The aroma of celebratory food, the feeling of wearing fresh outfits, the joyous feeling of performing Eid prayer with everyone, and all the sentiment of contentment and benevolence is associated with Eid by all the Muslims of the world. Regardless of age, race, class, or amount of wealth Muslims celebrate this joyous occasion. Henceforth, the happiness of eid knows no bound.
The Meaning of Eid
The Arabic word “Eid” means feast, festival, or holiday. The etymology of this world is a direct result of Islamic history. Every year Muslims celebrate two Eids: Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha according to the Lunar Hijri Calendar.
Eid al-Fitr means “the feast of breaking the fast” which occurs after the twenty-nine or 30 days fast of Ramadan. On the other hand, Eid al-Adha means “feast of the sacrifice” which the Muslims celebrate on the last day of Hajj. It is a pilgrimage to Makkah. Eid al-Fitr is also known as “the lesser” or “smaller” Eid as it is celebrated three days long in Muslim-majority countries. Eid al-Adha is known as “the greater Eid” as the celebration goes on for four days.
The Reason for the Celebration
Islamic Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) originated the festival of Eid al-Fitr. The Holy Qur’an, which is the manuscript for the Muslims, revealed at the end of Ramadan for the first time. Therefore, Muslims all around the world celebrate Eid al-Fitr to thank Allah for bestowing the Holy Qur’an. This as well as is the end of the month-long fasting. Therefore, the happiness of eid begins with the last Rakat of Taraweeh salat, the last daylong fasting, and the sighting of the new moon.
Eid al-Adha, on the other hand, is originated from the Prophet Ibrahim (PBUH). Prophet Ibrahim believed his dream of sacrificing his son to be a message from Allah. The sacrifice was to be an act of obedience towards Allah. However, at the moment of sacrifice, Allah provided the prophet a lamb to sacrifice instead. Therefore, “the feast of sacrifice” commenced from then. The happiness of eid lies in sacrifice, which is the greatest teaching of the celebrations.
Celebration of Eid al-Fitr
Eid al-Fitr begins by seeing the crescent moon of Shawwal, the tenth month of the Hijri calendar. Ramadan could last for 29-30 days. Hence, the sighting of the moon itself is an exciting event. The day begins with the performance of Eid prayer in the congregation. After the prayer, everyone greets each other with a formal embrace saying “Eid Mubarak” meaning “Blessed feast/ festival” wearing their best attire. People decorate their homes with flowers or adornments.
The first daytime celebratory meal with family and friends is a big enjoyment. They attend their relative’s houses or visit the sightings with their kins. The kids get “Eidi”, a gift in the form of money from the elders. Muslims all over the world enjoy this day with immense pleasure. The happiness of Eid at Eid al-Fitr redoubles with the payment of Zakat and Fitra to the needy. Due to the pandemic this year, the celebration must maintain social distance and all other health measures.
Celebration of Eid al- Adha
Muslims celebrate Eid al-Adha by sacrificing an animal- normally a cow, goat, sheep, or camel. This is only for the people who can afford to do so. However, that doesn’t mean the impoverished will be unable to get any meal at all. The meat of sacrifice divides into three groups. Two-third of the whole meat is for sharing with the kin and neighbors and for the underprivileged people too.
Everyone is relatively busier this Eid. As they have to prepare the meat and hand out and then cook it right away. Therefore all Muslims can have a hearty meal with their family members. People of all ages wear their best outfits and celebrate heartily. The occasion of Hajj is an important event for this Eid. Muslims all around the world go for pilgrimage at Kaba- The Holy House of Allah to make the happiness of eid double.
Spiritual Attainments from Eid
Muslims all over the world await this festival for celebratory purposes and spiritual ones. The fast during Ramadan teaches self-control. The Muslims give “zakat”, a certain amount of money to the impoverished during Ramadan. This act teaches everyone to be kind and considerate of others. To know about Zakat in real estate investment, read out the blog. Eid al-Adha on the other hand teaches sacrifice and devotion towards Allah. Henceforth, Eid spreads happiness and benevolence.
Eid brings out the best in people. Even though the date of every Eid varies according to the Gregorian calendar, the anticipation of the festival never dies.
