Eid ul Fitr-an occasion to spread love

As Ramadan ends, Muslims face mixed emotions- sadness for the departure of Ramadan and excitement for welcoming Eid, a festival that Muslims celebrate twice a year. Eid ul Fitr is celebrated right after Ramadan and about 2 and a half month later Eid ul Adha is observed. On the day of Eid, Muslims wear their best clothes and get ready to go to the mosque to offer congregational Prayer which is held in the morning. Before the Eid Prayer everyone is required to pay Fitrana, a form of charity paid on behalf of members of the household. Fitrana is spent on the poor and needy so that they can join the celebration of Eid as well. On this special day, many delicious dishes are cooked and loved ones such as relatives, friends, and neighbors are invited over.

Islam teaches us to always be mindful of others by sharing our blessings with the less fortunate ones. It is also commanded in the Holy Qur'an that “And do not forget to do good to one another" (2:238).

The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be on him) emphasized that “A generous one is nearer to God, nearer to people, nearer to paradise and farther away from hell, but the miser is farther from God, farther from people, farther from paradise and nearer to hell. Indeed, an ignorant one who is generous is dearer to God then worshiper who is miserly". Also, The founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (peace be on him) said, "The teachings of the Holy Qur’an can be divided into two major categories. The first being unity of God, love and obedience to Him. The second is to treat kindly your brothers and fellow beings... be kind and merciful to humanity...always work for the good of mankind."

May God Almighty make us generous and charitable and enable us to be the cause of someone’s delight. Amen