Thought For The Day – Friday 21^st April 2023

Muslims around the world are getting ready for the festival of Eid al-Fitr, at the sighting of the new moon.   Eid al-Fitr has already been declared in some parts of the world.  The festival will be celebrated for one to three days, depending on country.

At Eid al-Fitr, the greeting “Eid Mubarak” will be given meaning “Blessed Eid”. It is a festival of faith, family and fellowship.

This festival marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month of Islam (a religion which means peace and obedience to Allah), where Muslims fast (Sawm) in daylight hours. Islam is a faith of compassion and understanding; pregnant and breastfeeding women, the ill, the vulnerable, the elderly and the young are not expected to fast. Ramadan remembers the gift of the Qur’an,  God’s Word,  from Allah through the Angel Jibril to Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him). The revelations began on The Night of Power or The Night of Glory in Ramadan and lasted twenty two years.  Ramadan also remembers,  and empathises with, the poor and those in need.

Eid al-Fitr is a wonderful communal celebration.  This will be seen around the U.K., and around the world.  Muslims will rise early, bathe and pray. Cards and gifts will be exchanged,  forgiveness given and sought, homes decorated, new clothes worn, food shared,  mosques visited, the sermon of the imam listened to.  Holy days are holidays. If Muslims can afford to donate, charity (Zakat or Zakah) is given directly to a Muslim charity or collected at a mosque. Allah is thanked respectfully and generally, and specifically for the gift of the Qur’an.

Muslim beliefs in life after death give hope, help and inspiration.  One of the most beautiful aspects of Eid al-Fitr is Muslims visiting the graves of their loved ones who have passed away.  Everyone is always remembered.