Today is the day of Ramzan Eid is also called Eid Ul Fitr. It is the most important festival for Muslim. It is celebrated at the end of the holy month of Ramzan.  

Importance of the month of Ramzan

Ramzan is the ninth month in Muslim calendar and Muslims from all over the world know that it is considered as a holy month and an important festival for them. It is the month that Holy Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad. The annual observance of Ramadan is regarded as one of the Five Pillars (foundations) of Islam.  

What does the Muslim do during this month? 

They fast from sunrise to sunset daily for the whole month. They wake up in the early in the morning, before sunrise to eat a healthy breakfast. This meal is called “Suhur” Then from sunrise till sunset, they observe their fast. During this time, they do not eat anything nor drink water. They also have to refrain from tobacco products, sexual relations, and sinful speech or behaviour.  

In the evening after sunset, they break their fast by eating a meal. This is called “Iftar”. In old times, Prophet Muhammad broke his fast by eating dates so Muslim follow this tradition but if dates are not available, then they break the fast with anything sweet or simple water.  

Besides fasting, Muslims are required to give Zak?t to the poor. Zakat is the fixed percentage of income a Muslim is required to give so that their good deeds will be rewarded and blessed by Allah. During this month, Muslims are encouraged to read the entire Quran and perform the extra nightly namaz. 

Benefits of Fasting

Why is fasting important in Islam and how it helps humanity from spiritual, psychological, social and health perspectives?

•  Muslims fast as an act of worship, a chance to get closer to Allah, and a way to get rid of their sins of the past. Fasting helps them purify their soul with good thoughts and good deeds and strengthen their faith in Allah. 

• Fasting is also seen as a way to learn personal discipline, increase patience, self-control of impulses like anger, break bad habits and develop good behaviour.

• The abstinence of food and water along with giving of Zakat helps to reduce their desire, sacrifice their greed of the worldly matters and educates them in spiritualism.

• Fasting helps to understand the situation of the poor people who get very little to eat daily and thus encourages Muslims to be more compassionate to those in need.

• Fasting also helps get rid of toxins that get accumulated in the body. It helps in lowering of blood sugar, lowering of cholesterol and lowering of the systolic blood pressure. Helps in maintaining a healthier lifestyle

Ramzan Eid is celebrated at the end of the month of Ramzan. The day of Eid is decided after seeing the crescent moon. The Eid celebration goes on for three days. 

Generally, on Eid, The first thing that Muslims do on this day is getting ready in the morning and wearing new clothes. Women prepare traditional dishes and the market is filled with sweets and snacks. People go to the mosque and say a special prayer that day. After that, they rejoice and meet friends and families to celebrate and spread the meaning of brotherhood.

 However this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic this is not possible. Muslims across India have decided to focus on another important aspect of Eid which is charity. Muslims believe that helping the poor is a way to purify their wealth. This is why this year many Muslims have decided not to buy new clothes and instead help those suffering and the essential workers in India.

Festivals are a great way for people to celebrate and connect with one another. This Eid many of us are in lockdown. But let that not deter us. By being home, we are helping to keep humanity safe.

Wishing you all a Happy Eid Ul Fitr!

Tags

• Ramadan
• Ramzan
• Eid
• Meaning
• Importance

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