Supplication and Spirituality – Al-Shia The al-Shia Scientific, Cultural, and Doctrinal Website Mon, 07 Apr 2025 07:47:57 +0000 en-US Supplication and Spirituality – Al-Shia 32 32 Eid al-Fitr Celebration and its Significance to a Muslim Introduction Eid al-Fitr, often referred to as the “Festival of Breaking the Fast,” marks the culmination of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting, prayer, and spiritual reflection in Islam. For Muslims, this joyous occasion is not merely a celebration of the end of a period of devotion but also a profound expression of gratitude, unity, and renewal. Eid al-Fitr is a time when families gather, communities come together, and hearts are filled with happiness and thankfulness for the blessings bestowed by Allah. Beyond its festive rituals, such as special prayers, feasting, and acts of charity, Eid al-Fitr carries deep spiritual significance, reminding Muslims of their duty to strengthen bonds of kinship, practice generosity, and renew their commitment to living a righteous life. Understanding its essence allows believers to fully embrace the beauty and purpose of this sacred celebration. Meaning of Fitr The Arabic term “Fitr” comes from the Arabic root ( fa-ṭa-ra ), meaning “to break or open” [1] “to create,” or “to bring forth” and the word “Infatarat” in verse 1 of Quran 82 is derived from a similar root with the word “Fitr” and has the same meaning with the term “Ifṭār”. Thus, the Arabic term “Fitr” in the context of Eid al-Fitr is therefore related to the opening of mouth by the fasting person to eat at sunset and on the day of Eid al-Fitr [2]. In other words, Eid al-Fitr specifically refers to breaking the fast, marking the end of the month-long fasting of Ramadan. Hence, Eid al-Fitr translates to “Festival of Breaking the Fast.” This festival celebrates the completion of Ramadan and the return to regular eating patterns, signifying joy, gratitude, and spiritual renewal after a month of discipline and fasting. Its Determination Eid al-Fiṭr (Festival of Breaking the Fast) is the first day of the month of Shawwal (i.e., the tenth month) Based on the opinions of the majority of the Islamic jurists [3], Eid al-Fiṭr is determined and confirmed by sighting the new moon of the month of Shawwal on the 29th of Ramadan or after the completion of the thirty days of Ramadan fast [4]. According to some hadith, the month of Ramadan is always 30 days and will never be less.[4] Some scholars of the past supported these hadiths.[5] However, some hadiths say that the month of Ramadan like other months can be 29 or 30 days.[6] Most jurists support these hadiths.[7] Its Significance Eid al-Fiṭr is a day of celebration because the fast-observers receive the rewards after month-long worship and rigorous spiritual training [5]. Similarly, it is also the day of thankfulness to the Lord because He has opened the doors of mercy and forgiveness through the blessed month of Ramadan [6]. It is pertinent to mention that Eid al-Fitr is a unique festival that is purely spiritual. It is the day when Muslims thank and appreciate Allah for giving them the will, strength, and endurance to observe fast and obey His commandments during the holy month of Ramadan. On this day, fasting is forbidden (Haram) and Muslims hold the Eid prayer. In addition, payment for Zakat al-Fitr is also obligatory for Muslims on this day. However, according to another explanation, Eid al-Fitr is actually the day of the return of the servants of Allah to their Godly and pure nature (Fitra). This is because man is created with a pure and Godly nature (Fitrat al-Allah) which always guides him towards his Creator. But this pure nature is covered with the dust of sins and heedlessness through various worldly engagements, and thus it becomes estranged from his most Merciful Lord. Meanwhile, the month-long worship and purification in the month of Ramadan removes and clears the hardened layers of sins in the heart of the fast-observer and reunites him with his Creator. Thus, the day of Eid al-Fitr is indeed the day of man’s return towards His Lord with a purified soul. In other words, Eid al-Fitr is not a day when we return to our old life of thanklessness and heedlessness, rather, it’s a day when we are expected to start a new life with renewed spiritual energy and determination. Some verses and hadiths mention the importance of this day. For instance, some Qur’anic exegetes of the Qur’an like Allamah Ṭabāṭabāʾī have said that the phrase “لِتُکبِّرُوا اللَّـهَ” (translation: magnify God) in Qur’an 2:185 is about the Takbirs (i.e., glorification of Allah) recommended on the eve of Eid al-Fitr. In addition, the words تَزَکیٰ and فَصَلَّیٰ in the two verses “قَدْ أَفْلَحَ مَن تَزَکیٰ” (Qur’an 87:14) [meaning: “Felicitous is he who purifies himself”] and “وَ ذَکرَ اسْمَ رَبِّهِ فَصَلَّیٰ”[Qur’an 87:15] [meaning: “celebrates the Name of his Lord, and prays”] mean to give Zakat al-Fitra and pray the Eid Prayer [7]. Imam Hasan al-Mujtaba (PBUH) looked at some people who were happy and laughed; then he (PBUH) turned to his companions and said, ‘God, the Almighty, created the month of Ramadan as a field for the competition of his creatures so that through obeying God, they excel each other towards His happiness. Some excelled and won, and some left behind and lost. Thus, it is so surprising one who is frivolously playful and laughing on the day the good-doers are rewarded and those who fall behind lose. By God, I swear that if the veils are removed, the good-doer will engage in his good-doing and the evil-doer will be taken captive in his evil-doing [8].” Similarly, Imam al-Rida (PBUH) said, “The day of Fitr is appointed as Eid so that Muslims have a gathering and come out for the sake of God and praise Him for the blessings they have been given; and the day of Eid is the day of gathering, day of breaking the fasting, day of giving Zakat, day of happiness and day of worship; and it is the first day of the year in which eating and drinking is permissible since the month of Ramadan is the first month of the year for the people of truth. So, God wanted them to have a gathering to praise the Lord and on this day, saying Takbir in the prayer is more than on other days because Takbir is glorifying God and praising Him for His blessings as He has said, ‘and magnify Allah for guiding you, and that you may give thanks.’ (2:185) and on that day, 12 Takbirs have been instructed to be said, of which 7 have to be said in the first Rak’a and 5 Takbirs in the second Rak’a, and they have not been made equal since it is recommended that the obligatory prayer follows 7 Takbirs. Therefore, the first Rak’a begins with 7 Takbirs. And there are 5 Takbirs in the second Rak’a, since Takbirat al-Ihram for all the prayers during one day are 5 Takbirs and because Takbirs in each of the two Rak’as be odd [9].” Etiquette of Eid al-Fitr There are some etiquette and supererogatory acts of worship that need to be observed on both the eve as well as the day of the first of Shawwal (i.e., Eid al-Fitr day). These shall be explained below: I) Eve of Eid al-Fitr On the eve of Eid al-Fitr, the following are recommended: 1. Keeping night vigil 2. Recitation of supplication and the Qur’an and observation of supererogatory prayer. 3. On the eve of t