After the end of Ramadan, Muslims are given the gift of Eid as a reward from Allah Almighty which is called Eid-ul-Fitr.
The day of Eid-ul-Fitr is an opportunity to share happiness and meet loved ones. On this day, all Muslims perform Eid prayers in clean clothes and have a good time.
Why is Eid-ul-Fitr declared a happy day?
Eid-ul-Fitr is a combination of many joys. One is the joy of fasting in Ramadan, the other is the joy of waking up in the odd nights of Ramadan, the third is the revelation of the Qur’an, the fourth is Laylat al-Qadr and the fifth is the joy of mercy and forgiveness for those who fast from Allah Almighty and freedom from the torment of Hell.
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) used to say about this day: “People should wear neat and clean clothes after taking shower.”
Is it permissible to fast on the day of Eid?
It is not permissible to fast on the day of Eid. The Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad Mustafa (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) forbade fasting on the day of Eid. Hazrat Abu Saeed Al-Khudri (may Allah be pleased with him) said:
“The Holy Prophet (PBUH) forbade fasting for two days on Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha.”
What is Fitrana and what is its meaning?
“The Prophet (PBUH) enjoined the payment of one Sa’ of dates or one Sa’ of barley as Zakat ul Fitr on every Muslim slave or free, male or female, young or old, and he ordered that it be paid before the people went out to offer the Eid prayer.” – (Bukhari)
The meaning of Fitrana can be explained through the translation of “Zakat ul-Fitr” which translates in English as charity is given to break a fast. The Fitrana meaning is the same as much of Islam; by giving to charity, you are helping those less fortunate, showing compassion and empathy, and demonstrating your gratefulness for all Allah (SWT) has given you.
Who has to pay Fitrana?
Any Muslim who has food in excess of their needs must pay Zakat ul Fitr (Fitrana).
Unlike Zakat, it is a duty on everyone in your household. Therefore, the head of the household, or parents and guardians, can pay on behalf of other members of the family.
Why is paying Fitrana important?
A Muslim who helps someone, no matter what he does, has a great reward, and Muslims have been taught to help the poor through nature, and the reward for doing so is to follow the Shari’ah. Yes, sometimes the believers fail in fasting, so Fitrana is a means of eliminating the lack of fasting, and giving it to the people on the day of Eid helps those who do not have money on the day of Eid, that is why It is commanded to offer it before Eid prayers.
