4 Benefits of Eid… Seize It!
Allah has bestowed a great favor upon Muslims by legislating
two noble Eids—occasions
of joy and happiness. As reported in the hadith of Anas: “When the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) came to
Medina, the people had two days on which they engaged in games. He asked: What
are these two days (what is the significance)? They said: We used to engage
ourselves on them in the pre-Islamic period. The Messenger of Allah (peace be
upon him) said: Allah has substituted for them something better than them, the
day of sacrifice and the day of the breaking of the fast.’” (Abu
Dawud)
Abu Mansur Al-Azhari said in Lisan Al-Arab: “Eid among
the Arabs refers to a time that brings recurring joy, and it is called Eid
because it returns every year with renewed happiness.”
Eid is not
merely an opportunity to express joy and relaxation in a lawful manner; rather,
it is a great human gathering and a meaningful season that spreads affection
among members of society, strengthens unity and cohesion, and carries many
benefits that we summarize below:
Benefits of Eid
1.
Eid and Strengthening Islamic Identity and Unity
Eid is one of the most prominent manifestations of affirming
and deepening the religious and cultural identity of Muslims. This is seen through the performance of the Eid prayer, the
recitation of takbir, and the gathering of Muslims on one day across the
world—demonstrating their unity, strength, and joy after a month of fasting and
night prayers.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “A believer to another believer is like a building whose
different parts enforce each other.” (Al-Bukhari)
2.
Eid and Strengthening Family Ties and Social Bonds
Eid carries great importance as a golden opportunity to
maintain kinship ties, reunite families, strengthen social connections,
reconcile disputes, and reinforce both family and social cohesion.
It is also a time to bring joy to both young and old through
giving gifts, distributing Eidiya (Eid money), gifts, and exchanging
greetings.
The companions of the Prophet (peace be upon him) used to say
to one another on Eid: “May Allah accept from us and from you.”
3.
Eid and Psychological Renewal After Worship
Eid gives the Muslim a chance to pause and breathe after a
month of striving in good deeds. It is as if he receives a reward from Allah
for his fasting and night prayers, bringing happiness to his heart and ease to
his soul.
This divine psychological support encourages him to return to
life with renewed determination, engaging in righteous deeds and contributing
positively to society.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “There are two pleasures for the fasting person, one at
the time of breaking his fast, and the other at the time when he will meet his
Lord; then he will be pleased because of his fasting.” (Al-Bukhari)
5. Eid and Promoting Social Solidarity and Charity
Eid reinforces the values of social solidarity through giving Zakat Al-Fitr,
charity, feeding others, and supporting the poor and needy—so that joy reaches
every Muslim household.
It also includes the recommendation of providing generously
for one’s family during Eid, bringing happiness and ease to their hearts and
creating an atmosphere of celebration and gratitude.
Read Also:
-
5 Things to Avoid During Eid
-
Role of Worship in Preserving Islamic Identity
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