Eid ul Fitr 2010: The Prize From Almighty Allah (S.W.T) For Fasting in Ramadan

Eid ul Fitr is linked with the Holy month of Ramadan. It signifies the end of the month of fasting (the first day of the month of Shawwal, 10^th month of Islamic year). Sacrifice and kindness are the two things that are associated with Eid ul Fitr. The month of Ramadan is completely devoted to these kind deeds, in order to be answerable to God after death and this day is also celebrated to thank God for everything that he has given to the mankind.

Eid ul Fitr is a unique festival. It has no connection with any historical event nor is it related to the changes of seasons or cycles of agriculture. It is not a festival related in any way to worldly affairs. Its significance is purely spiritual. It is the day when the Muslims thank Allah (SWT) for having given them the will, the strength and the endurance to observe fast and obey His commandment during the holy month of Ramadan.

This day, in Muslim world, brings rejoicing and happiness. The rejoicing is not, however, at the departure of the month of Ramadan; it is the happiness which man feels after successfully completing an important task. It is celebrated for three days in a holiday called Eid ul Fitr (the Feast of Fast Breaking). Gifts are exchanged. Friends and family gather to pray in congregation.

After 30 days of fasting from August 12 to September 10, 2010, Ramadan has finally ended with a celebration called “Eid ul Fitr” or sometimes spelled as Eid ul Fitr. It is also called "Meethi Eid" (Sweet Festivity) becuase Muslims follow the Sunnah of Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) of eating something Sweet before going for Eid Prayer. The word “Eid” is an Arabic word referring to as festivity while the word “Fitr” means break-fasting. As commanded by Quran, Muslims should complete their fasting on the last day of Ramadan and then recite the Takbir or “Allahu Akbar” all throughout the period of Eid.

Typically, during Eid al Fitr, Muslims try to follow the Sunnah of Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H). Here is what the Prophet (P.B.U.H) use to do on the day of Eid (Sunnah), May Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him:

1. To rise early in the morning.
2. Take a full bath.
   Clean the teeth.
   Wear the best cloths that he had.
   To use perfume (Gents Only).
3. To eat something sweet like dates before leaving home.
4. Go to the Eid prayer location very early. (The Prophet (P.B.U.H) use to offer Eid prayer in the central location that is not to offer it in a mosque of a locality without any legitimate excuse).
5. The Prophet (P.B.U.H) used to go to the Eid Prayer location by one route and will return through another route.
6. He (P.B.U.H) used to go for Eid on foot.
7. He (P.B.U.H) used to chant slowly on the way to the Eid prayer location the following words: “Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Laa ilaaha illallahu Wallahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Wa lillahil Hamd.” (Translation: Allah is the greatest, He is the greatest. There is no god except Allah. He is the greatest. All praises and thanks are for Him)
8. The Prophet (P.B.U.H) used to give Sadqa-e-Fitr (zakatul fitr) for before the Eid day. But if you have not done so please give now before the Eid. (Giving just before Eid is ok but against the spirit and the purpose of it.)