L’essence de l’Aïd en Islam : Une célébration de l’adoration, de la gratitude et de la joie
By Dr. Abdelilah Anqir
Festivals in Islam are not merely days of joy and celebration; rather, they are great religious rituals established by Allah for His servants so that they may experience true joy and obedience, away from sins and distractions that could distance them from the spirituality of worship. Allah Almighty states in His sacred Book:
﴿وَلِتُكَبِّرُوا اللَّهَ عَلَىٰ مَا هَدَاكُمْ وَلَعَلَّكُمْ تَشْكُرُونَ﴾ (Al-Baqara: 185),
highlighting that the purpose of Eid is to express gratitude to Allah for His blessings and to complete acts of worship rather than following desires and indulging in prohibitions.
The Concept of Festivals in Islam
Islamic teachings recognize two main festivals, as the Prophet ﷺ stated:
« Every nation has its festival, and this is our festival. » (Authentic Hadith, reported by Al-Bukhari and Muslim).
These two festivals are:
Eid al-Fitr: This occurs after the month of Ramadan, on the first day of Shawwal, and expresses the joy of Muslims after their fasting and devotion. The Prophet ﷺ said:
« The fasting person has two moments of joy: one when he breaks his fast and one when he meets his Lord. » (Al-Bukhari and Muslim).Eid al-Adha: This takes place on the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah, following the day of Arafat. It is considered one of the greatest days of the year. The Prophet ﷺ said:
« The best day is the day of sacrifice, followed by the day of rest. » (Reported by Ahmad and Abu Dawood).
Allah also mentioned: ﴿فَصَلِّ لِرَبِّكَ وَانْحَرْ﴾ (Al-Kawthar: 2).
Islamic festivals promote social solidarity, ensuring that joy is shared among all, especially the poor and needy. The Prophet ﷺ said:
« Spare them from begging on this day. » (Reported by Al-Bayhaqi).
Etiquette and Practices of Eid
Among the recommended practices during Eid are:
Glorifying and exalting Allah: A significant prophetic tradition, as Allah says:
﴿وَلِتُكَبِّرُوا اللَّهَ عَلَىٰ مَا هَدَاكُمْ﴾ (Al-Baqara: 185).Maintaining family ties and visiting relatives: The Prophet ﷺ said:
« Whoever wishes to have his provision expanded and his lifespan extended should maintain family ties. » (Al-Bukhari and Muslim).Bringing joy to fellow Muslims: Eid is an opportunity to spread happiness, especially among the poor. The Prophet ﷺ said:
« The most beloved people to Allah are those who benefit others the most. » (Reported by At-Tabarani).Dressing modestly and respectfully: The Prophet ﷺ said:
« Every religion has its distinctive character, and the character of Islam is modesty. » (Reported by Ibn Majah).Avoiding inappropriate behaviors: Such as immodesty and foul speech, as Allah warns:
﴿يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا لَا تَتَّبِعُوا خُطُوَاتِ الشَّيْطَانِ﴾ (An-Nur: 21).
Strengthening Family and Social Bonds
Eid is an opportunity to:
Bring families together in love, as mentioned in the Quran:
﴿وَجَعَلْنَا بَيْنَكُم مَّوَدَّةً وَرَحْمَةً﴾ (Ar-Rum: 21).Encourage children to be kind to their parents and maintain family ties: The Prophet ﷺ said:
« Righteousness is good character. » (Muslim).Strengthen neighborly relations and share the joy of Eid: The Prophet ﷺ said:
« Jibril continued to recommend good treatment of neighbors until I thought he would make them heirs. » (Al-Bukhari and Muslim).Support the needy and bring smiles to the less fortunate: The Prophet ﷺ said:
« The one who takes care of widows and the poor is like a warrior in the cause of Allah. » (Al-Bukhari and Muslim).
How to Make Eid a Time of Worship and Joy?
Perform the Eid prayer and thank Allah for His blessings: The Prophet ﷺ said:
« The first thing we do on this day is pray. » (Al-Bukhari).Celebrate with family without overburdening them financially:
﴿لَا يُكَلِّفُ اللَّهُ نَفْسًا إِلَّا وُسْعَهَا﴾ (Al-Baqara: 286).Celebrate Eid in accordance with Islamic teachings rather than adopting corrupt Western traditions: The Prophet ﷺ said:
« Whoever imitates a people is one of them. » (Abu Dawood).Remember that true joy comes from obedience, not from sin:
« The fasting person has two moments of joy: one when he breaks his fast and one when he meets his Lord. » (Al-Bukhari and Muslim).
May Allah make our Eids a time of worship and happiness, and may He grant the Muslim community religious awareness so they celebrate in a way that pleases Him.
May Allah grant us something better in return, for we turn to Him with hope.
Allahumma Ameen, O Lord of the Worlds.
Eid Mubarak!
