How to celebrate Eid Ul Fitr

Written by: Zaghra Savahl

Eid Ul Fitr signifies the culmination of the month of Ramadan. It is a holy day which Muslims celebrate around the world.
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On the 29th night of Ramadan, the new moon is sighted. If the new moon is sighted with the naked eye in your country, then Eid Ul Fitr would be the following day. If the new moon is not sighted, then another Fasting day would be observed, meaning that Ramadan would consist of 30 days. Eid Ul Fitr is the start of the new month which means it takes place on 1st Shawal.

​​Muslims celebrate Eid Ul Fitr in a variety of ways as traditions differ from country to country. In countries that have Muslims as a majority, Eid Ul Fitr is usually a National Holiday. In countries where Muslims are a minority, a day off is usually requested. Whether it is gift-giving, little children receiving money when they visit their neighbours to wish them Eid Mubarak, or partaking in feasts, the one thing that is a common tradition amongst Muslims all around the world is the spirit of spreading joy and love. 

​​Although Eid is translated as the “festival of the breaking of the Fast” and celebration of the day is common, the celebrations should always be in a way that is pleasing to Allah (SWT). Therefore, the best ways to celebrate Eid Ul Fitr is to perform duties which will bring you closer to Allah (SWT) and to do every action for the sake of Allah (SWT).

​Below are a few ways you can celebrate Eid Ul Fitr:

​Observe the Fard and Sunnah associated with this day
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The best way to celebrate Eid Ul Fitr is in a way in which one remains conscious of Allah (SWT). We can do this by first making sure of adhering to Fard and fulfilling the Sunnah.
The Fard of Eid includes Zakat Ul Fitr which is a charitable donation to be given before the Eid Prayers. Zakat ul-Fitr is compulsory upon every self-supporting adult Muslim who has food in excess of their needs, on behalf of themselves and their dependants.

With regards to Sunnah, there are numerous acts which was fulfilled by our Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) that we can follow.
​These acts include performing Ghusl, fulfilling the morning Eid Prayer, applying perfume, wearing your best attire, congratulating each other, visiting relatives, and exchanging Eid gifts.

​Dress up and look your best

​As Eid is a day of celebration, Muslims would dress up in their best attire. In one of our previous articles, we highlighted some stylish outfits that can help you look great while also still adhering to modesty. In addition, we’ve also launched some brand new modest clothing that would be ideal for Eid. Highlight Her, Gilded and Treasured are must-haves for your Modest Wardrobe.

​Connect with family and friends

​In Islam, high value is placed on family and spending time and taking care of them. On Eid, Muslims gather with their family and loved ones as a means of gratitude for being bestowed the month of Ramadan. The importance of family is highlighted in the following Hadith:

Abu Huraira reported the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) saying:
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"Of the dinar you spend as a contribution in Allah's path, or to set free a slave, or as a sadaqa given to a needy, or to support your family, the one yielding the greatest reward is that which you spent on your family.

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​Reflect on the past Ramadan and maintain good deeds

​​Through all the feasting and dressing up, the most important aspect of Eid Ul Fitr is to reflect on the past month of Ramadan with the intention of maintaining the good deeds and habits one has built during Ramadan. Our ultimate wish should be to attain closeness to Allah (SWT) and be granted Jannatul Firdaus. We do this by remaining conscious of Allah (SWT) and actively striving to please HIM in all that we do.
 
What are some of your favorite things to do on Eid Ul Fitr?
How will you be celebrating?