In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

`Eid Al-Fitr.

All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger, his household, and those who follow his path until the Day of Judgment.After days and nights of devotion, worship, day fasting, night vigil prayers and supplications, `Eid Al-Fitr comes, an occasion overflowing with joy and happiness.Spiritually recharged during the blessed month of Ramadan,

Muslims are now more capable to encounter the challenges of life with hearts full of faith and souls marked with determination and strength.It is a day that sums up the unique Islamic view of life: a life that centers around Allah Almighty and pursues

His pleasure.It is the day of gratitude and thanksgiving; sharing and solidarity; joy and happiness.On this special occasion, Onislam.net presents this e-book, `Eid Al-Fitr: Share, Rejoice and Worship, a collection of articles that shed light on the values and lessons of `Eid.

Significance of `Eid Al-Fitr

`Eid Al-Fitr is the day of boons and blessings for all fasting Muslims, as they are promised a great reward by Almighty Allah for their righteous observance of the fast. At the end of Ramadan, Muslims express their gratitude to Allah, Who enabled them to observe the fast and, at the same time, granted them abundant provision during this blessed month. `Eid Al-Fitr, therefore, is a day of joy, acts of worship, thanksgiving to Allah, cooperation, solidarity, brotherhood, unity, and spiritual provision.

“True joy is our `Eid; it is our feast. During the month of Ramadan, Allah puts us through a test. 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 fulfillment. It is a time for celebration, not a time to indulge in insulting or abusing.

others or detracting from the achievements of the month of Ramadan; it’s a day of real happiness and joy.

When Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) entered the house of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) on the day of `Eid, he found two young girls playing music and singing. Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) asked them, “You are doing this in the house of the Prophet, how come?” But the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) told Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) to leave them, for `Eid is a day of merriment and joy.

`Eid is not simply a matter of celebration

However, `Eid is not simply a matter of celebration and joy. It is also a chance to share the feelings of those around us. That is
why the sacrifice is offered and shared with friends, even with non-Muslims. There is no law that stops us from sharing gifts
with those of our neighbors who are non-Muslim. Charity is very important and meritorious on the two `Eids. It is an
affirmation of our responsibility to the community in which we are living.”

The ceremony of `Eid Al-Fitr

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

The significance of `Eid Al-Fitr

The significance of `Eid Al-Fitr is that it is a day of thanks giving to Allah for giving the opportunity to the Muslims to benefit
from and enjoy the blessings of the month of Ramadan.”

Do Not Crush the Joy of `Eid

`Eid has a special joy. It is the joy at the bounty of Allah, His mercy and His great blessings. It is the joy at His guidance in a
time when many people have strayed from the straight path. In `Eid, Muslims gather together, sensing the
deep belonging to this Ummah and this religion. They rejoice at the bounty of Allah Who has guided them when many other peoples failed to follow the straight path.

{Allah desires ease for you, not your discomfort. He desires you to fast the whole of the month, and that you may
magnify Him for giving you His guidance, and that you may give thanks.}(Al-Baqarah 2:185)

Conclusion

The conclusion of Eid Al-Fitr encapsulates the essence of the celebration: a time to share, rejoice, and worship. It marks the culmination of a month-long period of fasting, prayer, and reflection. As Muslims gather with family and friends, they exchange greetings and gifts, fostering a sense of community and unity. Eid is a time of immense joy, as people express gratitude for the blessings bestowed upon them and seek forgiveness for any shortcomings. Moreover, it is a time for worship, as Muslims offer special prayers and engage in acts of charity and compassion towards those less fortunate. In essence, Eid Al-Fitr serves as a reminder of the values of generosity, gratitude, and devotion that lie at the heart of Islam, reinforcing the bonds of brotherhood and faith among believers.