Again, Eid-el-Fitri is here as the pinnacle of a month-long fasting that is a divine obligation for Muslims globally. While it is natural for the occasion to be observed in festivity, it is also a time for very sober reflection on the gains of the past month and, more importantly, how to sustain the gains at both personal and societal levels. The significance of the deep lessons of Ramadan fasting, epitomised in Eid-el-Fitri, will be drastically reduced if the virtues do not impact on society and the country.

Although each day of fasting, throughout the whole month, is punctuated at dusk, at the individual household level, with a form of mini-celebration, which is called Iftar, Eid-el-Fitr becomes the grand finale of a sort, underscoring the universality of Islam with almost two billion followers globally.

As a yearly rite marking the end of fasting during Ramadan, the ninth month of the lunar calendar, Eid-el-Fitr is also regarded as a ‘graduation ceremony’ of the training in the “school of Ramadan” where Muslims “attended courses” in patience, perseverance, honesty, charity, generosity and the consciousness of the Almighty.

Expectedly, the values acquired during the training should become a template of engagements in all activities throughout the year, as Eid-el-Fitr creates the platform for Muslims to bask in an uncommon happiness, particularly for their ability to connect with the Almighty and renew their covenant with Him, and imbue them with the spiritual weapons necessary to navigate the inevitable vicissitudes of human existence.

As the celebration unfolds, it should be emphasised that to “graduate” from the “school” of Ramadan is to arrive at a new station, which is the beginning of another journey for another station. In other words, the whole essence of life and living for the conscious Muslim is all about arrival and departure; we arrive from a religious duty to depart for another one. The Eid-el-Fitr, therefore, is not an end, but another means towards the continuous journey of the Muslim in the making.

Thus, beyond the Eid-el-fitr, the faithful are enjoined to prepare to observe the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (May the peace and blessings of Allah be with him). This includes waking up in the early hours of the morning; observing the tahajjud – midnight prayer – (regularly observed during Ramadan and regarded as a virtue Muslims should endeavour to sustain after Ramadan), and, in keeping with the Sunnah, taking a bath before Fajr prayers and putting on new clothes (or the best available) are meritorious deeds.

It is sunnah for men to use perfume not only on Eid days but always. It is not allowed for Muslims to fast on this day. They are expected to take a light breakfast before setting out to the praying ground.

On a larger note, perhaps at the governmental level, leaders, especially the Muslims among them, should ponder how the lessons of Ramadan and Eid-el-Fitr can be used to permeate governance and individual character. If the occasion symbolises peace, supplication, sacrifice, piety and humanness in all its ramifications, why are people not having rest of their mind? Why do violence, corruption, heinous crimes such as murder and kidnapping people for ransom, etc., dominate the polity?

It should be particularly worrisome that a lot of these crimes and sins are perpetuated by people who profess to be Muslims, and who even cite the name of Allah, in desecration, in reference to their dastardly deeds that have prompted the United States of America to designate Nigeria as “A Country of Particular Concern” where Christians are allegedly targeted. Is it not given that Islam recognises the existence of other religions and even advocates tolerance as a hallmark of a good Muslim? This is why all Muslims in the country should rise in unison against terrorism and banditry in all forms.

Insecurity reached its present high level in Nigeria because some Muslims in authority turned a blind eye, for purely selfish motives, to the atrocities, as they gradually unravelled. The good news is that if all Nigerians adopt a unity-of-purpose attitude, they can conquer terrorism and restore the long-lost peaceful and progressive glory of this country. There is also a dire need to govern responsibly, rather than play politics with no consideration for the well-being of the people. Otherwise, the country will continue to oscillate around the same point while the world moves on.

Again, Muslims are reminded, ahead of Eid-el-Fitr, that it is in the tradition of the Prophet that Muslims give out Sadaqat-ul-fitr preferably before the Eid prayers are observed.  Lately, Muslim scholars have agreed that this act can be monetised, all with the intention to extend the happiness of the occasion to brethren who are experiencing adversity. Nigerian leaders, especially Muslims among them, must search their conscience on whether they truly desire the happiness of the people they govern. How do their policies promote the happiness of the ordinary Nigerian, both in the short term and long term? Where this question cannot be satisfactorily answered in the affirmative, then Muslims have fallen short of the lessons of this occasion.

Muslims are equally reminded that acts of generosity stand better acceptance when they are given without expectation of appreciation, and in such a way that the left hand would not know what the right-hand has handed out.

Another virtue is to set out early for the eid prayer ground and on the way, engage in much glorification of the Almighty. The eid prayer, usually performed in congregation in open areas, is usually followed by the khutbah (sermon) and supplication (dua) asking for the Almighty’s forgiveness, mercy, peace and blessings for all living beings across the world. The khutbah is also meant to remind Muslims of their responsibilities to the Almighty after the glorious month of Ramadan. It is important for Muslims not only to pay attention to the sermon but to conduct their lives subsequently in accordance with the preaching.

As Muslims celebrate the end of this year’s Ramadan, it is important that they constantly keep the virtues that the month has come to inculcate in them in focus: Have more empathy for the poor. Sustain the acts of worship which they engaged in during the month. Steadfastness, patience and perseverance should remain the watchwords. Ramadan came to call attention to the power of the spiritual realm; it came to take away the concern for the ephemeral for that which is eternal.

Ramadan came to teach that the salvation here on earth and in the hereafter lies in how steady Muslims are in focusing on the Almighty, how grateful they are for His blessings, and how patient they shall continue to be when, as is occasionally the case, the tide of time becomes turbulent and troublesome.

The Guardian wishes our Muslim faithful a happy Eid-el-Fitr.