The Essence of Eid ul Fitr

Refraining from food and drink for almost 30 days can seem like an illusion at the end of the journey. Looking beyond this purely physical need allows an individual to be intensely grateful in addition to redirecting one’s attention to the spiritual needs and state of self. Through this execution of self-discipline, one is encouraged to progress spiritually by purifying oneself and moving towards increased righteousness. It can be worth noting that one builds these habits of prayer, especially that of the pre-dawn supplication and morning prayer, and refraining oneself from various vices and weaknesses within these 30 days. Further, one can reflect upon the idea of relaying it forward for greater spiritual development. It is through this continuous improvement that one establishes a solid relationship with God Almighty while being relinquished of one’s weaknesses.¹ This is the beginning of one’s spiritual state, as described by the Promised Messiah (peace be upon Him), the Holy Founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, in his book, The Philosophy of the Teachings of Islam.  

Before continuing one’s development, Muslims rejoice at the end of Ramadan with Eid ul Fitr. On the surface, it involves putting on fine clothes and taking part in the Eid prayer and its sermon. This may be followed by indulging in exquisite food with close ones. Perhaps money and gifts are even exchanged. But principally, a believer is delighted at the spiritual elation they might feel within their heart and soul, in addition to fulfilling the commandment of God Almighty of fasting.² 

The most pleasant outfit one should be wearing is that of righteousness.³ God Almighty states in the Holy Quran in verse 27 of chapter 7,

“…the raiment of righteousness – that is the best. That is one of the signs of Allah, that they may remember.” ⁴

Moreover, the real food that one should be indulging in is the sustenance that the soul has acquired in the past 30 days through prayer and fasting.⁵ During the Eid ul Fitr sermon on 24th May 2020, His Holiness, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (May Allah be His Helper), further explained: 

“The Eid that does not have a lasting benefit cannot be a true Eid. True Eid is that which leads to a long–lasting change for the better. It is the Eid that nourishes the soul and leaves a person better off… such a person attains God and God finds His lost servant and the time of separation ends and it is as if two long-lost friends finally meet each other. A person sits in the company of his Beloved Lord. Such a person celebrates an Eid today and tomorrow. In fact, he or she is forever in a state of Eid.” ⁶

Thus, such spiritual changes cannot remain limited to those 30 days themselves. A true celebration is that where God Almighty is remembered, and one is thoroughly keen to be in His presence.  

References :

1. Ahmad MG.The Philosophy of the Teachings of Islam: https://www.alislam.org/library/books/Philosophy-of-Teachings-of-Islam.pdf. UK: Islam International Publications Ltd.; 2007. Accessed April 26, 2021.  
2. Editorial on Eid-ul-Fitr. Al Islam: https://www.alislam.org/articles/editorial-on-eid-ul-fitr/. April 1992. Accessed April 26, 2021.
3. Editorial on Eid-ul-Fitr. Al Islam: https://www.alislam.org/articles/editorial-on-eid-ul-fitr/. April 1992. Accessed April 26, 2021.
4. The Holy Quran. Al Islam: http://www.alislam.org/quran/app/7:27. Accessed April 26, 2021. 
5. Editorial on Eid-ul-Fitr. Al Islam: https://www.alislam.org/articles/editorial-on-eid-ul-fitr/. April 1992. Accessed April 26, 2021. 
6. Eid Sermon Delivered in an Empty Mosque to an Audience of Millions across the World by Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. Al Islam: https://www.alislam.org/press-release/eid-sermon-delivered-in-an-empty-mosque-to-an-audience-of-millions/. Accessed April 26, 2021.