The Eid-el-fitri message
CELEBRATION of the Eid-el-fitri by Muslims, effectively marking the end of this year’s Ramadan fasting, is bound to elicit mixed reactions from the faithful.
There is on the one hand, relief that the period of self-sacrifice and self-denial from eating, drinking and worldly pleasures – with its attendant physical discomfort – has come to an end. On the other hand is regret that Allah’s special grace, mercy and blessing that usually accompany the holy month is about to relax.
While the Eid-el-fitri represents these two extremes, it does not in truth, remove anything from God’s expectation from mankind. If anything, the celebration is a reminder that although Ramadan is over, until perhaps 11 months later, the admonitions inherent in it remain constant. Therefore, Muslims should remain steadfast, prayerful and humble as they have been in the past month.
Indeed, the cardinal message is that although Eid-el-fitri signifies the end of Ramadan, the doctrines of moderation, avoidance of excessive consumption, piety, regular supplication to Allah, and being a brother’s keeper subsist always beyond the Ramadan.
Against the Muslims’ belief that no month is holier than the Ramadan, nor is any month more attractive of God’s forgiveness and mercy, Islam also emphasises that Allah is ready to answer prayers at all times, if these are offered in the circumstances guiding the Ramadan. Muslims are, therefore, enjoined to keep these lessons uppermost in their heart as they celebrate the Eid. It is the commandment of Allah.
Ultimately, living a life of grace, humility, self-sacrifice, philanthropy, especially offering aid to the less privileged in the society, are the paths to building a strong and progressive country. They constitute the essentials of building a nation, through the development of its citizens. And this is achievable.
Amidst today’s celebration, therefore, Muslims should spare a thought for the entire country and how to lift it from its persistent underdevelopment. All Nigerians should be concerned that although the country is reputed to be one of the most endowed in the world, in terms of natural and human resources, it also harbours the poorest in the world. It is shameful that while Nigerians are among the wealthiest few individuals globally, most citizens are living below the poverty level in their own country.
Nigerians, especially Muslims, in positions of authority as leaders, need to re-orientate their character and daily deeds to be in tune with God. It is a lesson of Ramadan and Eid-el-fitri that no one should be happy when he is surrounded by dozens and hundreds of hungry and unhappy people. The Eid-el-fitri teaches that the wealth bestowed on any person is for the purpose not of enjoying life to the fullest, but to raise several other persons from their state of hopelessness and helplessness.
This year’s Eid celebration necessarily needs to be moderate, even sober. For one, a new government has just been democratically enthroned by the people with expectation that it would bring dramatic change to the country. Yet, almost two months after the government’s inauguration, Nigerians are facing the stark reality that the rot in public life is so vast and deep as to make the desired change difficult if not a mirage.
At the same time, Nigeria is far from recovering from the assault inflicted, and still being inflicted on it, by Boko Haram insurgency. Thousands of innocent citizens, including more than 200 Chibok school girls, have been abducted, dislocated from their families, killed, abused and held captive over the past three years. Surely these acts are not compatible or reconcilable with the nature of Islam as a religion of peace and tolerance. The Boko Haram masterminds should rethink their ways in the spirit of Eid-el-fitri.
Indeed, the preponderance of lectures during the Ramadan is to the effect that Islam abhors taking of human lives or forcing people into captivity as a means of converting them. Clearly, the principle and methodology of Boko Haram and their equivalents worldwide are far from being a true reflection of Islam.
Similarly, government officials particularly Muslims should shun greed, corruption, nepotism, and other maladies that have been stunting the country’s growth. Such acts are starkly against the grain of Islam, Ramadan or the Eid-el-fitri. This is an apt occasion to repent and seek Allah’s forgiveness.
Muslims should not forget to perform the Zakatul-fitri, by giving food or food items to the poor in the society, as a way of carrying them along in the Eid celebration. Beyond this, they should bear in mind that giving alms to the needy at all times is a pillar of Islam enjoined by Allah. Every Nigerian should seize the current goodwill being showered on the new government to rebuild the nation with renewed vigour.
We wish all Nigerian Muslims a happy and fulfilling celebration. Eid-el-Mubarak!
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1 Comments
My Blessing, Congratulations and Good wishes.
I wish you the best of everything
for not only in EID-UL-Fitr but also
all the years ahead.*EID MUBARAK*
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