Kashif Shahzada

The month of Ramadan finally comes to an end. Muslims all over the world are celebrating the festival of Eid which marks the end of the month and is a communal celebration where we meet family and friends, exchange gifts and have parties

So Eid is here! The first fast just seemed like yesterday. It all passed away so quickly!

Sometimes I feel that the month of Ramadan and the subsequent joys of Eid are an abridged version of a believers entire life.

While observing a fast, a believer for the sake of Allah, voluntarily imposes on his person certain do’s and dont’s, follows a discipline through the whole month, seeks Qur’anic guidance during the night, and acts on its instructions during the day.

He struggles and toils arduously during the entire month and at the end is rewarded by Eid pleasantries, festivities, greetings, joy and happiness.

Just like the month of fasting is a constant struggle – a Jihad whereby we voluntarily observe do’s and dont’s and strengthen our belief for the sake of Allah alone, so is our life a constant struggle.

Just like at the end of the struggle of month long fasting we receive the joy of Eid, so do the righteous find a happiness and joy at the end of life in the form of Al Jannah i.e. the Garden of joyous bliss, and perpetual happiness.

So in a way, as the month of fasting is training for the believer to live his life for the remaining eleven months, so is it an occasion that epitomizes his entire life.

All this is summed up in one word and that being Taqwa i.e. to guard oneself from wrong doing and evil conduct. Taqwa is in fact stated to be the very purpose of human creation:

 “O ye people! Serve your Guardian-Lord, Who created you And those who came before you,That ye may guard (against evil).” 2:21

And same is the purpose of fasting, i.e. that the believer develops Taqwa:

 “O you who believe! Fasting is written over you as it was written over those before you that you may guard (against evil)!” 2: 183

 So as in Ramadan we strive for God-consciousness and develop our will power to resist evil, it is in essence a training pattern for our entire life.

As Eid is a joy for one who fasts, Jannah is the joy for the believer at the end of his life.

EID FOR ALL

The month of fasting has finally passed. Eid is upon us. On this day, Muslims all over the world stop fasting and engage in communal prayers (Salat al Eid) which is followed by meeting, greeting, hugging, and kissing as well as shaking hands with fellow community members.

Such public friendly physical contact (but strictly with members of the same sex!) is truly an overwhelming scene.

As one can see people of all hues, colours, nationalities, social backgrounds to extend greetings to whoever is on their side, known or unknown, and is a practical example of community brotherhood.

While Eid is a moment of family parties, we must also remember those who are less fortunate, and who need our helping hand.

The orphan, the destitute, the physically challenged and everyone else who may otherwise be marginalised in the mainstream; should be the focus of our attention along with our near and dear ones.

It is a obligation on every believer to ensure that the downtrodden are included in the festivities of the moment by way of sharing his wealth with them through Sadaqat.

This will be the essence of our practical belief on Qur’anic teachings, that enjoin upon us in numerous exhortations:

 “Sadaqat (Alms) are for the poor and the needy, and those employed to administer the (funds); for those whose hearts have been (recently) reconciled (to Truth); for those in bondage and in debt; in the cause of Allah. and for the wayfarer: (thus is it) ordained by Allah, and Allah is full of knowledge and wisdom.” 9:60

 “Therefore, treat not the orphan with harshness, Nor repulse the petitioner (unheard);But the bounty of the Lord – rehearse and proclaim!” 93:9-11

So dear readers, while you enjoy yourself in Eid, do recall the divine injunctions about helping the poor, for the sake of Allah.

Lastly, I would like to thank all those who read these reflections and sent encouraging comments.

Particularly, I was very happy to see positive comments from a number of non Muslim readers who appreciated the themes touched upon in the reflections.

I hope, that we can keep in touch in the future in a meaningful way as well.

Those who wish to undertake more detailed studies on the Qur’an may find these lectures to be of interest. 

Till then,

Best Wishes for Eid!