Every year as the blessed month of Ramadan draws to a close, there is anticipation and optimism. Across the globe, billions of Muslims prepare to celebrate and thoughts turn to family get-togethers, presents, luxurious meals.
This year, 2020, Ramadan has been unlike any other and Eid-ul-Fitr follows suit.
The global coronavirus pandemic and its lockdowns, their social and economic implications, the impact on our psychological and physical well-being, have all been at the forefront of everyone’s minds.
With public gatherings banned and mosques closed, families restricted from seeing each other and social distancing imposed on societies, many of the joyful scenes of Eids past will not be seen this year.
But that makes this year’s festival even more significant. The primary objective of Eid-ul-Fitr is not to celebrate worldly possessions and materials but the remembrance of Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala and how the sacrifices made during the month of Ramadan can help us be better human beings.
It is a time to thank Allah for having given us the patience and endurance to fast during Ramadan; for the opportunity to attain taqwa (consciousness of Allah) during the blessed month, and to continue seeking His blessings and forgiveness during the rest of the year.
This year, we can also ask our Creator to bestow even more of His mercy and forgiveness, especially on those who have left this life during Ramadan, whether due to COVID-19 or other illnesses.
They may not be with us to share our Eid joy and happiness but we can pray that they enjoy an even greater reward in the Hereafter.
The unprecedented situation means that we may not be able to follow the traditions of previous years or even the Sunnah in some cases, for instance joining in the congregational Eid prayers in a mosque, but we can still reap the blessings and rewards of the Almighty.
Giving Fitrana ensures our brothers and sisters in Islam who are in need can share in the celebration of Eid – but it must be done before the Eid prayers. Any donation intended as Fitrana but given after the Eid prayers is regarded as Sadaqah.
Ibn Umar (RA) said: “The Messenger of Allah (Peace and Blessings of Allah Be Upon Him) instructed us to pay the Zakat ul Fitr before people move out for [Eid] prayer.” Ibn Umar used to pay those who collect it, and they used to pay it a day or two before the end of Ramadan.” (Hadith Bukhari)
Despite the restrictions that face us in our daily lives, we can still perform many of these acts and gain the pleasure of the Almighty on this auspicious day.
By sticking to whatever rules and guidelines are in place, and by using common sense, we can all enjoy the pleasures and bounties of Eid.
Most of all, we can pray that Allah accepts our prayers and duas and grants us His mercy and blessing even more in these most unusual of times.
From everyone at Islamic Help, may you and your family have a blessed Eid-ul-Fitr.
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