Eid Mubarak

The world celebrates Eid al Fitr today. After almost a month of fasting during the holy month of Ramadan, the new moon was sighted yesterday leading to celebrations of Eid today. Muslims believe that they are commanded by God, as mentioned in the Quran, to continue their fast until the last day of Ramadan and pay the Zakat al-Fitr before offering the Eid prayers.

Eid al-Fitr was originated by the Islamic prophet Muhammad. It is observed on the first day of the Islamic month of Shawwal at the end of the month of Ramadan, during which Muslims undergo a period of fasting

According to certain traditions, these festivals were initiated in Medina after the migration of prophet Muhammad from Mecca. As per the belief, when Prophet arrived in Medina , he found people celebrating two specific days in which they used to entertain themselves with recreation and merriment. He asked them about the nature of these festivities at which they replied that these days were occasions of fun and recreation. At this, the Prophet remarked, “the Almighty has fixed two days [of festivity] instead of these for you, which are better than these: Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.”

Like the world over, it’s celebrated with much piety, reverence and gaiety in India. People, dressed in their best, enthusiastically go to mosques in the morning for namaz and wishing their friends, relatives and acquaintances “Eid Mubarak”. Some very fine delicacies, mainly sheer Khurma and kebabs whet the appetite of celebrators as also their non- Muslim well wishers, who throng to Muslim households to savour such delicacies.

Eid reaffirms the belief of faithfuls in Five Pillars of Islam that are (1) belief in the Oneness of God (Allah) and the finality of the Prophethood of Muhammad (2) Establishment of the 5 daily prayers (3) Concern for and almsgiving to the needy (zakat) (4) Self-purification through fasting in the month of Ramadan and (5) the pilgrimage to Mecca for those who are able. For others, it’s an occasion to celebrate with their Muslim brethren and enjoy the savouries. May Eid bring peace and prosperity to this great nation that’s currently reeling under sizzling summers and unprecedented pre monsoon drought.

Eid Mubarak to all my readers.