N.U. ABDUL RAZZAK UDAYAR
The popular Arabic term Eid-Al-Fitr refers to the Ramadhan Festival of the followers of the faith of lslam that falls at the end of the one month long Fasting which is obligatory for the Muslims who live every nook and corner of the world. AS a matter of fact, when the 9th month of Islamic lunar calendar Ramadhan, gets culminated, the first crescent of Shawwal, the 10th Islamic month merrily emerges carrying the joyous Eid Festival or the Ramadhan Festival. For the Muslims of Sri Lanka, this year is a time of double delight as the Sinhala and Tamil New Year coincides with this momentous moment making the whole nation enthusiastically get engaged in festivities and celebrations.
Showing a Concern for the Needy
As far as the Muslims are concerned, Fasting is a test where they are expected to follow the commands of Allah, the Almighty to become law-abiding, pious and honest and useful citizens to the society. Hence, Eid Festival is a time of reward and Rejoice for the loyal Muslims who adhered to the rules of Allah throughout the month of Ramadhan. The devotees mainly abstained from eating and drinking from dawn to dusk besides controlling their tongues from abuse, curse and any unwanted talks. Obviously, Ramadhan has put the Muslims in the shoes of the poor and the needy to feel their pangs of hunger and the struggle of life for survival. The acid test for the followers of Islam is the controlling of the mind to be completely free from the unwanted plots, thoughts and other evils etc. Ramadan also requires and encourages the Muslims to do all good deeds such as offering prayers, helping the neighbours, reciting the Holy Quran and piously getting engaged in all other good deeds besides attending to their usual routines and so on. Essentially, the Muslims believe that life in this world is impermanent and the unending living continues in the Hereafter. Therefore, every Muslim strives hard to ensure a peaceful and prosperous life in the Hereafter while also making the stay in this world a peaceful and pleasant one.
Day of Reward
The Day of Eid Al-Fitr is a blessed occasion for those who have adhered to their duty towards Allah during their fast in Ramadan. Truly. in heavens, Eid Al-Fitr is called the day of reward. It is reported in a Prophetic hadith that, on the day of `Eid Al-Fitr, the angels stand on both sides of the roads and proclaim,
“O believers, walk toward your Lord, who is the Most Generous. He favors you with goodness and gives you great reward. He commanded you to pray during the night and fast during the day. Now that you have obeyed Him, come and receive your rewards.” (At-Tabarani)
`Eid Al-Fitr is a day that marks the successful completion of the sacred month of Ramadan. It is a festival that signifies the completion of an act of duty and devotion. It teaches us that real happiness results from performing one’s duty and making sacrifices for a noble objective.
Time of Rejoice
Almighty Allah says,
(Say, “In the bounty of Allah and in His mercy — therein let them rejoice. It is better than what they hoard.) (Yunus 10:58). Firstly, they get back to the habit of consuming the food breaking the Fasting that was enjoined by Allah for a month. It is apt to focus on some recommended acts that earns the satisfaction of the Almighty Allah. Islam always stresses the need to help the poor and the destitute. Hence, all Muslims are required to pay the Zakathul Fitr before the Festival Prayer. It is ideal to pay it before the fall of this day so the poor too can have the rejoice along with the rest. In Sri Lanka for a member of the family, 2 and half Kilo of rice is usually set aside for this purpose though money too can be given equal to the value of it. For instance, if there are six members in a family 15 kilos of rice should be given to the needy. It is reasonable to decide the selection of the quality of rice by selecting the quality that you consume. For example, if normally “Royal Samba” is your regular consumption avoid offering “Rathu Keklu” or any other variety that is inferior to it. Happily, and humbly hand over the Roual Samba to the beneficiaries not forgetting the meaning of the axiom “What is sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander.
Giving Gifts
Recital of Thakbeer is an essential act that is to be done on this great occasion to thank Allah for all the blessings that are given to us. Another important ritual is one to be in his or her Sunday best on this day. Visiting mosque in the morning for the Eid prayer is one of best acts performed by Muslim on the Day of Eid. This day is dedicated for wishing everyone. One need to display 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).
It is also considered to be a good Islamic practice to visit one another and give/exchange gifts as the Prophet Mohammed (Sal) has promoted such acts as ideal gestures. The following Hadis ensures it.
The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Exchange gifts in order to foster love.”
Showing Genuine Concern for the Palestines
There are many more regular acts such as sending gifts to neighbours, treating the beggars, asking forgiveness of Allah and the like that add more rejoice to us. Can any Muslim individuals or organization forget the pathetic condition and the woes of the Palatines that has been at the receiving end of the brutal attacks of Israel? Hundreds of innocent Palatines are mercilessly massacred and thousands are wounded and struggle between life and death in terms, food, health and all other basic needs! Shouldn’t we spare a thought for them? Will our conscience let us binge in Biriyani and Wattalappam? The Sri Lankan Government with the blessings of President Rani Wickremasinghe rightly sent a donation of one million dollars via the UN Relief and Work Agency to save the children of Gaza. Aren’t we duty bound to rescue the Palestines who are left high and dry? Let us urgently make our contribution by money, deeds or even words. Those who have no means can piously make supplication for the immediate rescue and survival of them. May this Momentous Occasion be a game changer for the Palestines to chase away the enemies and permanently be back on track to lead their normal life.