EID-UL-FITR By Mufti Waseem Khan (Hafizahullah)

EID-UL-FITR

By Mufti Waseem Khan (Hafizahullah)

 

The day of Eid is considered to be ‘Yawmul Jazaa’, a day of prize giving. The reason for this is that Allaah’s servants have worked very hard for one long month. Their days and nights were filled with the worship of Allaah. They have given full priority to Allaah by staying away from food and drink even though they were hungry and thirsty. They stayed up for long hours during the night worshipping their Creator. Many had forsaken their beds and their sleep only for the sake of Allaah. Their difficult, tiresome and strenuous jobs during the day did not prevent them from observing the fast. Whatever little they had, they shared it with others in order to practise as much charity as they were able. They suppressed their lawful desires for the sake of Allaah and many secluded themselves in ‘Itikaaf knocking on the doors of Allaah’s Forgiveness and Mercy.

Today they will know that their efforts did not go in vain. They will know that all their good actions are highly appreciated by Allaah. They will be given their prizes and rewards in full from Allaah Himself.

They shall be greeted by the angels on this special day.

Their forgiveness shall be made clear by Allaah. They will be given the assurance of whatever they ask for (which is permissible), Allaah shall grant it to them.

Today they will be very rich with rewards and blessings, they will be looked at with respect and honour by Allaah and His Angels.

The Blessings, Mercies, Bounties and Forgiveness of Allaah shall descend to them from Allaah on this sacred day of Eidul Fitr.

The blessed tradition of the Messenger of Allaah (S.A.) gives us the following information, “On the morning of Eid, Allaah sends down the angels to all the lands of the earth, where they take their positions on all the streets and lanes, calling out with a voice that is  heard by all except Men and Jinn, “O Ummah of Muhammad (S.A.) come forth from your homes towards the Lord Who is Noble and Gracious, Who grants abundantly and pardons the major sins.” When they come out for their Eid Salaah Allaah says to the angels, “What is the reward of that person who has rendered full service?” The angels reply, “O our Lord and Master it is only right that he shall receive his reward in full.” Allaah then says, “I call you to witness, O my angels, that for their fasting for My sake during Ramadhan and for their having established prayer by night, I have granted them forgiveness. O my servants, ask of Me now, for I swear by My Honour and Greatness that whatsoever you shall beg of Me this day in this assembly of yours for the needs of your Hereafter, I shall grant you. And whatsoever you shall ask for your worldly needs, I shall grant what is to your advantage. By My Honour do I swear as long as you shall obey My commands, I shall cover up your faults. By My Honour and My Greatness do I swear, that I shall never disgrace you in front of the transgressors and disbelievers. Return now from here. You are forgiven. You have indeed pleased Me and I am pleased with you.” (At-Targhiib, Baihaqii)

What more can we ask for? Here Allaah is informing us that He has forgiven those who observed the month properly and His pleasure is with that person.

Eid ul Fitr is certainly a happy and joyous day. It is a day of rejoicing, a day of giving and sharing with others.

Being such a great day, the Messenger of Allaah taught us that we should wear our best clothes on this day, apply (‘Itr) perfume and then proceed early in the morning to the place of performing Eid Salaah. It is essential that the Sadaqatul Fitr be paid before the Eid Salaah. We should show signs of happiness and joy and give much charity for the sake of Allaah. While proceeding to the Masjid we should praise and glorify Allaah saying the following words silently.

Al-laahu Akbar                      Al-laahu Akbar

Laa ilaaha il-lal-laahu              Al-laahu Akbar

Al-laahu Akbar                       Wa lil-laahil hamd