By Amani Raji
As a child, Eid-ul-Fitr was unquestionably the best day of the year. We would spend the first half of our Eid in Colombo – starting with praying the Eid prayer at the mosque, followed by traditional Sri Lankan breakfast at home and then do a round of visiting our extended family members, starting with my vapumma (my paternal grandma) and cousins.
By the time we came home for lunch, everyone was too full for the biryani (having snacked at all houses), but we managed to have some anyway, because we had a 1.5-hour drive to make right after to my hometown. This was my favorite part of the day – visiting my ummumma (my maternal grandma) at her house in my hometown, where all my cousins and I spent the entire day just chatting and entertaining visitors. The Eid table was full, but immaculate.
As I grew older, and my parents also aged, Eid became less celebratory. Aging adults seem to want to “relax” on Eid, something that teenagers find very boring. Occasionally, I would wonder why we didn’t have as much fun as we did during the Christmas season, with all the holidays [that all ethnic communities would be able to enjoy], and the presents that my Christian friends would exchange with their families.
What I didn’t initially understand was that a festival didn’t have to be commercialized for people to have a day of joy and meaning, whilst maintaining their spiritual connection with God. The truth was that the meaningfulness and celebratory air of Eid-ul-Fitr lies in observing the Islamic rituals and the legacy that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) left behind in respect of it. Here are a few things I’ve learned along the way:
1. Be intentional about celebrating Eid-al-Fitr.
Eid-al-Fitr, which directly translates to “the festival of the breaking of the fast,” is a day that comes after a month of having observed the fast for the sake of Allah. Anas ibn Malik reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, arrived in Medina during two days which they were celebrating. The Prophetﷺ said, “What are these two days?” They said, “We would celebrate these two days in the time of ignorance.” The Prophetﷺ said, “Verily, Allah has replaced these two days with two better days: Eid al-Adha and Eid al-Fitr.” [Sunan Abi Dāwūd 1134]
In light of this hadith, we know that Allah has blessed us with a day wherein we celebrate in consequence of the time we have spent in connecting with Him. It’s important to remember that it was intended to be a day of festivities, and to enjoy and celebrate on this day.
2. Remember to keep up the good work of Ramadan.
A general reminder that we all need on Eid is that everything we do, must be consistent with 30 days of fasting, and not completely against it. It is, therefore, still important that we are conscious of committing sins such as backbiting, gossiping, and slandering. It is also equally important that we are proactive in continuing the good deeds we managed to practice in Ramadan, like starting the day with Tahajjud, reciting some Quran, and mentioning the morning adhkar. Being patient also comes in handy on Eid, because family members can really get in each other’s way (if you know, you know).
3. Recite Takbeer.
If you asked me whether Eid morning had a sound to it, I’d say it would be a cumulation of birds chirping, light drizzle on the windows and the sound of Takbeer. In Sri Lanka, the radios are switched on in some houses, where the relevant station has the Takbeer playing. If you go to the mosques, it’s echoing off the walls as it’s recited into the mic, with people following in chorus. In some houses, we hear our mothers slowly humming the takbeer as they prepare breakfast.
Takbeer is recited on the night of Eid-ul-Fitr, for up to three days after. It’s a sunnah to keep your tongue moist with the words “Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar. Laa-ilaha-illalla-hu-wallahu-
4. Perform Ghusl, and wear your best clothes.
The ghusl (bath) is very significant in Islam on various occasions, and a true mark of Islam’s emphasis on cleanliness. Eid morning is one of those occasions. Like all rituals, there is a way to perform the Ghusl, but it is also seen as a simple bath that incorporates wudhu into it. Thereafter, we are advised to wear our ‘best’ clothes. This doesn’t necessarily mean that they have to be new clothes, but if they are, it’s considered better.
5. Pray the Eid prayer.
This is perhaps, the most defining aspect of Eid – and perhaps what we are most familiar with. It is advised that the Eid prayer is prayed in congregation – either in the mosque or at home. For Sri Lankan women, praying in the mosque was always seen as a rare opportunity (unfortunately) – and Eid was one of those days where the mosques were open to women in the morning hours.
The Eid prayer consists of two rakats. It’s distinguishable from other voluntary prayers (aside from the intention being to pray the Sunnah of Eid-ul-Fitr prayer) by the number of takbeers said prior to reciting the Surah Al-Fathiha. In the first rakat, seven takbeers are said, and in between each rakat the words “Subhanallahi Walhamdulillah, Walailaha Illallahu, Wallahu-akbar,” is recited. This translates to “Glory is to Allah, and All praises and thanks are due to Allah. There is no God but Allah, and Allah is the Greatest.” After Surah Al-Fathiha, Suratul A’la is recited. In the second rakat, five takbeers are said, while Surah Ghashiyah is recited after Al-Fathiha.
It would be useful to reflect on the meaning of these surahs prior to going to the mosque, to understand as the Imam recites them. I find it so significant that it’s these two surahs that are regularly recited in the Eid prayer. Both have many lessons to take from the verses, but my favourite lines are in Surah A’la (verses 14-16) where God says: “Indeed, he has succeeded, whoever who endeavours to be purified. And he who mentions the name of his Lord and performs the prayer. Rather, you all give preference to the life of this world, while the Hereafter is better and more enduring.”
It is also sunnah to listen to the Khutbah after the Eid prayer (if you’re praying in congregation). Thereafter, to take a different route back home than the one you took to the mosque.
6. Spend time with family and friends.
What I love about witnessing Eid in different countries is that each culture and community has its own way of gathering on Eid. Some communities have families that get together for a meal on Eid so everyone can see each other at once. Some (possibly families that live close to each other) go on visits to each of their houses. And others spend Eid in their hometowns, even if they usually live away in the city.
A beautiful practice witnessed on these visits is the decorated Eid tables – a mix of bite sized savouries and sweets (both traditional and western dishes) spread out and a drink (iced coffee or almond milk in our houses, usually) to accompany it.
Moreover, gift-giving on these visits is also a practice in some cultures. Especially Eid money, by which kids get significantly wealthier than they have been all year. Jokes aside, however, charity on Eid is a beautiful practice.
But not all of us have the luxury of being with our families and friends on this day. I do feel though that every effort counts – even if it is to go see a Muslim relative or friend you haven’t seen in a while, give salam and say “Taqabbalallahu wa minna wa minkum” (i.e. May Allah accept from you and me).
Above all, we should be grateful and remember our brothers and sisters in Palestine, and everywhere else in the world where Muslims are struggling. This would include those that have lost a loved one in Ramadan and may not be having the Eid that you will be having.
Every one of us has (if not every year, then at some point in our lives) witnessed the joyful air of Eid-ul-Fitr. To me, its beauty lies in how Muslims choose to worship God on this day in a special way, and in the varying ways we gather as a community. We just have to understand and be honored that our festivals are uniquely celebrated.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Amani Raji graduated from the University of London with her BA in Law. She has experience working in arbitration as well as heading public relations. She is currently studying to become a lawyer. Moreover, Amani is very passionate about women’s rights and inspiring change. The discrimination faced by Sri Lankan Muslim women has been instrumental in her pursuit of a career in law.