Significance Of Eid El Fitr

Significance Of Eid El Fitr

Eid el-Fitr, also known as the “Festival of Breaking the Fast,” is a significant Islamic holiday that marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting.

Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam and Eid el-Fitr is significant in celebrating the end of a very intense month of fasting, prayer, self-reflection and charity.

Eid el-Fitr is celebrated during the first three days of Shawwal, the tenth month of the Islamic calendar and starts with the sighting of the new moon of Shawwal.

In Nigeria, the President General Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs and Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar must announce the sighting of the new moon.

In the weeks leading up to Eid, Muslims shop for new clothes and gifts, decorate their houses and dress up in their best attire on the day.

Since Eid is centered on celebrating the end of a month of fasting and spending time with family, friends and people within the community, it is an obligation to give out a charitable tax, known as Zakat El Fitr, which is compulsory for every Muslim, as long as one has the means to do so.

The main purpose of Zakkat el-Fitr is to provide food for the poor to enable them to celebrate the festival of breaking the fast along with the rest of the Muslims.

Every Muslim is required to give out Zakkat el-Fitr at the end of Ramadan to thank Allah for sparing their lives in observing the obligatory fast.

Prophet Muhammad peace and blessings of Allah be upon him was reported to have said “The fasting of the month of Ramadan will be hanging between the earth and the heavens and it will not be raised up to the Divine Presence without the payment of Zakat al- Fitr.” The wisdom behind it, is to purify those who fast from any indecent act or speech and to help the poor and needy.

On that day, Muslims were expected to take their baths early in the morning, put on their best clothes and gather to offer a two rakaat special prayer in a congregation usually performed in an open area or mosque.

After the prayer, Muslims engage in acts of charity, such as giving money or food to those in need.

Children often receive gifts, usually in the form of money or new clothes.

Family Gathered for family reunions, often accompanied by traditional foods and sweets.

Homes and public spaces are often decorated with lights, balloons, and other festive decorations.

Even when celebrating, Muslims must be mindful of families within the wider community who may be struggling, so no one is left out.

As Nigerians join Muslims the world over to mark the end of the thirty days fast, it is hoped that special prayers offered for peaceful coexistence, security challenges, economic recovery and sustainability, are all accepted by Allah.

It is also hoped that the lessons of sacrifice, solidarity, perseverance and unity will be sustained by Nigerians even after the month of Ramadan.

By Aliykum Tumba, Edited By Grace Namiji

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