❀ Eid al-Fitr: A Moment of Reflection for Those Engaged in Innovations and Superstitions ❀
Authored by: Abu al-Asqa Qari Usama bin Abd al-Salam
Alhamdulillah, Eid al-Fitr is a great blessing granted by Allah ﷻ—a moment of joy following the acts of worship in the blessed month of Ramadan. However, it is deeply regrettable that many people spend this sacred day indulging in innovations (بدعات) and superstitions (خرافات) rather than observing the principles of Islam. It is a moment of deep reflection—Is our Eid aligned with Allah's pleasure, or is it a cause for Satan's delight?
➊ Eid: A Religious Celebration, Not a Worldly Indulgence
Allah ﷻ says:
قُلْ بِفَضْلِ اللَّهِ وَبِرَحْمَتِهِ فَبِذَٰلِكَ فَلْيَفْرَحُوا هُوَ خَيْرٌ مِّمَّا يَجْمَعُونَ
(Surah Yunus: 58)
This verse highlights that true happiness stems from Allah’s grace and mercy, not from activities tied to disobedience and innovation. Therefore, the joy of Eid should be a reflection of spiritual fulfillment, not an excuse for heedlessness.
➋ The Eid Taught by the Prophet ﷺ vs. Today's Customs and Rituals
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ encouraged celebrating Eid with simplicity, gratitude, love, and remembrance of Allah. He ﷺ said:
"إِنَّ لِكُلِّ قَوْمٍ عِيدًا، وَهَذَا عِيدُنَا."
(Sahih al-Bukhari: 952)
"Every nation has its festival, and this is our Eid."
Unfortunately, today's Eid is marked by:
✔ Neglect or delay of Eid Salah
✔ Unlawful music, movies, and indecent entertainment
✔ Mixed gatherings, vulgar jokes, and impermissible interactions
✔ Extravagance and wasteful spending
✔ Fairs at graveyards, fireworks, and other un-Islamic rituals
These practices are in stark contrast to the Sunnah and reduce the spiritual essence of Eid to a worldly spectacle.
➌ The Eid of the Companions vs. Our Eid
The noble Companions رضي الله عنهم regarded Eid as a day to express servitude to Allah. Al-‘Umar ibn ‘Abd al-‘Aziz رحمه الله said:
"ليست العيد لمن لبس الجديد، ولكن العيد لمن طاعته تزيد."
"Eid is not for the one who wears new clothes, but for the one whose obedience has increased."
In contrast, our current state is sorrowful:
The good deeds of Ramadan are forgotten on Eid Salah, Qur'an recitation, and Dhikr are abandoned Sins are committed under the guise of celebration, pleasing none but Satan➍ True Joy of Eid Lies in Avoiding Innovations
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
"من أحدث في أمرنا هذا ما ليس منه فهو رد."
(Sahih al-Bukhari: 2697)
"Whoever introduces something new into our affair which does not belong to it, it will be rejected."
✔ True joy of Eid lies in thanking Allah, celebrating through halal means, giving charity, and helping the needy.
✔ Purity from sin is the real Eid and the true source of happiness.
✿ Conclusion: A Critical Question for All
We must seriously ponder:
Is our Eid in accordance with the pleasure of Allah?
If we are entangled in innovations and false customs, then it is essential to:
➡ Repent sincerely
➡ Celebrate Eid as the Prophet ﷺ and his Companions did
اللهم اجعل عيدنا طاعةً لك، واغفر لنا ما قدمنا وما أخرنا، ولا تجعلنا من الغافلين.
"O Allah! Grant us the ability to spend our Eid in obedience to You, forgive our past and future sins, and do not make us among the heedless."
Ameen!
