Orland Park Prayer Center

The Prayer Center of Orland Park

The word Eid in Arabic means: “that which people are accustomed to”.[1] It is also related to the meaning: “to return” which indicates that this day returns again every year. From an Islamic perspective, Eid is the day Muslims celebrate an act of worship. Eid (El-Fitr) or breaking the fast (1st day of Shawwal) comes after completing fasting during the month of Ramadan; and Eid (Al-Adha) or sacrifice (10th day of Zul-Hijja) comes after completing the major acts of pilgrimage or Hajj.

Eid for Muslims is a time of celebration but of a unique kind. It is a celebration of gratefulness to Allah by responding to His call through fasting this month.

Allah ﷻ  said: {O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you as it has been prescribed for those [who have believed] before you, so that you may be [ever] God-fearing.} 2:183. It is a celebration of thanks that God gave us the chance to worship Him. Allah ﷻ said: {They say: all praise is for God [alone] who has guided us to this! Nor would we ever have been guided had God not guided us.} 7:43. It is a celebration of love and joy for practicing one of the most beloved acts to Allah, fasting! Allah ﷻ said in the holy Hadith: “All acts of the son of Adam are for himself but fasting, it is for Me and I shall reward by it.[2]

Eid for Muslims is a time of unity when they all break their fast together and perform a prayer out in the open [preferably] with men, women, elderly, adults and kids all attending the prayer. Ibn Abbas narrated that the prophet ﷺ used to bring his wives and daughters to Eid prayer.[3]

Eid for Muslims is an act of worship toward Allah ﷻ. Allah ﷻ said: {For each [faith] community We have appointed [sacred] rites, so that they may mention the name of God.} 22:34. Eid El-Fitr & Al-Adha are the only two holidays celebrated in Islam. When the prophet ﷺ came to Madinah, he found that people used to celebrate two days during time of ignorance period (Jahiliya). He ﷺ said: “I came to you and you have two days you celebrated during (Jahiliyya) and Allah has substituted for you better days: the Day of Sacrifice and the Day of breaking Fast.[4]

Eid for Muslims is a celebration of the symbol of being clean from your sins and bad deeds. The prophet ﷺ said: “Whoever did fast Ramadan out of faith and hoping for rewards [from Allah] , forgiveness will be granted for all his past sins.[5]

Eid for Muslims is the time for entertainment and having fun. When the Abyssinians came to the Mosque in Madinah with their dancing performance, the prophet ﷺ called on Aiesha (RAA) to watch. When Omar Ibn Al-Khattab (RAA) saw them performing in the Mosque and wanted to stop them, the prophet ﷺ said: “Leave them alone O Omar, this is what they do.” The prophet ﷺ then looked at them and said: “Be safe [while performing] and let the people of the Book know that there is a space in our religion [for entertainment].”[6]

Eid for Muslims is a time when they remember the poor by giving charity before the Eid prayer so the poor can use it to enjoy on such a day what they might be missing on other days. Zakatul Fitr is the term used for such a charity; Ibn Omar (RAA) said: “The prophet ﷺ ordained Zakatul Fitr of Ramadan from dates or barley on everyone, whether a free man or a slave, a male or a female, and young or old.[7]

In this blessed Eid we pray to Allah to grant us all the Barakah and blessings of this Eid. We pray that Allah will unite Muslims and bring happiness and joy to them in this life and in the Hereafter.

This is our Eid:

Allah ﷻ said: {لكل أمة جعلنا منسكا هم ناسكوه} {For each [faith] community We have appointed [sacred] rites which they must devoutly observe.} 22:67. This is indeed our Eid in which our identity and character as Muslims prevail. Eid is still meant to be an act of worship toward Allah. We celebrate the end of fasting by praising Allah, eating, visiting our relatives and friends, and remembering the poor by giving Zakatul Fitr.

The prophet ﷺ when he came to Madinah saw people celebrating two days. He said: “Allah has substituted for us these two days, Eidul Fitr and Eidul Adha.[8]

Ibn Abbas narrated that the prophet ﷺ said: “If it was the day of Eidul Fitr, angels will come down to streets calling on people in a voice heard by everything but humans and Jinn: O followers of Mohammad; step out to a merciful and generous lord. When they step out to the place of prayer, Allah will say: “My angels; what is the reward for someone who finished his job?” Angels said: “To be paid.” Allah will say: “Be my witness, I have made their rewards of fasting and praying, My forgiveness and satisfaction. By My glory, whatever they ask Me today of the Hereafter I shall answer it and whatever they ask Me of this life I shall look into it. Let them go back with all sins forgiven.[9]

Allahu Akbar:

This is our theme for this day. We praise Allah and declare that no one is greater than Allah. It is a moment to feel the support from the ONE who is the Greatest. In moments of despair and vulnerability, the words Allahu Akbar come to bring hope and strength into our hearts and minds.

We are worthy in the eyes of the beloved:

The prophet ﷺ said: “Which of people are more amazing in their faith?” Sahabah said: Angels! The prophet said: “Why?! They are by their lord.” (They should believe). Sahabah said: Prophets. The prophet ﷺ said: “Why? They receive revelation.” (They should believe). Sahabah said: We. The prophet ﷺ said: “Why? I am living among you.” (You should believe). The prophet ﷺ said: “The most amazing people in their faith are those who come after you. They only find papers (Quran) and they believe.” (They are the most amazing in their faith).

Eid Mubarak to all, Salam alaikum.

Sheikh Kifah Mustapha

[1] Lisan Al-Arab

[2] Al-Baihaqi

[3] Ibn Majah

[4] Abu Daoud

[5] Ahmad

[6] Bukhari

[7] Bukhari

[8] Abu Daoud

[9] Al-Tabarani

.

Sign up for our email list!

Sign up to get the monthly Insight E-News, Programs & Events Announcements, as well as Ramadan and Eid information delivered to your inbox.

Accessibility Toolbar