Dear brothers and sisters in Islam, may you all have a happy and blessed `Eid Al-Fitr! We implore Allah, Most High, to make `Eid Al-Fitr a moment of blessing for every Muslim. Moreover,`Eid is a Day in which Islam regains its long-awaited victory and Muslims spread peace and prosperity all over the world.
`Eid Al-Fitr is the day of boons and blessings for all fasting Muslims, as they are promised great reward by Almighty Allah for good observance of Fasting. By the end of Ramadan, Muslims express their gratitude to Allah Who has enabled them to observe Fasting and, at the same time, granted them abundant provision during this blessed month. `Eid Al-Fitr, therefore, is a day of joy, acts of worship, thanksgiving to Allah, cooperation, solidarity, brotherhood, unity, and spiritual provision.
Shedding more light on this issue, I like to cite for you the following fatwa issued by the late Sheikh Sayyed Ad-Darsh, former Chairman of the UK Shari`ah Council:
The joy is our `Eid, it is our feast. During the month of Ramadan, Allah has put us to test. At the end of the month there is a great sense of achievement, of coming closer to the Almighty. It is the joy of spiritual fulfillment. It is a time for celebration, not to indulge in insulting or abusing others or detracting from the achievements of the month of Ramadan; it's a day of real happiness and joy.
When Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) entered the house of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) on the day of `Eid, he found two young girls playing music and singing. Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) asked them: "Doing this in the house of the Prophet, how come?" But the Prophet,the voice of moderation and tolerance (peace and blessings be upon him) told Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) to leave them, for `Eid is a day of merriment and joy.
It is important for us to let our young and neighbors understand that our religion is not boring and just a matter of don'ts. We must show that Islam is the way of moderation, of tolerance, of beauty, sharing and laughter in the appropriate occasion.
However, `Eid is not simply a matter of celebration and joy. It is also a chance to share the feelings of those around us. That is why the sacrifice is offered and shared with friends, even with non-Muslims.Yes.Even with non-muslims. We are not stopped from sharing with those of our neighbors who are non-Muslim. Charity is very important and meritorious on the two `Eids. It is an affirmation of our responsibility to the community in which we are living.
For more elaboration on this, I like to cite for you the following fatwa issued by Dr. Muzammil H. Siddiqi, former President of the Islamic Society of North America:
At the conclusion of the month of Ramadan, on the first day of the 10th month of Islamic lunar calendar occurs `Eid Al-Fitr. This is one of two main festivals of Islam and is celebrated by all Muslims throughout the world.
The ceremony of `Eid Al-Fitr starts early morning with a worship service. This service is generally held in a large open place and is attended by thousands of Muslims. After the Prayer the leader of the Prayer (Imam) delivers a short sermon and then people greet each other. The rest of the ceremonies are held generally privately with families and friends.
The significance of `Eid Al-Fitr is that it is a day of thanksgiving to Allah that He gave the opportunity to Muslims to benefit from and enjoy the blessings of the month of Ramadan.
Eid Mubarak to you all.We ask Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala for His guidance in all our thoughts and actions. May He help all of us share in the joy of our friends and family. May He help us remember and feel the suffering of those who are disadvantaged and oppressed so that we may work to establish peace and justice for all.
Our Lord! Condemn us not if we forget or fall into error; our Lord! Lay not on us a burden Like that which Thou didst lay on those before us; Our Lord! Lay not on us a burden greater than we have strength to bear. Blot out our sins, and grant us forgiveness. Have mercy on us. Thou art our Protector; Help us against those who stand against faith.Ameen.
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