Ramadhan is almost coming to an end and Muslims from around the world are preparing and anticipating the day of Eid al-Fitr.
One of the central days of rejoicing and celebrating, the day of Eid al-Fitr concludes Ramadhan remarkably by allowing us to express our gratitude to Allah for the immense blessings we’ve experienced during Ramadhan.
As we say goodbye to an arduous month of abstaining from food and drink, Eid al-Fitr allows us to rejoice in the material blessings through eating, drinking and remembering Allah.
The Prophet Muhammad (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “They are days of eating, drinking, and remembrance of God.” [Bukhari]
But many of us get stuck in a rut when deciding how to spend the day. If you feel you can relate to this, here are some tips on making the most of Eid al-Fitr.
Start Early
Start the day off by waking up early so that you don’t miss the chance of praying Fajr in congregation at the mosque. Upon returning home, one should perform the purificatory bath (ghusl), which also applies to a person who does not attend the Eid prayer. Whilst performing Ghusl, try to focus on oral hygiene by using a miswaak or a toothbrush if a miswaak is not accessible. On completing the Ghusl, finalise this by wearing either new or the best of your clothes and applying the best of your perfumes.
Start With Some Dates
Before leaving the house, eat something sweet (ideally dates) as was the practice of the Prophet PBUH. The Prophet PBUH never proceeded (for the prayer) on the Day of Eid al-Fitr unless he had eaten some dates. [Sahih Bukhari]
What’s more, if possible, an odd number of dates should be eaten as this was also a common practice of the Prophet PBUH.
Walking, Taking Different Routes and Meeting Others
When making your way to the mosque, try to walk there. If that’s not possible, park your car at a distance from the mosque and walk the remaining way. Take one route there and another back while saying ‘Allahu Akbar’ quietly to oneself. The significance of taking two routes is that one maximises his chance of meeting and rejoicing with more people. Upon meeting someone on the day, say, ‘Taqabbal Allahu minna wa minkum (May Allah accept it from us and from you),’ as was the practice of the Sahaba.
Express Your Gratitude
Throughout the day, one should try to continuously be conscious of Allah by thanking Him and making one’s happiness and joy apparent. Whilst it is a day of festivity and rejoicing, a huge part of Eid is all about expressing gratitude to Allah for being able to fast and be patient throughout the month of Ramadhan.
Eat, Drink and Spend Time With Others
The day of Eid is all about gathering, spending time with loved ones and sharing the love by gifting and sharing. Whatever you choose to do on this day, give the day its due significance. Eating and drinking on this day are stressed to the point that Allah has made it illegal to fast on the day.
Do Something Special!
Make an effort to organise time for leisurely activities. Take the kids for a day out. Dine out with the spouse. Buy gifts for one another. Visit your grandparents. Make it a point to visit the graveyard to pay your respects to those who could not be with us. Whatever you choose to do on the day of Eid al-Fitr, ensure that you spend generously and make it a time to remember.
The details of how one should spend the day of Eid have been left vague for a reason. There are integral things to be conscious of such as thanking Allah, rejoicing and praying the Eid salah as early as possible. However, besides these acts, one can spend the day how he/she wishes as long as one does not engage in disliked or prohibited endeavours.
Juber Ahmed is our Digital Editor and travel enthusiast with a keen interest in Islamic history and heritage. He travels with his wife to various places around the world and writes about his experiences.
Juber's favourite Quote...
"The World Is a Book and Those Who Do Not Travel Read Only One Page" [Saint Augustine]
