Eid-el-Fitr: A Time for Celebration and Deep Reflection
Eid-el-Fitr has arrived, serving as the grand culmination of a month-long fasting period that is a divine obligation for Muslims worldwide. While this occasion naturally invites festivity, it also calls for sober reflection on the gains achieved during Ramadan and, crucially, on how to sustain these benefits at both personal and societal levels. The profound lessons of Ramadan fasting, epitomized by Eid-el-Fitr, risk losing their significance if the virtues cultivated do not positively impact society and the nation.
The Spiritual Journey of Ramadan
Throughout Ramadan, each day of fasting concludes at dusk with Iftar, a mini-celebration at the household level. Eid-el-Fitr, however, stands as the grand finale, highlighting the universality of Islam with nearly two billion followers globally. As an annual rite marking the end of fasting during the ninth month of the lunar calendar, Eid-el-Fitr is often regarded as a graduation ceremony from the school of Ramadan. In this spiritual training ground, Muslims engage in courses focused on patience, perseverance, honesty, charity, generosity, and consciousness of the Almighty.
The values acquired during this training should serve as a template for engagements throughout the year. Eid-el-Fitr provides a platform for Muslims to bask in uncommon happiness, particularly for their ability to connect with the Almighty and renew their covenant with Him. This connection imbues them with spiritual weapons necessary to navigate the inevitable vicissitudes of human existence.
Beyond Celebration: Sustaining Ramadan's Virtues
As the celebration unfolds, it is essential to emphasize that graduating from the school of Ramadan signifies arrival at a new station, which marks the beginning of another journey. For the conscious Muslim, life is a continuous cycle of arrival and departure from religious duties. Thus, Eid-el-Fitr is not an end but another means in the ongoing journey of spiritual development.
Beyond Eid-el-Fitr, the faithful are encouraged to observe the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). This includes waking up early for tahajjud prayers, which were regularly observed during Ramadan and should be sustained afterward. Other meritorious deeds include taking a bath before Fajr prayers, wearing new or the best available clothes, and using perfume, especially for men. Muslims are not allowed to fast on this day and are expected to have a light breakfast before heading to the prayer ground.
Societal Implications and Governance
On a broader scale, leaders, particularly Muslims among them, should ponder how the lessons of Ramadan and Eid-el-Fitr can permeate governance and individual character. If this occasion symbolizes peace, supplication, sacrifice, piety, and humanness, why do violence, corruption, and heinous crimes like murder and kidnapping dominate the polity? It is particularly worrisome that many of these crimes are perpetuated by individuals who profess to be Muslims, even citing Allah's name in desecration.
This has prompted concerns, such as the United States designating Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern regarding religious targeting. Islam recognizes the existence of other religions and advocates tolerance as a hallmark of a good Muslim. Therefore, all Muslims in Nigeria should unite against terrorism and banditry in all forms. Insecurity has reached alarming levels partly because some Muslims in authority turned a blind eye to atrocities for selfish motives.
The good news is that if Nigerians adopt a unity-of-purpose attitude, they can conquer terrorism and restore the country's long-lost peaceful and progressive glory. There is a dire need for responsible governance that prioritizes people's well-being over politics. Otherwise, Nigeria risks stagnation while the world progresses.
Acts of Charity and Generosity
Ahead of Eid-el-Fitr, Muslims are reminded of the tradition of giving Sadaqat-ul-fitr, preferably before the Eid prayers. Recently, Muslim scholars have agreed that this act can be monetized to extend the happiness of the occasion to brethren facing adversity. Nigerian leaders, especially Muslims, must search their consciences on whether they truly desire the happiness of the people they govern. Do their policies promote the well-being of ordinary Nigerians in both the short and long term? If not, they have fallen short of Ramadan's lessons.
Acts of generosity are more acceptable when given without expectation of appreciation, discreetly so that the left hand does not know what the right hand has given. Another virtue is setting out early for the Eid prayer ground and engaging in glorification of the Almighty along the way.
The Eid Prayer and Sermon
The Eid prayer, typically performed in congregation in open areas, is followed by a khutbah (sermon) and supplication asking for the Almighty's forgiveness, mercy, peace, and blessings for all living beings worldwide. The khutbah also reminds Muslims of their responsibilities to the Almighty after Ramadan. It is crucial for Muslims not only to pay attention to the sermon but to conduct their lives in accordance with its teachings.
Sustaining Virtues Beyond Ramadan
As Muslims celebrate the end of this year's Ramadan, it is vital to keep the virtues inculcated during the month in focus. These include having more empathy for the poor, sustaining acts of worship, and embracing steadfastness, patience, and perseverance as watchwords. Ramadan highlights the power of the spiritual realm, shifting focus from the ephemeral to the eternal. It teaches that salvation, both on earth and in the hereafter, depends on how steady Muslims are in focusing on the Almighty, how grateful they are for His blessings, and how patient they remain during turbulent times.
In conclusion, Eid-el-Fitr is not just a celebration but a call to action for personal growth and societal improvement. By embracing and sustaining the lessons of Ramadan, Muslims can contribute to a more peaceful and progressive Nigeria.
