Eid ul-Fitr Vibes with QIAS  , A Sacred Celebration of Faith, Gratitude, and Renewal

Eid ul-Fitr(Eid al-Fitr), known as the “Festival of Breaking the Fast,”or the Lesser Bairam is a momentous occasion in the Islamic calendar. Marking the end of Ramadan,  celebrated on the new crescent moon appearance in the evening sky for the first three days of Shawwāl ,  the 10th month of the Islamic calendar , this sacred ceremony represents both the culmination of spiritual striving and the renewal of faith. This festival stands as a unique opportunity for Muslims to express gratitude to Allah (SWT) for enabling them to complete the sacred obligations of fasting ( Sawm ), to strengthen communal bonds, and to celebrate  through joy and charity. Beyond its festive customs, Eid ul-Fitr(Eid al-Fitr) is imbued with profound spiritual and social rewards, offering countless blessings to both individuals and communities. Further , the festival carries universal values of gratitude, compassion, and unity, resonating deeply with Muslims across the globe—including non-native speakers in America, Britain, and Canada—who seek to connect with its rich meanings.

• The importance of Eid ul-Fitr

Eid ul-Fitr(Eid al-Fitr) is not merely a time of celebration but also a unique opportunity to attain divine blessings, spiritual purification, and social harmony. Its significance transcends festivity, encompassing rewards that nurture the soul and strengthen the fabric of the community.

1. The Completion of Ramadan and the Reward of Obedience

The successful observance of Ramadan is met with abundant rewards from Allah (SWT). Eid ul-Fitr (Eid al-Fitr)is a divine acknowledgment of the believer’s efforts in fasting, prayer, and acts of devotion throughout the holy month.The Quran captures the essence of gratitude for completing this sacred month:

“وَلِتُكْمِلُوا ٱلْعِدَّةَ وَلِتُكَبِّرُوا ٱللَّهَ عَلَىٰ مَا هَدَىٰكُمْ وَلَعَلَّكُمْ تَشْكُرُونَ”

( “And [Allah wants] for you to complete the period and to glorify Allah for that [to] which He has guided you, and perhaps you will be grateful” ; Quran 2:185).

2. The Reward of Gratitude

Eid ul-Fitr (Eid al-Fitr) is deeply intertwined with gratitude, as Muslims glorify Allah (SWT) for granting them the strength to complete Ramadan. This gratitude is expressed through acts of worship, charity, and kindness.As an illustration, The Quran states, “If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor]” (Quran 14:7). By celebrating Eid ul-Fitr(Eid al-Fitr), Muslims embody this gratitude and reap its spiritual rewards.

3. The Blessings of Zakat ul-Fitr

The obligatory charity known as Zakat ul-Fitr purifies the fasting person from shortcomings and ensures the inclusion of the less fortunate in the festivities. Its distribution is a source of immense rewards .As for instance, The Prophet (PBUH) stated, “The fasting of Ramadan will remain suspended between the heavens and the earth, and it will not be raised until Zakat ul-Fitr is paid” (Ibn Abbas). This highlights the integral role of Zakat ul-Fitr in completing Ramadan.

4. Strengthening Communal Bonds

Eid ul-Fitr (Eid al-Fitr) fosters unity and mutual love within the Muslim Ummah. The collective performance of the Eid prayer, the exchange of greetings, and acts of generosity deepen bonds and create lasting memories.The communal aspects of Eid ul-Fitr—such as congregational prayer, family gatherings, and acts of generosity—strengthen social bonds and embody the prophetic teaching:

“مَثَلُ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ فِي تَوَادِّهِمْ وَتَرَاحُمِهِمْ كَمَثَلِ الْجَسَدِ، إِذَا اشْتَكَى عُضْوٌ تَدَاعَى لَهُ سَائِرُ الْجَسَدِ بِالسَّهَرِ وَالْحُمَّى”

( “The believers, in their mutual kindness, compassion, and sympathy, are like one body; when one part suffers, the whole body responds with wakefulness and fever” ; Sahih Muslim).

• How to Celebrate Eid ul-Fitr

Eid ul-Fitr (Eid al-Fitr) is celebrated with a range of rituals and customs, each imbued with spiritual and cultural significance. These practices offer a framework for Muslims across the sphere —including non-native speakers in America, Britain, and Canada— to observe this sacred day meaningfully and joyfully.

1. Begin with Takbeer & Salat Ul-Eid

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) emphasized the importance of worship on the day of Eid, encouraging Muslims to begin their day with Takbeer and the special Eid prayer. He said:

“زَيَّنُوا أَعْيَادَكُمْ بِالتَّكْبِيرِ”

( “Adorn your Eid with Takbeer [the proclamation of Allah’s greatness]” ; Al-Bayhaqi). The Takbeerat ul-Eid

 ( الله أكبر الله أكبر لا إله إلا الله والله أكبر الله أكبر ولله الحمد – “Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest; there is no God but Allah, and Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest, and to Him belongs all praise” ) are recited as an act of worship and gratitude, glorifying Allah (SWT) for His blessings.Muslim can  say The Takbeerat ul-Eid within the last day of Ramadan sun set to the appearance of Imam to begin Salat al-Eid (the special Eid prayer). This congregational prayer is an opportunity for spiritual unity and reflection.

