Within the Islamic calendar, there are two separate Eid festivals. These festivals are known as Eid ul-Fitr and Eid-al-Adha, respectively. Eid ul-Fitr marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan and the start of Shawwal, which is the 10th month in the Islamic calendar. Eid al-Adha follows the Hajj pilgrimage and Qurbani in Dhul Hijjah. It takes place on the 10th day of the 12th month. This year, Eid ul Fitr 2024 is expected to be celebrated on Wednesday 10th of April 2024, or on Thursday, 11th of April, 2024. However, the exact date is subject to the sighting of the moon of Shawwal, 1445, the 10th month of the Islamic Calendar.
Significance and Purpose of Eid Ul Fitr
Spiritual Renewal:
- Eid ul Fitr 2024 signifies spiritual renewal, as Muslims have spent the month of Ramadan engaging in acts of worship, self-discipline, and reflection. It is a time for believers to emerge spiritually rejuvenated and closer to Allah.
Gratitude and Generosity:
- The festival emphasizes gratitude for the blessings received during Ramadan and encourages acts of generosity. Muslims are obligated to give Zakat al-Fitr, a form of charity, ensuring that those in need can also partake in the festivities.
Unity and Community:
- Eid ul-Fitr promotes a sense of unity and community. Muslims come together for prayers, share meals, and strengthen familial and social bonds. It is a time for forgiveness, reconciliation, and spreading joy and goodwill.
Preparations of Eid Ul Fitr
Cleaning and Decoration:
- Weeks before Eid ul-Fitr, families engage in thorough cleaning and decorating their homes. It is a tradition to welcome the festive occasion with a clean and adorned living space.
Shopping for New Clothes:
- One of the traditions of Eid ul-Fitr is buying new clothes. Families, especially children, eagerly anticipate this aspect of the celebration, and shopping for new attire is an integral part of the preparations.
Special Eid Foods:
- Delicious and festive foods are prepared for the Eid ul-Fitr feast. Sweet treats, savory dishes, and traditional cuisines are shared with family, friends, and neighbors. Sheer kurma, a sweet milk and vermicelli dish, is a popular choice during this time.
Charitable Contributions:
- Before the morning prayers on Eid al Fitr, Muslims are required to give Zakat al-Fitr (Fitrana), a form of charity intended for those in need. This act of giving ensures that everyone can partake in the joyous festivities of Eid.
The Day of Eid ul-Fitr
Eid Prayer:
Religious scholars have differing opinions on Eid prayers. However, all Muslims should attend prayers of both Eids as most scholars, on the basis of strong evidence, is of opinion that it is Wajib (obligation). One of the purposes behind Eid Prayer is to provide an opportunity to a large number of Muslims to attend congregations in an atmosphere of religious piety. Apart from prayer, the Eid sermon (after Eid Prayer) has also been made an important part of this gathering and the prayer.
- It is important and compulsory for a Muslim to pay ‘Zakat-ul-Fitr’ before offering Eid Prayer. (Sahih Bukhari: 1511)
- The time for Eid Prayer begins from the time the sun is three meters above the horizon until the sun reaches its meridian. However, it is better to offer the prayer in the early hours after sunrise. (Abu Dawud: 1135)
- Eid Prayer is performed without any ‘Iqmah’ or ‘Athan’. [Sahih Muslim: 885 (b)]
- Eid prayer consists of two Rak’at (Two Unit Prayer) during which Takbeer (Allah-u-Akbar) is announced seven times. (Abu Dawud: 1149)
- The rest of the Eid prayer is the same as other prayers offered daily.
- After completing the prayer, it is Sunnah (some scholars say that it is Wajib) to listen to the Sermon (Khutbah) after Eid Prayer. So one should stay for the Imam’s sermon to end after completing the Eid Prayer.
After listening to the sermon, Muslims congratulate each other with greetings such as ‘Eid Mubarak’, ‘Happy Eid, and عيد مبارك, etc. However, the most common Eid Greeting Muslims like to wish their friends and fellow Muslims with, is ‘Eid Mubarak’.
