Eid
Al-Fitr
Eid-ul-Fitr is linked with the Holy
month of Ramadan. It signifies the end of the month of fasting.
In view of the great significance
attached to this day of Eid, numerous traditions consisting of prayers
and worship of God on this day, have been quoted from the Holy Prophet
and his Ahl-al-Bait.
Taking a solemn bath (Ghusl) on the
night preceding Eid is highly recommended (Sunnat). This is a night of
great sanctity and profound virtues, and should be preferably spent in
worship and prayer to God.
Imam Zainul Abedin (A.S.)
used to spend this whole night in devotion, and has said: "This night is
as important as that of Shab-e-Qadr" (that is to say, the odd night
towards the latter part of Ramadan when the Holy Qur'an was first
revealed to our Holy Prophet [S.A.W.]).
It is quoted from the Holy Prophet
(S.A.W.) that "one who offers six Rakat prayers on this night reciting
in each Rakat
Sura 'Al-Hamd' once and
Sura 'Qul Huwallah' five times God will pardon his sins".
Haris Aawar narrates that Hazrat Ali
(A.S.), on this night, after Maghrib prayers, used to offer two Rakats
prayers. In the first one he used to recite Sure 'Al-Hamd' once and Sura
'Qul Huwallah' one hundred times, and in the other both the Suras only
once. After completion of the prayers he would bow his head in
prostration and recite "Atubo Ellallah" 100 times and then would say, "I
swear by one (God)! He has the sole command over my life". Whoever will,
in this way, offer two Rakats prayers, the Beneficent will positively
fulfill any wish begged from Him.
(Aamal-e-Shabe Eid Al-Fitr)
The conception of Eid in Islam is not
confined only to celebration extravagance, luxurious feasts, friendly
handshakes and embraces. The Muslims should rather devote this day to
the worship of God and should beseech Him to approve their virtuous
deeds and forgive their sins. This is because the doors of God's pardon
are kept open this day and His Blessings are bountiful.
Once
Imam Hassan (A.S.) noticed some folks in a most jovial mood
merry making on the occasion of Eid. He, turning to his companions said.
"God has made this month of Ramadan, a course of action for His slaves
to render their due homage to their Lord and earn His pleasure. Some of
them who have fasted successfully reached their goal, and those who did
not fast have lingered behind and have missed a golden opportunity. When
reward is assured for fasting, how strange it is on the part of those
who do not fast to indulge in idle pastimes. I swear by God, if the
curtains of Divination (Ghaib) wore to be lifted today, both the
virtuous and the sinful could afford the physical sight of the rewards
of their good and evil deeds respectively". |