Eid-ul-Fitr, also known as the Festival of Breaking the Fast, is one of the most joyous occasions celebrated by Muslims worldwide. It marks the end of Ramadan, a sacred month of fasting, prayer, and self-discipline. This festival is not just a religious obligation but also a cultural celebration that strengthens family and community bonds. Since Ramadan follows the lunar calendar, Eid can occur in any season, making each year's celebration unique and ever-changing.

Ramadan is Month of Spiritual and Physical Renewal: Ramadan is considered the month of blessings, mercy, and heightened devotion to Almighty Allah. Muslims fast from dawn to sunset, refraining from food, drink, and other physical indulgences. This practice not only nurtures patience and self-restraint but also fosters empathy for the less fortunate. Beyond its spiritual benefits, scientific studies suggest that fasting detoxifies the body, eliminating harmful metabolic wastes and rejuvenating overall health.
The beauty of Ramadan lies in the daily cycle of fasting and breaking the fast. Every day, the joy of Iftar—the moment of breaking the fast—brings unparalleled happiness. Families gather around the table, eagerly awaiting the call to prayer, which signals that they can finally eat and drink. The satisfaction on the face of a fasting person at Iftar is a testament to the true happiness that comes from discipline and gratitude. Throughout the month, Muslims engage in additional prayers, charity, and self-reflection. It is a time when the faithful strive to earn the pleasure of Allah through acts of kindness, generosity, and devotion. The last ten nights of Ramadan are particularly significant, as they include Laylat-ul-Qadr (the Night of Decree), which is considered the holiest night of the year.
As the month of Ramadan nears its end, anticipation for Eid-ul-Fitr reaches its peak. On the eve of Eid, known as Chaand Raat, people eagerly scan the sky for the new crescent moon. Once the moon is sighted, joyous greetings of “Chaand Raat Mubarak” echo in every household, marking the official end of Ramadan and the beginning of celebrations. The night before Eid is filled with preparations. Women and girls adorn their hands with intricate henna designs, bazaars remain open late into the night, and families make last-minute purchases of new clothes, shoes, and accessories. The atmosphere is electrifying, with excitement and joy radiating from every corner.
The Beautiful Morning of Eid begins with an early Fajr prayer, followed by preparations for the special Eid prayer held in mosques or open grounds known as Eidgahs. People wear new clothes, apply perfumes, and exchange warm embraces as they greet each other with “Eid Mubarak.” It is a Sunnah to start the day with something sweet, this is why Eid-ul-Fitr is also fondly called “Meethi Eid” (Sweet Eid). Before leaving for the Eid prayer, Muslims fulfil the obligation of sadkat-ul-Fitr—a special charity given to the poor so that they, too, can take part in the celebrations. This practice emphasizes the importance of generosity and ensuring that no one is left out during this festive time. After the Eid prayer, people visit the graves of their loved ones, offering prayers and remembering those who have passed away. This solemn act is a reminder of life’s transient nature and the importance of making the most of our time with family and friends.

The Festival of Children

One of the most beautiful aspects of Eid-ul-Fitr is the joy it brings to children. In the past, Eid was truly a festival centered around them. Elders would wake up their children early for Fajr Salah (prayer) and encourage them to accompany their fathers, grandfathers, and uncles to the mosque. After prayers, families would return home, where mothers and grandmothers had already prepared delicious sweets and snacks. The dining tables would be filled with biscuits, cakes, pastries, and other mouth-watering delights. Family members would lovingly serve the children, telling them to enjoy as much as they wanted, as Eid was their special day.
Children would then eagerly dress up in new clothes, excitedly waiting to receive ‘Eidi’—money or gifts given by elders. The streets and marketplaces would come alive with children rushing to toy shops, purchasing toy cars, airplanes, jeeps, balloons, stuffed animals, and even toy guns. The most heartwarming sight was that of children playing together, sharing their toys with those who could not afford them. This sense of togetherness and generosity truly captured the essence of Eid, as Islam teaches that joy multiplies when shared.
In earlier times, families would spend the entire day visiting relatives and neighbours, exchanging sweets and gifts. It was a time of togetherness, where even those who lived far apart would make an effort to reunite. The spirit of Eid was deeply rooted in love, community, and generosity.
If we look back two or three decades, Eid was celebrated in a much more communal and heartfelt way. The entire family’s focus was on making children happy, and the streets were filled with laughter and cheer. Children would roam the neighbourhoods, visiting friends and relatives, exchanging sweets and greetings. Every home was open to guests, and people would sit together, reliving old memories and strengthening familial bonds.
However, modernization has altered the way Eid is celebrated. Today, while children may have access to more luxuries and toys throughout the year, they often lack the joy of sharing. In earlier times, a child who did not have toys would still experience the happiness of Eid because his friends would gladly share theirs. Now, many parents, due to growing social concerns, limit their children’s interactions, reducing the sense of community bonding that once defined this festival. Moreover, with the advent of social media and digital entertainment, many people now spend a significant portion of their Eid day on their phones rather than engaging with family and neighbours. While technology has made it easier to connect with loved ones who are far away, it has also, in some ways, distanced people from those who are physically present. Despite these changes, the essence of Eid remains the same. It is not just a day for wearing new clothes and indulging in lavish meals; it is a day to reconnect with loved ones, extend kindness to the less fortunate, and foster a spirit of generosity. As we celebrate this blessed occasion, let us strive to revive the true spirit of Eid by teaching our children the values of compassion, sharing, and social interaction.
Eid-ul-Fitr is a festival that symbolizes joy, gratitude, and unity. It is a day when families come together, children laugh and play, and hearts are filled with gratitude for the blessings received. In an age where individualism often takes precedence, let us remember the true essence of Eid—sharing, caring, and spreading happiness among all, regardless of social or economic status.