WHY DO MUSLIMS CELEBRATE EID? IMPORTANCE SIGNIFICANCE CELEBRATION - by Arsalan Azmi - CollectLo

WHY DO MUSLIMS CELEBRATE EID? IMPORTANCE SIGNIFICANCE CELEBRATION

Arsalan Azmi - CollectLo

Arsalan Azmi

Content Writer

4 min read . Mar 29 2024

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WHY DO MUSLIMS CELEBRATE EID?

IMPORTANCE SIGNIFICANCE AND CELEBRATION

Every year, on the completion of Ramadan, the ninth month in the Islamic calendar, Muslims celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr commonly known as Eid. The celebration of Eid is filled with excitement and happiness. It begins with the two rakats of salah in the morning, following which people hug and shake hands to congratulate one another. Some of them even go to their loved ones' graves to share their happiness with them. People gather at each other's homes to participate in each other's happiness. The older person offers the younger one an eidi, or gift, and sweet delicacies are made for consumption.

When it was Started?

Islamic custom holds that the Prophet Muhammad [PBUH] created the holiday of Eid ul Fitr upon his migration from Mecca to Medina. In Medina, the first Eid ul Fitr was observed in 624 CE following the Muslims' first month-long fast during Ramadan.

Since then, Eid ul Fitr celebrations have played a significant role in Islamic culture and customs. Muslims gather with friends and family to commemorate the end of Ramadan and give thanks to Allah for all of his bounties. Throughout history, the manner in which people commemorate Eid ul Fitr has varied greatly based on the area and culture in which they are observed. It is celebrated with lavish feasts and gift-giving in certain regions, but it is observed with greater solemnity and introspection in others.

Why Eid ul Fitr Celebrated?

Eid ul Fitr is a moment to thank Allah for His blessings and for having the strength to keep the fast. It also marks the successful conclusion of this month-long fast. It's a time to celebrate forgiveness and reconciliation, fortify bonds within the family and community, and show generosity and charity to those in need. Muslims all throughout the world observe Eid ul Fitr with up to three days of prayer, food, and celebration. It is a happy event that unites people and strengthens the ties of sisterhood and brotherhood that are fundamental to Islam.

What is RAMADAN?

In the Islamic calendar, this is the ninth month. Muslims fast during the whole month, from the dawn (roughly 1 hour before sunrise) to sunset, Quran says that “The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Quran, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion. So whoever sights [the new moon of] the month, let him fast; and whoever is ill or on a journey – then an equal number of other days” (Surat AlBaqra, 2:185).

In addition to encouraging Muslims to increase their worship activities and reflect on the Quran during the month, this verse also forbids Muslims from fasting during difficult circumstances, such as illness or travel. This is done to encourage Muslims to treat themselves with mercy in the same manner as God treats them and to help them maintain balance in their Ramadan worship. To ensure that Muslims do not overwhelm themselves while striving in their prayer, balance is crucial during this holy month.

ZAKAT The Obligatory Charity

In Islamic finance, zakat is a term. It is a fundamental tenet of Islam for all Muslims to give away a percentage of their wealth to charitable causes. Before Muslims are eligible for giving zakat, they must fulfill a set of requirements. For a lunar year, no zakat is due if a person's personal wealth falls below the threshold of value not exceeding 87.48 grams of gold or 612.36 grams of silver. If it crosses the above requirement then the Muslim must charity it of 2.5%, or 1/40, of the overall wealth and savings of an individual. Zakat can be paid at any time during the lunar year but in India generally people calculate and give it in the month of Ramadan.

Why Eid date change every year?

The Islamic calendar is lunar, meaning it is based on the sighting of the crescent moon. Every year, Ramadan and Eid-ul-Fitr fall roughly 10–11 days earlier, depending on when the crescent moon is observed. The West uses the Gregorian calendar culturally. This is because there is a day-to-day variation in length between countries due to the shorter lunar months compared to solar months.

What do Muslims do in the Eid-ul-Fitr?

On the eve of Eid Ul Fitr, Muslims fast, bathe, put on fresh or clean clothes, and gather in mosques or open spaces to do special prayers known as Eid prayers. Muslims exchange gifts, candies, and other treats with one another after the prayers, wishing each other an EID MUBARAK "blessed Eid."To commemorate the event, families and friends get together, and a special Eid breakfast is typically made.  Muslims spend the day visiting friends and family, and some may even go to graves to pray for their departed loved ones.

What is the difference between Eid ul Fitr and Eid ul Adha?

Although Eid ul-Fitr and Eid ul-Adha are sometimes confused, they are two distinct holidays with distinct traditions. Although the two festivals are observed in a similar manner, they honor distinct events and, as a result, represent two opposing aspects of Islam.

Due to its religious significance, Eid ul-Adha is regarded as the Bakri Eid and occurs after the Hajj journey. On Eid ul-Adha, we honor the Prophet Ibrahim's (AS) dedication, which was shown by his readiness to offer his son Ismail as a sacrifice to Allah (SWT). Ismail (AS) was tested, but Allah (SWT) spared his life and substituted him for a ram right before the sacrifice. This is celebrated with Qurbani, an animal sacrifice performed on Eid ul-Adha in Allah's (SWT) honor. This sacrifice is performed right after the Eid Salah