the Eidgah to participate in the du‘ā and the collective goodness of this blessed occasion.
Eid and Sadaqat al-Fitr
To ensure that the poor and needy also share in the joy of Eid, Sadaqat al-Fitr has been made obligatory. This beautiful system guarantees that no one remains deprived on this day.
Caring for Relatives, Neighbours, and the Needy
One of the most important teachings of Eid is that we include others in our happiness by strengthening family ties, visiting relatives, honouring neighbours, reaching the homes of the poor, and supporting the dignified needy. The real Eid is the one in which a poor person smiles because of us.
Giving Children the Real Understanding of Eid
Today, the joy of Eid for many children has become limited to mobiles, games, and temporary amusements. It is the responsibility of parents and guardians to connect them with the real spirit of Eid by taking them to Eid prayer, teaching them to give charity, introducing them to elders, training them in Islamic manners
Parental Responsibility in Reforming Society
Parents and guardians carry a responsibility. If the home is reformed, society will automatically be reformed.
They must ensureIslamic dress code. Our sons and daughters should be dressed according to Islamic teachings. Eid is not a day for imitating un-Islamic fashion but for showing dignified Muslim identity.
Protection from Ghair-Mahram Interaction
It is extremely painful to see that on the day of Eid young girls and women go to non-mahram men for applying henna on their hands and feet. Free mixing takes place in the name of joy.
This is completely against modesty and the spirit of Eid. Arrangements should be made within the family or among women.
Avoidance of Firecrackers and Vulgar Activities
The use of firecrackers and fireworks wastes wealth, causes disturbance to the sick, elderly, and children and creates fear and environmental harm. Similarly, dancing, music gatherings, reckless bike riding, and public disorder are against Islamic values.Parents must guide their children firmly but with wisdom and love.
Visiting the Graveyard on Eid
Making du‘ā for the deceased is a virtuous act, but turning Eid into a day of mourning is not correct. A suitable time should be chosen so that the atmosphere of joy remains.
Simplicity – The Real Beauty of Eid
Islam encourages beauty and cleanliness but forbids extravagance, showing off, and un-Islamic cultural practices. The real beauty of Eid lies in simplicity and gratitude.
The Role of Youth
Young people should make Eid a source of service, social harmony, helping others, spreading smiles and not make it a day of noise, show, and aimless roaming.
Eid – A Source of Love, Unity, and Reform
When celebrated according to the Sunnah, Eid becomes a means of unity, a source of mercy and a training ground for an ideal Islamic society
Conclusion
Eid is not merely a festival — it is a message, a mindset, and a complete system of life. If we revive its true spirit, our homes will be filled with peace, society will become compassionate and our next generation will remain connected to Islam.
May Allah enable us to celebrate Eid according to the Sunnah and make it a source of success in this world and the Hereafter.And our last supplication is that all praise is for Allah, the Lord of the worlds.
And Allah knows best
(The author can be at makahmadina11@gmail.com)
