Thoughts for Eid al-Fitr

By: Seyyed Ali Shahbaz “O Allah! Lord of magnificence and greatness; and Lord of generosity and overwhelming power; and Lord of pardon and mercy. We implore You for the sake of This Day which You have appointed as a Festival for the Muslims and for Mohammad (SAWA) and his progeny as a reminder, a distinction, an honour.”

Date: 27 July 2014 - 22:43

News ID: ۳۲۳۸

As specified by the above passage which is part of the Qonout Supplication of the Special Eid Prayer, the end of the month of fasting is a day of celebration.
Ramadhan and its acts of worship have indeed purified our minds, hearts, souls, and bodies, and the Prayer of Eid is thanksgiving to the Lord Most High for having rewarded the faithful with the festival of Eid al-Fitr, which as indicated by the word "Fitr” starts with the giving of special alms to the poor known as "Fitrah” – made up of 3 kg of the staple diet, such as wheat, rice, barley or date; or its equivalent in money.
The feast in Islam should not be compared to the unbridled festivities of other creeds and cultures, where free rein is given to sins.
To quote the Commander of the Faithful, Prophet Muhammad’s (SAWA) First Infallible Heir, Imam Ali ibn Abi Taleb (AS):
"Indeed Eid is for those whose fasting has been accepted by God and whose worship has been appreciated, and any day on which God has not been disobeyed is Eid.”
This year’s Ramadhan with all its glories has come to its end, but on a tragic note for the people of Gaza, who are being subjected to holocaust and genocide by the Zionists. The world is watching in silence as men, women, and children are being massacred.
Meanwhile, in Iraq and Syria, the Godless Takfiri terrorists are making life miserable for Muslims. These agents of Zionists and imperialists, they are desecrating and destroying the shrines of the Prophets, as was the case in Mosul where the tomb of Prophet Jonah was razed to the ground.
In such a situation, it is our duty to strive and pray for the deliverance of Muslims worldwide on the day of Eid al-Fitr, whether in Gaza or Iraq and Syria; or whether in other parts of the world. At the same time we should implore divine wrath on the Zionists and the Takfiris.
Here I would like to quote parts of the special Eid Sermon of the Commander of the Faithful, Imam Ali (AS) on the occasion of Eid al-Fitr, which starts with due praise to Allah, blessings for Prophet Muhammad (SAWA), seeking divine assistance for the faithful and invoking divine wrath on the devilish elements.
"All praise belongs to Allah. We praise Him, seek His help, have faith in Him, and put our trust in Him. We bear witness that there is no god except Allah, He is One, and He has no partner, and that Muhammad is His Servant and Messenger; may Allah’s blessings and peace be upon him and his progeny, as well as His forgiveness and approval.
"O Allah bless Muhammad, Your Servant, Messenger and Prophet, a blessing growing and multiplying, that will raise His rank and manifest His merit. Bless Muhammad and the Family of Muhammad and give barakah to Muhammad and the progeny of Muhammad even as You blessed, granted barakah and mercy to Abraham and the progeny of Abraham, indeed You are praiseworthy and glorious.
"O Allah, punish the faithless from among the People of the Book who bar Your way, contest Your signs and impugn Your Prophets.
"O Allah, assist the armies of Muslims, their companies and brigades, in the east of the earth and its west! Indeed You have power over all things. O Allah, forgive the faithful, men and women, and the Muslim, men and women.
"O Allah, let Godwariness be their provision; put faith and wisdom into their hearts; inspire them to thank You for the blessings You have showered on them and to fulfill the covenant that You made with them, O God of the Truth and Creator of the creation!
Heartiest Congratulations on Eid al-Fitr