Eid - Lets not forget the purpose

Celebrate we do. That's the nature of human beings. In fact, that is the nature of all living creatures. We rejoice and celebrate when we feel we have achieved something. Similarly, we become sad and mourn when we experience a setback.

Allah [the Most High & Elevated], our Creator knows that too well. Therefore, Islam very clearly recognises the need for human beings to rejoice and celebrate. Why not? Afterall, it is a constant struggle between what is desirable and what is not.

Fair enough. Now that we recognise that there is a natural tendency to celebrate on occasions that are pleasing and to mourn on occasions that are saddening, we ought to ask ourselves - what should the nature of our celebrations be? - Our celebratory mood, attitudes and practices.

One might wonder though - what kind of a celebration is  Eid? Where is the fun in that? No drinking [alcoholic drinks], no partying, no rock'n'roll?   

It is important to indicate here, perhaps to note, that celebrations are meant to express and promote optimism in the face of hardship. Indeed, a person who works hard with honesty, sincerity and integrity, will eventually rejoice over the result(s) achieved. Celebrations are meant to mark success achieved through hard work and dedication. To celebrate is a positive notion, it should bring about optimism grounded on the realities we live in. There has to be a pleasant balance. 

Here is the Islamic perspective.

After thirteen years of enduring resistance and persecution at the hands of the people Makkah, the Prophet Mohammad [peace and blessings be upon him] migrated to Medina al-Munawwara - a city oasis inhabited by pagan Arabs, Jewish tribes and some Christians. In this cosmopolitan city - in those days - there was an obvious predominance of the culture that was more grounded in scriptures and a religious ideology. According to historians, the Jews had considerable influence on defining the culture of Medina.

Muslims performing Eid prayers in Moscow, Russia.
Photograph: Alexander Zemlianichenko Jr/AP

When the Prophet [peace and blessings be upon him] arrived in Medina, he found the inhabitants of the city were celebrating two days - just as the Jews were. Soon after, he announced that Allah, [the Most High & Elevated] had gifted the believers with two days that were different and - better: the day of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.

One might wonder though - what kind of a celebration is Eid? Where is the fun in that? No drinking [alcoholic drinks], no partying, no rock'n'roll?

The Islamic celebrations are decent, clean and balanced. It is not an occasion for intensive acts of worshipped marked by strict rituals, as is the case some Jewish traditions. On the other hand, festive seasons such as, for example, Halloween or Christmas in Christianity, or Diwali and Holi in Hinduism, cause widespread drunkenness and harm to life and property. To the extent that some of these celebrations/festival seasons are based on fairy tales and myths - with no evidence whatsoever.

To celebrate is a positive notion, it should bring about optimism grounded on the realities we live in. 

This is lasting fun

On the day of Eid, it is customary for Muslims to wash themselves, put on their best clothes [as per Islamic teachings], put on the best available perfumes and make their way to the designated mosque or prayer area after consuming some sweets. While and when they are gathered, Muslims chant praises of Allah [the Most High & Elevated] in unison while they wait for the appointed time for prayer. The prayer itself is a ritual that is has deep spiritual connotations, or a declaration of the believers acknowledging the the countless bounties and blessings bestowed upon them, an acknowledgement of the Lordship of the Creator and Bestower. Expressions of servitude beautifully displayed blissfully yet in a humble posture, Muslims stand, bow and prostrate in prayer seeking guidance, patience, strength and forgiveness for themselves; and the mercy and pleasure of Allah [the Most High & Elevated].

After the prayer, it is customary to listen to the sermon - an exhortation to do good. A word of advice, a call towards dutifulness and responsibility during and after the festive season. Then one of the most amazing things happen - as if they were bathed in a shower of compassion, the worshippers stand and hug each other in an embrace of a brotherhood based upon one simple fact - that they all worship none other than Allah, the Most High & Elevated.

With faces smiling, cheerful, optimistic and friendly, they pray for each other success in attaining the loftiest of positions in this world and in Paradise. They hope for others what they would want for themselves - that Allah [the Most High & Elevated] accepts their fasting, prayers, readings, donations and other acts of worship. Above all, they hope and pray for each other an escape from the fire of hell and entry to the an eternal life in Paradise. They part from each other with intentions to visit each other, dine together just as they prayed together. No one is left out - salutations and gifts are generally exchanged. Muslims are encouraged to forgive, forget and begin on a new page.

Although the customs may vary from region to region, country to country and even locality to locality, the over all theme remains the same. Remarkably, there is no drunkenness, injury, physical damage or isolation caused during the festivities. In a clean atmosphere of peace and tranquillity, Muslims spend joyous moments in testimony that there is none worthy of worship other than Allah alone. Indeed, no one could have chosen a more better way of life for human beings other than the Creator of human beings Himself.

Undoubtedly, there is no one worthy of worship and praise other than Allah, and His final Prophet has indeed set the best example. Therefore, it is incumbent upon us to recognise and acknowledge with humility and sincerity, the position and rights of our Creator of us - and we should worship Him as He ought to be worshipped. That is a celebration in itself for those who understand.

Happy Eid!