Sahil Manzoor
Eid-ul-Fitr is celebrated every year on the 1st of Shawwal (the 10th month of the Islamic calendar). Islamic months contain either 29 or 30 days. There is no month in the Islamic calendar with 31 days, and the Islamic year contains 354 or 355 days. That is the reason Islamic festivals circulate throughout the year. The grand festivals, Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha, are celebrated on the appearance of the moon. The appearance of the moon has great importance for the Muslim Ummah.
There are two grand festivals in the Islamic year: Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha.
Eid-ul-Fitr is celebrated on the 1st of Shawwal, after the completion of the fasting days of Ramadhan-ul-Mubarak.
Eid-ul-Adha, the day of sacrifice, is celebrated in commemoration of Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) on the 10th of Zil Hajj, after two months and ten days of Eid-ul-Fitr.
Ramadan ul Mubarak has great religious importance for the Muslim world. This month is considered the most blessed among the other eleven months and comes after the month of Rajab. Ramadan provides an immense opportunity for Muslims to earn good deeds for the Day of Judgment. The Holy Quran mentions that fasting from dawn to dusk during Ramadan is obligatory for every Muslim man and woman, except for lactating mothers, women during their monthly periods, those with health problems for whom fasting may be harmful, and those traveling long distances.
Importance of Ramadan ul Mubarak
During this month, as mentioned in the Holy Quran, the devil and his associates are restrained by the power of Almighty Allah. Muslims fast, worship with full concentration, and attain inner peace of mind and soul. Fasting helps people feel the hunger of the poor and provides a great opportunity to spend in the way of Allah and be among the forgiven.
Charity is highly rewarded; even a small amount is multiplied many times. Sunnah prayers are rewarded like obligatory prayers.
The Muslim Ummah changes their daily routines of eating and sleeping and spends most of their time in worship, such as reading and understanding the Holy Quran.
Ramadan provides a great opportunity to help the financially weaker sections of society so they can live with dignity. Those who are well-off have the responsibility to help others according to their means and trust in rewards in the hereafter.
Muslims believe that after death, they will stand before Almighty Allah. They have faith that Allah will forgive their sins, whether committed intentionally or unintentionally. They believe that worldly life is temporary, death is certain, and they desire the life of the hereafter, where there is no pain, no poverty, and no suffering. Life in heaven is every Muslim’s dream.
History of Ramadhan
Every year, history repeats itself, and Muslims raise their hands in prayer for peace and prosperity. In this month, every moment is important. One who understands its value wishes for blessings throughout the year. This month is full of rewards and blessings.
On the 3rd of Ramadhan, Hazrat Fatimah (RA), the daughter of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), passed away in 11 Hijri.
On the 10th of Ramadhan, Hazrat Khadijah (RA) passed away. She married Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) when she was 40 years old and he was 25. She was a successful businesswoman and chose to marry the Prophet (PBUH) because of his honesty, kindness, and noble character.
On the 17th of Ramadhan, the Battle of Badr took place, where Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), along with 313 companions, achieved victory over 1000 opponents near Badr.
On the 19th of Ramadhan, Hazrat Ali (RA), a brave companion of the Prophet (PBUH), was martyred.
On the 21st of Ramadhan, the conquest of Makkah took place in 8 Hijri.
Ramadan is divided into three parts: the first ten days, the second ten days, and the last ten days. During the last ten days, Laylatul Qadr (the Night of Power) is better than a thousand months. It is observed on the odd nights such as the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, and 29th of Ramadan.
Celebration of Eid-ul-Fitr
After the completion of fasting (29 or 30 days), the Muslim Ummah celebrates Eid with great joy, enthusiasm, and unity across the world.
Muslims offer Eid congregational prayers in mosques and Eidgah’s and pray for peace, brotherhood, and prosperity. They hug each other, wear clean traditional dresses and caps, distribute sweets, prepare delicious dishes, and help the needy.
Suggestion: Eid should be celebrated according to the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), without unnecessary extravagance. Youth are advised to avoid crackers and celebrate with simplicity, seeking forgiveness and blessings.
(The author is a freelancer and can be reached at [email protected])
