Eid According to Masumeen a.s

On the day of Eid-ul-Fitr, Imam Ali (as) delivered a sermon in which he said:

“O people! Verily this day of yours is the day when the righteous are awarded and the wretched are losers. It is a day which is similar to the one on which you shall be standing (before your Lord). Therefore, when you come out of your homes to go to places of your prayer, remind yourselves about the day when you (your souls) shall come out of your bodies to go to your Lord. When you stand in places of your prayer, remind yourselves of your standing in the presence of your Lord (on the Day of Judgment). And when you return to your homes (after prayer), remind yourselves about your returning to your homes in Paradise.”

Imam Ali’s Teachings on Eid: Imam Ali (as) has defined Eid as: “Any day that is free of rebellion (or disobedience) against Allah SWT.”

He is quoted as saying: “Eid is for those whose fasts have been accepted and whose salaat are worthy of reckoning. Every day when one does not commit a sin is Eid.” (Nahjul Balaghah, Maxim no. 428)

Furthermore, Imam Ali (as) provided us with a formula to live by: “Remember Allah and He will remember you.” The Imam (as) explained that one who adheres to the commandments of Allah (SWT) is protected by Him.

Imam Al-Ridha’s Reflection on Eid: Imam Al-Ridha (as) said: “Eid is a day of unity. Hence, it is a day to give thanks and reaffirm faith in His favours and praise Him. Eid day is the first day when eating and drinking is once again permitted during daylight hours. So, for the seekers of Truth, Eid Al Fitr is the first day of the year.”

The Significance of Fitrah: The message of Eid-ul-Fitr emphasizes that no Muslim should remain hungry on this day. It is a day where both the rich and the poor can share in the happiness of the occasion, as the well-off give Fitrah to the less fortunate. The Fitrah ensures the acceptance of the fast.

Imam Al-Sadiq (as) has explained: “Fasts remain suspended between the earth and the heavens until Fitrah is executed.” The emphasis on Fitrah is so great that a family capable of giving just one person’s Fitrah can rotate that Fitrah among all members of the family to fulfill the obligation. Even a poor man receiving charity is required to pay Fitrah from the Sadaqat he receives.

Imam Al-Baqir’s Reflection on Eid: In the Qu’noot of the Salaatul Eid, Imam Al-Baqir (as) beseeches Allah (SWT), seeking what the goodly souls wish to acquire from Him and asking for protection from the matters that the goodly souls seek protection from. Imam Al-Baqir (as) also reminded us of the sadness that accompanies Eid—the sadness stemming from the usurpation of the rights of the Ahlul Bayt (as) and the violation of human rights.

The Imam of our time, Imam Al-Asr (atfs), captures this sadness in the Du’a Nudbah (Supplication of Lamentation), which has been recommended to be recited on Eid.

Conclusion: Thus, the rejoicing on Eid is to obey Allah (SWT) and serve humanity—this is the twin purpose of Islam, as defined by the Prophet (SAW). The day of Eid is a reminder of the importance of giving, unity, and faith.

In conclusion, we should pray together to Allah (SWT) to accept the deeds we have done during this Holy Month and to make us continue the good work and practices attained in this blessed month.

Elahi Ameen!