Islam and its two festivals

Eid Al Fitr is one of the two festivals of Islam and celebrated by all Muslims on the first day of Shawwal, at the completion of Ramadan. Shawwal is the 10th month of the lunar Islamic calendar.

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.

Test of faith

Eid Al Fitr, therefore, is a day of joy, acts of worship, thanksgiving to Allah, brotherhood, unity, and spiritual provision.

As Almighty Allah has put Muslims to the test during Ramadan, they feel 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 fulfilment.

It is important for Muslims to let their young and neighbours understand that Islam is the way of moderation, of tolerance, of beauty, sharing and laughter in the appropriate occasion.

However, Eid is not just a matter of celebration and joy. It is also a chance to share the feelings of those around us. That is why Zakat ul Fitr is offered to the poor.

The ceremony of Eid Al Fitr starts early in the morning with Eid prayers. 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 or the Imam delivers a short sermon and then people greet each other. The rest of the ceremonies are held generally privately with families and friends.

Even though fasting is not permitted on the Eid days, the major part of the celebration is not eating or drinking; rather, it is a prayer that brings Muslims together to remember Allah's bounties and celebrate His glory and greatness.

The two Muslim festivals Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha mark the conclusion of important worships, the fasting and the Haj or pilgrimage to Makkah respectively, and they also show determination to continue in obedience and submission to God.

When the Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) went to Madinah, the people of the city had two festivals. On those two days they had carnivals and festivities.

The Prophet asked the Ansar (the Muslims of Madinah) about it. They replied that before Islam they used to have carnivals on those two joyous days. The Prophet told them: "Instead of those two days, Allah has appointed two other days which are better, the days of Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha."

For Muslims, the two Eids are an occasion to increase their good deeds.

Duties

What Muslims should do on Eid Al Fitr

On the day of Eid, there are some things that Muslims should do in keeping with the Prophet Mohammad's (PBUH) Sunnah

Wake up early
Have breakfast on Eid Al Fitr before leaving for prayer ground to perform the Eid prayers.
Appear in the best clean clothes that a Muslim can afford to that are reasonable and modest.
Apply perfume (men only)
It is recommended to go early to the prayer place. Offer the Eid prayers in congregation in an open place.
Engage in takbir (saying Allahu-Akbar, Allahu-Akbar. La ila-ha ill-lal-lah. Allahu-Akbar, Allahu-Akbar. Wa-lilahill hamd. (Allah is great, Allah is great. There is no god but Allah. Allah is great, Allah is great. And all praises are for Allah) from after the Fajr prayer until the imam comes out for prayers. Takbir is recommended for males, females, young and old.
Generosity reflects the true spirit of Eid

It is also important to make sure to pay Zakat Al Fitr before the prayers. Ideally, it should be given in advance so that the poor can enjoy their Eid.
Wish every one the joy of Eid and show true signs of Islamic brotherhood by shaking hands and embracing and supplicating: "Taqabal Allahu Minna wa Minkum" (May Allah accept it from us and you our good deeds!), "Eid Mubarak" (May You have a Blessed Eid), or "Eid Saeed" (May you have a Happy Eid).
It is also a good Islamic practice to visit one another and exchange gifts. The Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) said: "Exchange gifts in order to foster love."
Remember the true spirit of Eid is reflected in extreme generosity to the poor and the needy. So a Muslim should be charitable as best as he or she can.
Changing route on returning from the prayer ground to exchange Eid greetings with as many Muslims as possible.