Five Lesser-Known Facts About Eid Celebrations in Nigeria
The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially declared Thursday, March 19, and Friday, March 20, 2026, as public holidays to commemorate Eid-ul-Fitr, marking the conclusion of the holy month of Ramadan. This announcement was made by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, through a statement issued by Magdalene Ajani, the permanent secretary of the ministry.
1. The Essence of Eid and Contentment
On Eid day, individuals can be categorized into two groups: those who experience superficial happiness and those who attain genuine contentment. Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad, the Second Caliph of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, elaborates on this distinction by emphasizing that true Eid is determined by the happiness of the heart rather than external festivities.
He explains that contentment cannot exist where fear prevails, and one cannot be safeguarded from fear without certainty in a guardian who cannot be challenged—specifically, God Almighty. Therefore, authentic Eid occurs when an individual becomes certain that God is pleased with them. He poses a thought-provoking question: "What difference is there today versus yesterday?" highlighting that if joy stems merely from dressing well or preparing exquisite meals, it could have been achieved any day. True happiness, he asserts, is reserved for those who have fulfilled their obligations to God.
2. The Meaning of the Word "Eid"
While Eid is commonly described as a day of happiness, its original meaning refers to something that occurs repeatedly. This reflects humanity's natural inclination to seek out recurring joy, as happiness is a universal desire. A proverb underscores this by stating, "A thing that returns a second time is superior," emphasizing the value of repeated celebrations.
3. Eid and Human Nature
Celebrations such as Christmas, Hanukkah, or Diwali exemplify mankind's innate desire to congregate and rejoice. Islam acknowledges this intrinsic link between celebration and human nature. Beyond the two major Eids observed by Muslims annually, the Holy Prophet also referred to Friday as a day of Eid.
Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad addresses why celebrations are essential, noting that dwelling solely on sorrows and hardships can diminish strength. Occasionally, focusing on successes strengthens resolve. He explains that human nature seeks to distance itself from burdens and experience happiness, necessitating days where individuals can unburden themselves through dressing up and social interaction.
However, Islamic Eid differs significantly from celebratory days in other nations. While others may indulge in temporary pleasures like drinking and dancing, Islamic celebrations aim to satiate the soul with everlasting happiness. On Eid, Muslims observe six prayers instead of the usual five, wear new clothes, apply fragrance, and prepare delicious meals—all as additional opportunities to worship God.
4. True Eid Transcends Time and Space
Statutory holidays worldwide are confined to specific times, with festivities ending as the clock strikes midnight. In contrast, true Eid transcends temporal and spatial boundaries. Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad states that Eid involves reconciling with God and forging a bond with Him. This form of Eid does not expire; it has no dawn, and time cannot abolish or conclude it. It begins in this world and reaches its zenith in the hereafter, continuing beyond the grave and into the afterlife.
5. Superficial Eid Versus True Eid
Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad draws attention to the distinction between superficial Eid and true Eid, which includes the Holy Prophet. He notes that while Muslims are obliged to be happy and celebrate on Eid, their hearts should still harbor grief because the Eid of the Holy Prophet and Islam has not yet been fully realized.
The Eid of Islam and the Holy Prophet will not be achieved merely through consuming sweet vermicelli and sheer khurma. Instead, it will occur through the dissemination of the Qur'an and Islam. If Muslims can accomplish this, the Holy Prophet will participate in their Eid and rejoice in seeing that his nation has upheld his mission.
