Two Eids have been authentic and being celebrated in Islam; Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. Islam has made them among characteristics of Muslims.
The reason for this claim is the Hadith of Anas bin Malik, may Allah be pleased with him. Anas ibn Malik reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, arrived in Medina during two days in which they were celebrating. The Prophet said, “What are these two days?” They said, “We would celebrate these two days in the time of ignorance.” The Prophet said, “Verily, Allah has replaced these two days with two better days: Eid al-Adha and Eid al-Fitr.” Narrated by Sunan Abi Dāwūd.
Another reason is that the Prophet said to Abu Bakr, may Allah be pleased with him: “O Abu Bakr! There is an Eid for every nation and this is our Eid.” Reported by Bukhari and Muslim.
The prophet also said: The day of Arafah, the day of sacrifice, and the days of Tashreeq belong to Muslims, and they are the days of eating and drinking. Narrated by Abu Dawud.
Eid is a day that people gather and greet each other. It is called Eid, because this day returns every year with joy. Islam has legislated Eid for various purposes, the most amazing purposes are in two packages. From each of these two packages, science, wisdom and great lessons are extracted.
Faith goals
In Islam, faith is the first and most important goal of Eid. On Eid, Takbeer, Tahleel, Hamd, and Tasbih are recited, and monotheism and praise of Allah Almighty are renewed in the hearts of the believers, which strengthens their faith and belief in Allah. This is the effect of Eid and Islamic rituals.
Muslims should glorify and praise Allah, because He has guided them to His ways, given them the Noble Qur’an, sent to them His best messenger and established the best laws for them. He has made everything easy for His servants without any difficulty and has provided facilities for them; so the servants can easily glorify and praise Allah Almighty.
Almighty God has made it possible for His servants to fast during the month of Ramadan and to perform Hajj, and for non-pilgrims, He has planned acts of worship that compensate for the rituals of Hajj and bring peace to them. These good deeds have rewards and blessings for them.
These are all signs of Allah’s mercy, blessings, and great favors, so He deserves to be glorified and praised, so that the loyalty, love, bowing down, and obedience are completed.
Eid revives the memories of the past, reminds the family members, relatives, friends, and brothers who were with us in the past years and are not this year.
And likewise, Eid always comes after obedience; just as Eid al-Fitr comes after obedience of fasting, Eid al-Adha comes after Hajj and other acts of worship.
There are some kinds of good deeds for non-pilgrims. Allah Almighty wants His servants to understand that there is happiness after enduring the hardships of any worship. Every day that we obey Allah, get closer to Him and support our nation, that day is the day of Eid.
Social goals
Social goals are the most common goals of Eid, as Allah has arranged Eid for people’s happiness, prosperity, and entertainment. Even in its obvious meanings, Shari’ah has considered these concepts.
Greetings, congratulations, smiling, shaking hands, wishing the best for each other and visiting relatives and friends with deep heart are the effects of the Eid’s happiness.
The holy Prophet said: “The fasting person has two joys; happiness while breaking the fast and happiness in meeting his Lord.” Narrated by Bukhari and Muslim.
This happiness strengthens the bond among Muslims, a bond that is based on the rules and regulations of the Islamic law. Therefore, all the rulings that Allah has expressed in Islamic jurisprudence are to create a strong and coherent society and a powerful and great nation.
Openness; a characteristic of Eid days
Sayyidah Ayishah, may Allah be pleased with her, narrated: Allah’s Apostle PBUH came to my house while two girls were singing beside me the songs of Bu’ath (a story about the war between the two tribes of the Ansar, the Khazraj and the Aus, before Islam). The Prophet PBUH lay down and turned his face to the other side. Then Abu Bakr came and spoke to me harshly saying, “Musical instruments of Satan near the Prophet PBUH?” The messenger of Allah turned his face towards him and said: “Leave them.” When Abu Bakr was busy with something else, I pointed to the girls and they went out.
Sayyidah Ayishah continues: “It was the day of Eid, and the Black people were playing with shields and spears; so either I requested the Prophet PBUH or he asked me whether I would like to see the display. I replied in the affirmative. Then the Prophet PBUH made me stand behind him and my cheek was touching his cheek and he was saying, “Carry on! O Bani Arfida,” till I got tired. The Prophet PBUH asked me, “Are you satisfied (Is that sufficient for you)?” I replied in the affirmative and he told me to leave.” Narrated by Bukhari and Muslim.
Ayishah says in another narration: The Prophet said: The Jew should know that there is openness in our religion and I have been sent to a religion that is firm and easy. Reported by Musnad Ahmad
According to this narration, Imam Nawawi allows games on Eid days in which that there is no sin in them. Hafiz bin Hajar says: This hadith has many teachings; the legitimacy of openness on family members during the days of Eid with things that calm them down and comfort the soul and the body from the burden of worship. Expressing happiness during Eid is one of the rituals of the religion of Islam.
Appearance makeup, use of perfume, wearing the most beautiful clothes, and friendly gatherings are some of the social purposes of Eid.
The Prophet, peace be upon him says: When Allah bestows a blessing on His servant, He likes to see the effect of His blessing on His servant. Baihaqi, Al-Kubara
Eid breaks the monotony in life and brings relief, peace and comfort
In the narration that the Prophet said to Abu Bakr: Every nation has an Eid and this is our Eid, the Prophet meant that every nation rejoices on the days of Eid, so let these two girls be busy with joy and singing.
According to this hadith, it is permissible to have fun, entertainment, and enjoyment during holidays and Eid days by observing Islamic laws and not beyond that. Islam forbids extravagance and illegal acts that have increased today.
This is the balance of the Islamic law in protecting the natural instinct of human beings.
Getting rid of begging
In the affairs of life, Islam considers various aspects; just as Islam allows entertainment and enjoyment during the days of Eid, it considers the needs of the poor and the needy people. As Islam allows happiness, it also has teachings on reducing sadness.
To eradicate poverty, Islam has more advanced plans than other religions or communities. Islam wants to preserve the dignity, chastity and morals of the poor and strengthen the generosity and morals of the rich people. That is why the holy prophet, peace be upon him made Sadaqah al-Fitr an obligation to meet the needs of the poor.
Mustafa Sadiq Raafe’i, one of the most prominent writers of the Islamic world, describes how beautifully Eid is: “The day of peace, promise, laughter, loyalty, brotherhood and the day people say to each other: welcome! The day of wearing new clothes that everyone knows that people changed that day. The day of Eid is the day of adornment, make-up, love and loyalty; the day of giving halva and sweet; the day when greetings and prayers overcome all the challenges of life.
When a person looks at him\herself with full enjoyment and looks at his family with dignity and respect. His look at his house depicts beauty in his eyes and his look at others strengthens friendship. All these looks draw a beautiful picture of the universe for him and fill him with joy and happiness. This beauty makes people understand that the beauty of them is in being together.”
Translated into English by: SunniOnline Team