Muslims need to thank Allah for keeping them alive, say scholars

Now, and after long hours of fasting, it’s time to enjoy the first of a double reward promised by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in life and the Hereafter.

A Muslim should be happy twice; the first while ending his devout fasting while the second will be later when meeting Almighty Allah to be compensated for sincerely observing this worship (fasting), and submissively surrendering to His will and instruction.

Scholars here said though it is time to celebrate Eid Al Fitr, Muslims need to thank Almighty Allah for keeping them alive, and helping them to fast, and making it easy for them to do as many diverse worships as possible during the holy month of Ramadan.

Sheikh Mohammed Al Arabi said as affirmed in Verse 183/2 of the Holy Quran, fasting is prescribed for the faithful, as was the case with others before, to be righteous. “Piety is actually the main fruit behind fasting; the most important shield Muslims gain this month to guard themselves against evil and through which they learn and are intensively trained how to have self-restraint.”

Sheikh Yusuf M said Eid Al Fitr, also known as the Lesser Feast, was first celebrated by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in 624 CE. “It is very much a community festival when people exchange greetings and visits, and tend to be more tolerant and forgiving.”

Islamic researcher Dr Sheikh Mohammed Ashmawy said Eid Al Fitr, which falls on the first day of Shawwal, the lunar month which follows Ramadan, is a time to give charity and celebrate with family and friends the completion of a month of blessings and joy.

“Muslims’ two major feasts are attached with worship. While Eid Al Fitr (fast-breaking festival) follows a month of fasting, Eid Al Adha (sacrifice festival) marks the end of Haj or pilgrimage.”

Citing the Prophet’s saying that every nation has a (distinguished) feast while Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha are Muslims’ only festivals, Dr Ashmawy said Eid is based on religious traditions. “It is of great importance to jointly demonstrate our celebrations with joy and observe them in such a way that distinguishes us from others.”

Mohammed Helmi said each Muslim, old or young, man or woman, or whoever support them, should give around 2.5kg of a set amount of certain foods as donation to the poor.

“The donation, known as Sadaqat Al Fitr or charity of fast breaking, may be given in rice, barley, dates, or in cash — Dh15 to Dh25. It is meant to ensure the poor have a holiday meal and happily participate in the festival without asking.”

Giving advice on the best way to celebrate the feast, Sheikh Mohammed Al Arabi said one should have a shower and put on the best clean clothes possible.

“Eating dates before leaving for prayer is also advisable to display the end of fasting and fully surrender to Allah’s will as fasting is prohibited on Eid time,” he said.

Sheikh Mahmoud Marei said it is highly recommended to perform Eid Prayer in a Musalla (specified open area) unless it is raining heavily when it can be offered in the Masjid as happened once with the Prophet (PBUH). “Walking to the Musalla is better unless it is too far.” It is also preferable to say Takbir (Allah is the greatest) softly when heading to Musalla and going back home. “When going back home from Musalla using a route other than the one used when going for Eid Prayer is in line with the Prophet’s instructions.”

Going early to the Musalla and praying the Sunnah (optional prayer) prior to Eid prayer is desirable, as well. “When meeting, the best greetings is, ‘May Allah accept (worship) from both of us’,” Sheikh Assadullah, Imam of Naeem Mosque said.

Fasting, feasting and then optionally fasting six successive or non-successive days in the month Shawwal truly reflect Muslims’ full submission to Allah’s command. “When ordered to fast, then feast, Muslims lovingly and willingly say nothing but: ‘We hear and we obey seeking forgiveness of God to whom is our return — Verse2/285,” he added.

ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com