Eid-ul-Fitr marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan and is celebrated by Muslims all over the world.
The occasion marks the end of the Roza (fast) observed throughout the month of Ramadan.
Muslims celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr to thank Allah for providing them with health and endurance during Ramadan. They put on new clothes, cook special dishes, give to charity, and spend time with their loved ones.
This festival takes place on the first day of Shawwal, the month that follows Ramadan in the Hijri calendar. Since the beginning of any lunar Hijri month is determined by religious authorities based on the sighting of the new moon, Eid-ul-Fitr is observed on different days in different parts of the world.
Although Eid is the most important religious festival in Islam, the celebration of Eid did not begin with the establishment of the religion.
When was Eid introduced in Islam?
Historians and experts on Islamic history mark the beginning of Eid back in 623 AD.
Eid-ul Fitr became a festival shortly after the Hijrat (migration) of the Prophet Muhammad (Sm) to Madina.
According to Hazrat Anas (R), "after the great Prophet (Sm) arrived at Madina, he observed that the people of the town celebrate two special days with fanfare." He then inquired, "What are these day?" The locals responded that they had celebrated these two days since the Jaheli era. Then Rasulullah (Sm) said, 'Allah gave you two more good days in addition to these two.' This is the season of Eid-ul-Azha and Eid-ul-Fitr.
It's worth noting that the citizens of Madina used to celebrate two days, one named Nauroj, which fell on the full moon of autumn, and the other Mihirjan, which followed the full moon of spring, with joy and enjoyment, sports, and vulgar amusements.
These pre-Islamic ceremonies and rituals were contradictory to Islamic principles, according to Banglapedia. Following Rasulullah's (SM) instructions, Arabs inspired by Islamic ideals began to observe Eid-ul Fitr and Eid-ul Azha.
Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations
Muslims celebrate the completion of their sacred obligations throughout Ramadan with the start of Eid al-Fitr, or the Festival of Breaking the Fast, after a month of prayer, dedication, and self-control. In many Muslim-majority nations, the festival is observed as a national holiday. Eid al-Fitr celebrations usually last three days.
Eid is an Arabic term that implies joy, gladness, or festivity. Muslims are obligated to celebrate Eid.
In Islam, there are some guidelines regarding Eid celebrations.
The most important is to pray two rak'at prayers in the morning on Eid, which is required of all Muslims.
It is also obligatory to provide Fitra on Eid-ul-Fitr. Before the Eid prayers, Fitra is to be offered to the hapless poor and needy.
The first Eid, according to historians, was not as lavish as we see today.
On Eid, Prophet Muhammad would bathe and dress properly before going to pray.
It was customary to eat sweets and exchange greetings with relatives and neighbors after the Eid prayers.
In Bangladesh, Eid-ul-Fitr is celebrated with considerable pomp and circumstance. On this day, everyone attempts to look their best and prepare the best cuisine they can. The joys of this holiday are also shared by relatives and neighbors.