Faculty of Tarbiyah and Teacher Training – Hey guys! Have you heard about the history and significance behind the fireworks and ketupat that we eagerly await every year? Let’s dive into the Meaning and Origins of Eid al-Fitr!
The history of Eid is intertwined with fascinating tales from the past. There’s the iconic story of the Battle of Badr, symbolizing the victory of the Muslim community. Additionally, there are accounts from the pre-Islamic era, when people celebrated their own major festivals. Thus, Eid is not only for us but also a moment to celebrate victory and peace. Alma Ata University could be a relevant place to delve deeper into the Meaning and Origins of Eid al-Fitr.
1. Origins of Eid
Back in the day, around the 2nd year of Hijrah, when we were still playing hopscotch and marbles in the alleys, Eid al-Fitr was not just about ketupat and greeting each other. There’s an exciting story behind it!
During that time, precisely after the Battle of Badr, the Muslims were filled with high spirits. They emerged victorious, and it wasn’t just an ordinary victory. This victory marked an important historical event, showcasing the intense struggle of our companions to raise the banner of Islam.
So, guys, the Meaning and Origins of Eid al-Fitr tell us that after the excitement on the battlefield, the Muslims could celebrate two victories simultaneously. First, the victory over oneself after successfully fasting for a whole month. Second, the great victory in the Battle of Badr, which made Islam shine even brighter. Exciting, right?
2. Pre-Islamic Traditions
Yo, Bro! Before our times were filled with the colors of Eid and the festivities of Eid al-Adha, the Arabs had two very exciting festivals. They celebrated just like we do, though their concepts were a bit ‘old school.’
So, according to a hadith, initially, these two festivals were more about the pre-Islamic Arab tradition of partying on certain days. The Prophet Muhammad, with his wisdom, saw the positive potential in this tradition. He restructured these two days into something more valuable and meaningful.
Eventually, the festivals that were merely for fun transformed into moments to celebrate broader blessings and goodness. Thus, we became familiar with Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, which hold deeper meanings and higher values. Cool, right? So, our Eid is not just for partying but also for reflection and more meaningful celebrations. ??
The Prophet said:
“From Anas bin Malik, the Prophet said: The people of Jahiliyyah had two days every year in which they played. When the Prophet came to Madinah, he said: You had two days in which you used to play, but Allah has replaced them for you with something better than them: the day of Fitr and the day of Adha.” (Narrated by Abu Dawud and An-Nasa’i)
Hey Young Friends! Did you know, Hadratus Shaykh Muhammad Hasyim Asy’ari, in his cool book “Risalah fil Aqaid” (See, Risalah fil Aqaid, vol 3, page 68)? There, he talks about the two festivals that used to be the ultimate party for the pre-Islamic people, named Nairuz and Marjaan.
Every year, these two days were like the viral TikTok of their time. Everyone partied hard, got drunk, and danced until morning. These traditions were originally from the ancient Persian people who loved grand celebrations.
But when the Prophet Muhammad came with his confident style, he gave it a new twist. After Ramadan fasting became obligatory, he gave us an upgrade. Nairuz and Marjaan were replaced with Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. The goal was simple: to provide Muslims with better traditions aligned with what Allah has prescribed. Cool, right? So, our Eid now is not just about partying, but also following the more awesome guidance from Allah.
Imam al-Bayhaqi in his book As-Sunanul Kubra presents clear hadiths. Seriously, he provides the hadith with clear wording. The Prophet said:
“From Abdullah bin Umar, the Prophet said: Whoever builds in the land of the non-Arabs, then celebrates their Nairuz and Mihrajan, and imitates them until he dies in that state, will be resurrected with them on the Day of Judgment.” (Imam al-Bayhaqi, As-Sunanul Kubra, vol 9, page 234)
The Significance of Eid al-Fitr Beyond Just a Celebration
Bro, Sis, Eid al-Fitr is not just a fun time after a month of fasting! Deeper than that, it’s a cool moment where we can enjoy the victory over ourselves for resisting the temptation of eating and drinking and avoiding things that could ruin our fasting rewards.
But don’t get it wrong, guys! Eid al-Fitr is not just about eating and forgiving each other. There’s something more epic behind all of this. When we perform the Eid prayer, we can get a special promise from Allah. He promises forgiveness for those who have worshipped with enthusiasm and sacrifice during Ramadan.
The Prophet said:
“Narrated by Ibn Mas’ud from the Prophet Muhammad, that the Prophet said: When people fast during the month of Ramadan and come out to perform the Eid prayer, Allah says: O My angels, every worker seeks their reward, and My servants who have fasted for a month and come out for their Eid prayer, seeking their reward, bear witness that I have forgiven them. Then a caller proclaims: O Ummah of Muhammad, return to your homes, I have replaced your bad deeds with good deeds. Allah SWT says: O My servants, you fasted for Me and broke your fast for Me, so rise up with My forgiveness.”
Meaning and Essence of Eid from Shaykh Sulaiman
Hey Young Friends! There’s something interesting from Shaykh Sulaiman bin Muhammad bin Umar al-Bujairami in his book Hasiyah al-Bujairami alal Khatib. He discusses the essence of Eid, which we often misunderstand. He said:
“Benefit: Allah SWT has made three Eids in this world for believers: the Friday Eid, the Eid al-Fitr, and the Eid al-Adha. All of these are considered Eids after the completion of worship and obedience. Eid al-Fitr is not for those who wear new clothes but for those whose obedience increases. Eid al-Fitr is not for those who dress up in clothes and vehicles but for those whose sins are forgiven.” (Shaykh Sulaiman al-Bujairami, Hasiyah al-Bujairami alal Khatib, vol 5, page 412)
3. Traditions Passed Down
Behind the fun of eating and socializing, Eid al-Fitr also carries down traditions. From visiting each other to sharing wealth, this is not just about cultural heritage but also about maintaining relationships and brotherhood.
4. Simplicity of Eid
We often get carried away with the hustle and bustle of Eid, but don’t forget, guys. The essence of Eid is simplicity. It’s about being grateful for the blessings we receive. So, rather than focusing on new clothes or expensive food, it’s better to introspect and appreciate what we already have.
5. Reflection and Renewal
Lastly, this point is the most important, Young Friends. Eid is not just about celebrating but also reflecting. We are called to be better individuals after going through the fasting month. So, when Eid arrives, we should be ready to rise, both spiritually and morally.
So, Young Friends, what do you think? Have you started to understand the true meaning of Eid al-Fitr? Hopefully, this article can open our eyes and hearts! Happy celebrating Eid with meaning! ?✨
Alma Ata University could be an interesting place to study the Meaning and Origins of Eid al-Fitr. Wallahu alam bishawab.
Source:
- https://jatim.nu.or.id/keislaman/mengenal-sejarah-dan-makna-hari-raya-idul-fitri-k1RFH
- https://www.freepik.com/free-ai-image/lohri-celebration-india_133374274.htm#fromView=search&term=Ilustrasikan+sholat+hari+raya+arab+jaman+dulu&track=ais_ai_generated®ularType=ai&page=2&position=3&uuid=0120d219-1dd5-438a-a99a-97a911dff762
