Eid-ul-fitr is a day of contentment

THE word Eid is derived from the Arabic root word which literally means to return.

Subsequent to a month of abstinence from food and drink, the performance of obligatory and voluntary acts of worship, both at an individual and collective level during the blessed month of Ramadaan, Muslims return to their normal life rejuvenated morally, socially and spiritually.

Hence, this particular celebration on the first of Shawwal is termed Eid-ulfitr, which is also the feast of breaking fast.

It is a day of contentment, following the performance of an obligation, which is intended to demonstrate that true contentment is attained by the performance of a divinely ordained duty.

The termination of the month of Ramadaan does not mean the termination of one’s obligatory duties and good deeds as enshrined in the Holy Qur’an and in the Prophetic Traditions. This can be only achieved if one contemplates and implements divine law.

Eid-ul-fitr is also a day of caring and sharing. Therefore, it is incumbent upon affluent Muslims to provide for the underprivileged in order for them to celebrate Eid on an equitable basis.

Hence the concept of socio-economic equality and interdependence was impressed upon by the Prophet Muhammad which constitutes human rights.

In reality, wealth is the possession of Allah (Almighty God). Humankind is only a trustee of the wealth on Earth and as such shall be subject to accountability to Allah.

Therefore, humankind must take cognisance of the fact that the rights of Allah and the rights of human beings must be executed in accordance with divine decree.

In Islam, selfishness is viewed as a heinous crime while selflessness is viewed as a meritorious act.

Muslims must perceive that Eid is also a day of reconciliation, peace and unity.

The congregational prayer, attended by large numbers of Muslims, clearly demonstrates the solidarity of Islam.

Standing shoulder to shoulder in congregational prayer reinforces the belief that all humankind stand equal before God.

The prayer of a Muslim ends with the pronouncement of peace. Muslims also greet each other with the greeting of peace (As-salaam Alaykum) which forms an integral part in the enforcement of brotherhood.

A Muslim should be a symbol of peace in belief, word, deed and thought.

The greatest social ideal propounded by the Prophet Muhammad is brotherhood. So Muslims must strive to create a world order conducive to peace and harmony.

If peace is established at an ideological level, it must be extended to the humanitarian level of brotherhood.

The directives enshrined in the Holy Qur’an and the Prophetic paradigm, if strictly adhered to, will inevitably assist in bringing about peace and harmony in the lives of humankind, who are globally oppressed.

Moral and spiritual evolution can only be achieved through the inculcation of God-consciousness.

Eid Mubarak to the Muslim community and a fervent prayer for unity among all of humankind.

Ebrahim has a diploma in education, certificate in Islamic law, BA degree, masters in

Islamic studies and is a doctor of Philosophy. He is a public relations and research officer at the South African National Zakah Fund.