Given, large congregational prayers are held in open air for males , but inside mosques for females , fostering a sense of collective gratitude.

3. Embellish the Day with Festive Attire

Wearing one’s finest clothing on Eid is a tradition that reflects the celebratory nature of the occasion. Personal grooming and modest adornment symbolize self-respect and the honoring of Allah’s blessings.As, it is Sunna to dress up in this sacred occasion .

2-Eating dates

It is sunna for Muslims to eat dates before going to Salat al-Eid (the special Eid prayer).Scientific studies stressed: it is useful for health and prepares stomach for eating after Ramadan fasting .

3. Pay Zakat ul-Fitr Before the Prayer

Zakat ul-Fitr should be distributed before the Eid prayer, ensuring that everyone can join in the festivities with dignity.

For non-native Muslim speakers ,organizations in Britain , America, and Canada often supported by mosques, facilitate the collection and distribution of Zakat ul-Fitr to ensure its timely delivery.Zakat ul-Fitr, a mandatory charity given before the Eid prayer, purifies the fasting person from any shortcomings during Ramadan. It also ensures that the less fortunate can partake in the joy of Eid.The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:

” زَكَاةَ الْفِطْرِ طُهْرَةً لِلصَّائِمِ مِنَ اللَّغْوِ وَالرَّفَثِ وَطُعْمَةً لِلْمَسَاكِينِ“

( ” Zakat ul-Fitr is to purify the fasting person from idle talk and obscenities and to provide food for the needy” ; Abu Dawood).  This act of charity encapsulates the spirit of selflessness, equity, and social harmony that defines Islam.

4. Celebrate with Family and Community

Eid is a time for reconnecting with loved ones and fostering communal ties. Sharing meals, exchanging greetings, and giving Eidia (monetary gifts) to children are cherished traditions.

5. Partake in Acts of Charity and Kindness

Extending acts of kindness to neighbors, visiting the sick, and sharing meals with those in need are integral to the ethos of Eid ul-Fitr .These acts reflect the prophetic teaching:

“خَيْرُ النَّاسِ أَنْفَعُهُمْ لِلنَّاسِ”

( “The best of people are those who are most beneficial to others” ; Tabarani).

6. Reflect on the Lessons of Ramadan

Eid ul-Fitr(Eid al-Fitr) is not merely a conclusion but also an opportunity to reflect on the lessons of Ramadan. It serves as a reminder to sustain the values of discipline, generosity, and compassion throughout the year.

• Breaking Linguistic Barriers

For non-native Muslim speakers in America ,Britain , and Canada enhancing Eid ul-Fitr vibes may pose linguistic challenges.  QIAS( Qortoba Institution for Arabic Studies) is the alpha , par excellence, in addressing these challenges.Through structured programs  for online Arabic courses & Qur’an classes  that focus on Arabic Alphabet-for beginners and kids-  Quranic vocabulary and grammar QIAS e-platform enables non-native Muslim  speakers scholars in Britain,America & Canada to overcome linguistic barriers.

• Most commonly used phrases during Eid ul-Fitr

 عيد مبارك     : Blessed Eid.

   – A simple, heartfelt greeting exchanged among Muslims on Eid.

تقبل الله منا ومنكم  : May Allah accept [good deeds] from us and from you.

   – A supplication often said to wish for Allah’s acceptance of Ramadan fasting and worship.

 كل عام وأنتم بخير  : Happy many returns

   – A phrase wishing continued blessings and well-being for every year.

عيد سعيد  :Happy Eid

   – A cheerful, festive greeting expressing joy.

كل سنة وأنت طيب  : Wishing you goodness every year.

   – A friendly greeting commonly used during Eid.

 مبارك عليكم العيد  : May Eid be blessed for you.

   – Another way to wish someone blessings on this special day.

أدام الله أفراحكم  :May Allah perpetuate your happiness.

    – A poetic phrase wishing ongoing joy and blessings.

In summation,Eid ul-Fitr(Eid al-Fitr), or the “Festival of Breaking the Fast,” stands as a luminous celebration that embodies the core values of Islam—gratitude, charity, and unity. Its rituals and rewards transcend cultural boundaries, uniting Muslims in joyful gratitude for the spiritual triumph of Ramadan. The festival’s significance lies not only in its joyous customs but also in its profound impact on individuals and communities, fostering solidarity and mutual compassion. For non-native Muslim speakers in America, Britain, and Canada,QIAS serves as indispensable allies, enriching their understanding of Eid and enabling them to engage deeply with its traditions. By embracing the values of Eid ul-Fitr, Muslims worldwide affirm their commitment to faith, community, and the timeless principles of Islam