The Purpose of Eid

Islam teaches Muslims how to celebrate Eid. On these days, Muslims take a bath and wear their best clothes.

Even though fasting is not permitted on Eid, the major part of the celebration is not eating or drinking - rather, it is the prayer that brings Muslims together to remember Allah’s bounties and celebrate His Glory and Greatness.

The Eids and their celebration in Islam carry a distinctive meaning and spirit. They are totally different from the celebrations of other nations and cultures.

For other nations, a holiday is a chance to immerse in worldly pleasures, or to involve oneself in prohibited acts to the utmost. But not so for Muslims!

For Muslims, Eid is an occasion to increase in good deeds. Each Eid marks the conclusion of an important worship, and the determination to continue in obedience and submission to Allah.

In moments of extreme pleasure or sadness, a Muslim never forgets his Lord’s Greatness, Might and Glory. A Muslim's actions are always controlled by this continued remembrance and awareness of Allah (taqwa).

Therefore Eid is not an occasion to take a vacation from Islamic responsibilities and commitments, nor to waste time and money. It is not “fun for the sake of fun”. Rather, it is a controlled and directed rejoicing that is of ultimate and definite benefit for the Muslim ummah.

Eid is a chance to multiply good deeds by bringing happiness and pleasure to the hearts of other Muslims, by helping and supporting the poor and needy, and by getting involved in pastimes that emphasize the strong and serious Islamic character.

Allahualam wa barakallahufik akhi Mohamad Albadawi for sharing. Eid mubarak wa taqabbal Allahu minkum. Marhaban ya khaira da'!

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