Why do we Celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr

“O ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you, as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may become righteous.” (Holy Quran 2:184)

You may have heard of the Islamic month of Ramadan, a period in which Muslims, observe fasts and indulge in prayer. But what is it really? And why is it important to us?

It is a common misconception that Muslims do not eat for the entirety of the month - 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Muslim children may have heard such a question from their peers; however, this belief is incorrect. In reality, Muslims fast for an average of an 11-hour period during the day - from dawn to sunset.

Not all people are required to fast. In the Holy Quran, the religious scripture of Islam, God says, “The month of Ramadan is that in which the Qur’an was sent down as a guidance for mankind with clear proofs of guidance and discrimination. Therefore, whosoever of you is present at home in this month, let him fast therein. But whoso is sick or is on a journey, shall fast the same number of other days. Allah desires to give you facility and He desires not hardship for you, and that you may complete the number, and that you may exalt Allah for His having guided you, and that you may be gratefu.l” (2:186) In summary, God has given sick or traveling Muslims a break from fasting so that they may be in a state of comfort, giving them the opportunity to make up missed fasts at a later time.

Associated with Ramadan is the Islamic holiday known as Eid-al-Fitr. This is the holiday that marks the end of the fasting period, a celebration as a reward for the devotion and sacrifices made during the month. However, even on the day of Eid, Muslims are not free from their obligatory five daily prayers. Instead, they perform a special prayer in the morning known as the Eid prayer, always done in congregation at a mosque. They also pay a charity, which goes towards making sure the poor can celebrate as well, and everybody greets each other with “Eid Mubarak,” which means “blessed Eid”. On Eid, Muslims dress up in their best new clothes, sharing sweets and visiting family - but they must not forget to also keep up with their prayers and worship to God.

The month of Ramadan is not just a period in which Muslims are required to fast - it is a means of spiritual cleansing. Muslims put the extra time they get from fasting into worshipping God and gaining closeness to Him. Eid-al-Fitr is the celebration after they endure the hardship of fasting. Even when celebrating, Muslims do not forget God as their focus is on praying to Him and thanking Him for their blessings throughout the day.

Written by Sabeeqa Emad