Sunnah of Eid Prayer
A person should follow the teachings of the Messenger of Allah (S.A.W.) for every aspect of life. The same should also be applied to Eid Prayer. Following are some of the Sunnah of Prophet (S.A.W.) with regards to Eid prayer that every Muslim should follow:
1- Take a bath or perform ablution before going for a prayer
2- Use a toothbrush or Miswaak
3- Wear your best clothes on this day
4- Apply perfume / Itar
5- Eat an odd number of dates before leaving for the prayer of Eid Al-Fitr. (Sahih Bukhari: 953)
6- Make sure that you have paid Zakat Al-Fitr before offering Eid Prayer
7- Recite the following ‘Takbeerat’ while going to and returning from Eid Prayer:
اَللهُ أَكْبَرُ ، اَللهُ أَكْبَرُ، اَللهُ أَكْبَرُ، لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللهُ ، وَاللهُ أَكْبَرُ، اَللهُ أَكْبَرُ، وَلِلَّهِ الْحَمْدُ
Allaahu akbar, Allaahu akbar, Allahu akbar laa ilaaha ill-Allaah, wa Allaahu akbar, Allaah akbar, wa Lillaah il-hamd
(Allah is Most Great, Allaah is most Great, Allah is most Great there is no god but Allaah, Allaah is Most Great, Allaah is most great, and to Allaah be praise) (Irwa Al Ghalil: 3 / 125)
8- Listen to the Sermon (Khutbah) after offering Eid Prayer. (An-Nasai: 1517)
9- Use different ways while going to and returning from the mosque after offering Eid Prayer. (Sahih Bukhari: 986)
Zakat al-Fitr (Fitrana)
As narrated by Ibn Umar (R.A.):
“Allah’s Messenger (S.A.W.) made it incumbent (Wajib) on all the slave or free Muslims, male or female, to pay one Sa’ of dates or barley as Zakat-ul-Fitr.”
(Sahih Bukhari: 1504)
According to above mentioned Hadith, Sadaqat-ul-Fitr (or fitrah/fitrana) is Wajib upon every Muslim including slave, freeman, male, female, young, new-born, and old. The compulsion of Zakat ul-Fitr on a Muslim is the same as the Nisab of normal Zakat (Nisab Is the exemption limit for the payment of Zakat).
Calculate the Payable Zakat through Zakat Calculator.
Each person must give an amount of Sadaqa Al-Fitr equivalent to at least one Sa’ of grain, barley, or dates. The Sa’ is an ancient measure of volume, with one Sa’ approximately equal to 2.25-2.5 kilograms. However, Muslim scholars worldwide usually announce the required amount of Zakat Al-Fitr during Ramadan.
As with regular Zakat, Zakat Al-Fitr is allocated to poor and needy Muslims. It is preferable to prioritize giving Sadaqat-ul-Fitr to needy relatives, then to needy neighbors, and finally to other needy Muslims.
Zakat Al-Fitr must be paid prior to the Eid Prayer.
Conclusion
Eid ul Fitr-2024 is promises to be a day of celebration, reflection, and unity as Muslims globally join together to commemorate the end of Ramadan and embrace the joyful festivities of breaking the fast. Explore it Beyond wishes peace, happiness, and blessings in this Eid for all. Eid Mubarak!
FAQs
1. Q: When is Eid ul-Fitr expected to take place in 2024?
A: Eid ul-Fitr in 2024 is anticipated to be confirmed upon the sighting of the new moon, but it is expected to fall on or around April 10. The exact date may vary depending on the lunar calendar and the sighting of the crescent moon, which marks the beginning of the new month of Shawwal.
2. Q: What is Eid ul-Fitr, and what does it signify?
A: Eid ul-Fitr, also known as the “Festival of Breaking the Fast,” marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting observed by Muslims worldwide. It signifies spiritual renewal, gratitude, generosity, and unity within the Muslim community.
3. Q: How do Muslims prepare for Eid ul-Fitr?
A: Preparations for Eid ul-Fitr typically include thorough cleaning and decoration of homes, shopping for new clothes, preparing festive foods, and giving Zakat al-Fitr, a form of charity. Families also engage in spiritual preparations, reflecting on the significance of the occasion.
4. Q: What is Zakat al-Fitr, and why is it given on Eid ul-Fitr?
A: Zakat al-Fitr (Fitrana) is a form of charity given by Muslims before the Eid prayer. It is obligatory for those who have the means and serves as a purification of wealth, ensuring that everyone can partake in the joyous festivities of Eid by providing for those in need.
5. Q: How is Eid ul-Fitr celebrated?
A: Eid ul-Fitr celebrations typically begin with the special Eid prayer, followed by exchanging greetings of “Eid Mubarak” (Blessed Eid) with family and friends. Families come together for festive meals, visit relatives, and engage in acts of charity and goodwill throughout the day.
