Bismillah: In the name of Allah, the Most Merciful
Ramadan–the month of fasting–is nearing its end,
and in a few days the Muslim community will join together in one of its two major days of celebration: Eid al-Fitr. This coming
Monday or Tuesday will be the celebration of Eid, depending on the sighting of the new moon.
Eid al-Fitr means literally the “Feast of Ending of the Ramadan fast.”
Muslims in Cornwall, and around the world, will rise early to prepare for this festive day. Most of us will begin by taking
a shower–or “ghusl”–for spiritual and physical purification. We will then don our best
clothes, as outward signs of inward gratefulness.
Next, we head for the “Eidgaah”, the designated place for the
Eid prayer. Although the Eid prayer can be performed in the regular Masjid, it is usually done outdoors in an open space large
enough to accommodate all the Muslims of the surrounding area. Canadian Muslims, who must contend with the weather, often
reserve stadiums or large halls for this special prayer.
As we go to the Eidgaah, we are reminded to give “sadaqah”
(alms) to the needy. We will also be required to give “sadaqatul fitr”, a specific contribution to the poor based
on the number of members in our household.
As worshippers, we approach the Eidgaah chanting in Arabic, “Allaahu
akbar, Allaahu akbar, laa ilaaha illallaahu, Allaahu akbar, Allaahu akbar wa lillaahil hamd”: “God is great, God
is great, there is no god but He: God is great, God is great, all praise belongs to Him.” We then join together for
a short congregational prayer, followed by a brief sermon. Both the prayer and the donations of charity are acts of thanksgiving,
acknowledging God’s blessing that has allowed us to fast for the month of Ramadan and thus gain its innumerable benefits.
After the solemn prayer, the scene immediately shifts to one of community
celebration. Muslims greet each other warmly, with handshakes, embraces and other expressions of community joy. Refreshments
are shared and treats or small monetary gifts are often distributed to children.
Back at home, the scene is also one of joy and family togetherness. Delicious
meals are served, gifts are exchanged, and children are showered with praise and presents, rewarding them for their efforts
in Ramadan, and encouraging them to strive even harder to be good Muslims in the year to come. This type of gift-giving links
the concept of reward to spiritual effort and is considered more beneficial to children than the practice of giving Birthday
presents, a practice which often overindulges children without any encouragement of moral growth or real maturation.
Eid lasts for three days, and during this time Muslims are urged to visit
extended family, neighbours and other community members, strengthening the bonds of kin and friendship. In this way, the celebration
of Eid forms an important part of the complete Islamic code, integrating the individual and the community, the spiritual
and the social into the unified fabric of Muslim life.
While culture and tradition do play significant roles in Muslim society,
the Muslim festival of Eid cannot be isolated from its religious base as a mere cultural tradition. Although it is a festival
of celebration, Eid is closely linked to the preceding month of spiritual effort and moral discipline. The celebration of
Eid is firmly rooted in the worship of God in the present, and as such, remains an important community expression of joy and
thanksgiving in our effort to live as God’s servants, everyday of our lives.
Barbara (Masumah) Helms
