According to Hazrat Anas, when the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) migrated to Madinah, he found that the people of the town had set aside two days in the year for fun, sport and merry-making.
The Holy Prophet (SAW) told the Muslims of Madinah that the Almighty Allah had appointed two better days for them in the year; the day of 'Eid-ul-Fitr' and the day of 'Eid-ul-Azha'.
The Muslims celebrate 'Eid-ul-Fitr' on the first of the lunar month of Shawwal. This religious festival in fact is an expression of thanksgiving to Allah Almighty for His grace in enabling His faithful servants to observe the fasting month of Ramazan, besides the daily 'Taravih Prayers' recitation of the Holy Qur'an and works of charity.
While Eid-ul-Azha is celebrated on the 10th of lunar month of Zil Hajj to commemorate the great sacrifice offered by Prophet Ibrahim and Isma'il (Allah's peace be upon them both) to please Allah.
The Holy Prophet said: The heart of the person who remains awake (in Ibadaat) during the night of Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Azha will not die on the day when hearts will be dead, ie the day of Qiyamah."
The nights of both Eids ie the nights preceding the days of Eid are auspicious occasions which should be observed with reverence and worship. The Holy Prophet Muhammad said that these nights are great occasions for Ibadaat and for gaining the proximity and special Mercy of Allah Taala.
These blessed nights, should, therefore, not be allowed to pass by in idleness. Full advantage should be taken of these opportunities by offering obedience and Istighfaar (seeking forgiveness for sins), Tilaawat (reciting the Qur'an), Nafl Salaat, Durood, etc should be profusely offered on these blessed nights.
Among the rewards which will be obtained as a result of observing the sanctity of these glorious Eid Nights, the greatest reward is the tiding conveyed to us. The Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) in the above mentioned Hadith, viz, the heart will not be smitten with terror and fear on the day of Qiyamah when the upheavals of the day will be so fearsome that men will appear to be intoxicated.
Eid-ul-Fitr, the festival which marks the end of Ramadan, occurs on 1st Shawwal, the first day of the following month and its celebration extends over a period of three days. This occasion is a time of great joy and thankfulness for Muslims because they have completed their obligation of fasting, a month-long discipline of the body and appetites, and it is an occasion for celebration.
The festival is characterised by special 'Salat', visiting and exchanging greetings and good wishes, and it's a time of special happiness for the children.
The Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Verily, on the day of Eid-ul-Fitr when the Imaam comes out for Eid Salaat, there is no Call (Azaan), no Iqaamat nor anything on that day."
From the above mentioned Hadith it is clear that on the days of Eid the Takbeer should not be recited at the place where the Eid Salaat is to be performed. Everyone should engage themselves in Zikr and Takbeer silently. The day of Eid is merely a festive occasion. A Muslim acquires great rewards from and draws close to Allah if he spends the day of Eid according to the teachings of Shariah and Holy Prophet.
The following eleven things have been subscribed to be done on 'Eid-ul-Fitr',
-- To rise early in the morning
-- To brush the teeth
-- To have bath for 'Eid after the 'Fajr' prayer'
-- To put on the best available dress
-- To use the perfume
-- To arrange for one's personal adornment, and decoration
-- To give away 'Eid Charity (Fitranah, etc) before departure for the 'Eid ground.'
-- To eat something sweet before going for the 'Eid Prayer'.
-- To reach the 'Eid ground' as early as possible.
-- To walk to the 'Eid ground' by one way and return by the other; however, there is no harm if one rides back home.
-- To pronounce the following 'Takbir' on the way in a low voice:
-- "Allah is Greatest, Allah is Greatest"
-- "There is no God but Allah," "and Allah is Greatest, Allah is Greatest" "and all praise is for Allah"
Muslim fasting during the month of Ramazan do all they can, observe the sanctity of the sacred month by obeying the Shari'ah instructions in this regard, yet wittingly or unwittingly they do commit mistakes and errors. Sadaqah Fitr (Eid Charity) has been enjoined upon to inculcate the habit of expending one's wealth willingly in the cause of Allah and to atone for the small errors to make the fast as perfect as possible and so acceptable to Allah.
Besides this, the great wisdom and benefit of enjoining 'Eid Charity on the well-to-do persons is to help and enable the poor and needy individuals of society also to obtain for themselves the basic necessities of life a little more easily and enjoy the celebration of 'Eid and become part of the great congregational gathering held on this occasion.
The Holy Prophet (SAW) enjoined 'Sadaqah Fitr so that the fasters are purified of their errors and the poor and needy ones are enabled to arrange for their basic necessities of food and clothing. Therefore, the Sadaqah of the person who gives it away before the "Eid Prayer will be accepted by Allah as real charity but the 'Sadaqah of the one who delays and pays it after wards will be treated as ordinary charity."
"Eid day is the day of rejoicing, and the power and strength of Islam is manifested by the great numbers and congregations of the Muslim, the Sadaqah of Fitr not only promotes that cause but also helps to perfect the fast."
No Nafl Salaat should be performed in the Eid Gaah before or after Eid Salaat. It is vitally important to listen to both the Khutbahs after the Eid Salaat, if for some reason the Khutbah is not audible, it is still necessary to remain seated till the Khutbah terminates.
Traditionally, 'Eid-ul-Fitr' and 'Eid-ul-Azha,' both the Eids, are occasions for exchanging visits with relatives and friends throughout the entire period of observance of each festival. Gifts (usually of money or new clothes) are given to children, who delight in wearing their beautiful new dress on the occasion, and special sweets or other foods are served to guests.
Throughout the Muslim world, the atmosphere during the days of the Eids is distinctly special, combining social with spiritual aspects in a way which brings joy and pleasure to the people of all ages and walks of life.
Finally, this year we should celebrate our Eid with utmost solemnity and as simply as possible as our fellow countrymen living in the north of the country are facing hardship of an immeasurable magnitude following the earthquake. We should donate money as much as possible to strengthen the efforts for their rehabilitation to win the pleasure of the Allah the Almighty.
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