Idul-Fitr
- Festival of breaking the fast after Ramzan -
Dr Smaa Chishti *
Idul-Fitr is celebrated at the end of Ramzan. Idd comes from Aud, meaning to return and Fitr means breaking the fast.
Idul-Fitr means the festival of breaking the fast after Ramzan. Idul-Azha means the festival of sacrifice which occurs on the day following the Hajj.
Islam has got only two festivals in a year which is celebrated with a view to demonstrate happiness after performance of duties like fasting. They teach that there is real happiness in the performance of religious duties.
These are also practical examples of Islamic brotherhood in which all men irrespective of caste and creed should join these prayers. One characteristic of the Islamic festivals, therefore is that they have underlying them, a deep spiritual meaning.
But they have another characteristic as well. In the moment of their greatest joy, the Muslims gather in as vast a congregation as possible and fall prostrate before their great Maker, giving Him and that He has enabled them to perform their duty or to make a sacrifice.
The Spiritual significance of both festivals is thus brought out in the Divine service which is the chief feature of the day of festival.
The preparation for Idd is similar to the Friday service. One must take a bath, put on one’s best clothes, use scent and do everything possible to appear neat and tidy. The gathering in the Idd should preferably be in an open place, but, if necessary, a mosque may also be used for holding the Divine service.
While celebrating the great Idd festivals, a Muslim not only remembers God but he is also enjoined to remember his poorer brethren. The institution of a charitable fund is associated with both Idds.
On the occasion of the Idul-Fitr, every Muslim is required to give Sadaqah Fitr (charity) which amounts to three or four seers of wheat, barley, rice or any other staple food of the country per head of the family, including the old as well as the youngest members, males as well as females (Bu 24:70).
The payment is to be made before the service is held, and it is obligatory (Fardz). Like Zakat, the Fitr charity was an organised institution, as expressly mentioned in a Hadis.
* Dr Smaa Chishti from Modern College, Imphal , wrote this article for The Sangai Express . This article was webcasted on October 02, 2008.
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