...::: `Eid Al-Fitr: A Day of Joy and Thanksgiving :::..

`Eid Al-Fitr is the day of boons and blessings for all fasting Muslims, as they are promised great reward by Almighty Allah for good observance of Fasting. By the end of Ramadan, Muslims express their gratitude to Allah Who has enabled them to observe Fasting and, at the same time, granted them abundant provision during this blessed month. `Eid Al-Fitr, therefore, is a day of joy, acts of worship, thanksgiving to Allah, cooperation, solidarity, brotherhood, unity, and spiritual provision.

Shedding more light on this issue, we'd like to cite for you the following fatwa issued by the late Sheikh Sayyed Ad-Darsh, former Chairman of the UK Shari`ah Council:

The joy is our `Eid, it is our feast. During the month of Ramadan, Allah has put us to test. At the end of the month there is a great sense of achievement, of coming closer to the Almighty. It is the joy of spiritual fulfillment. It is a time for celebration, not to indulge in insulting or abusing others or detracting from the achievements of the month of Ramadan; it’s a day of real happiness and joy.

When Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) entered the house of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) on the day of `Eid, he found two young girls playing music and singing. Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) asked them: "Doing this in the house of the Prophet, how come?" But the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) told Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) to leave them, for `Eid is a day of merriment and joy.

It is important for us to let our young and neighbors understand that our religion is not boring and just a matter of don'ts. We must show that Islam is the way of moderation, of tolerance, of beauty, sharing and laughter in the appropriate occasion.

However, `Eid is not simply a matter of celebration and joy. It is also a chance to share the feelings of those around us. That is why the sacrifice is offered and shared with friends, even with non-Muslims. We are not stopped from sharing with those of our neighbors who are non-Muslim. Charity is very important and meritorious on the two `Eids. It is an affirmation of our responsibility to the community in which we are living.

For more elaboration on this, we'd like to cite for you the following fatwa issued by Dr. Muzammil H. Siddiqi, President of the Fiqh Council of North America:

At the conclusion of the month of Ramadan, on the first day of the 10th month of Islamic lunar calendar occurs `Eid Al-Fitr. This is one of two main festivals of Islam and is celebrated by all Muslims throughout the world.

The ceremony of `Eid Al-Fitr starts early morning with a worship service. This service is generally held in a large open place and is attended by thousands of Muslims. After the Prayer the leader of the Prayer (Imam) delivers a short sermon and then people greet each other. The rest of the ceremonies are held generally privately with families and friends.

The significance of `Eid Al-Fitr is that it is a day of thanksgiving to Allah that He gave the opportunity to Muslims to benefit from and enjoy the blessings of the month of Ramadan.