`Eid Al-Fitr: A Day of Joy & Thanksgiving

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful
`Eid Khutbah on the 1st of Shawwal 1427 AH
Northern Nevada Muslim Community (NNMC)
By Shaikh Wael Shihab
`Eid Al-Fitr: A Day of Joy & Thanksgiving
Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest, and all praises are due to Allah
All praise and thanks are due to Allah, the Almighty. I testify that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah. O Allah bless Muhammad, his family, his companions, and all those who follow his guidance until the Day of Judgment.
Brothers and sisters, today’s Khutbah is under the title: `Eid Al-Fitr: A Day of Joy & Thanksgiving
Brothers and sisters, today is the day of `Eid, and `Eid is the day of thanks and joy. It marks the end of the month of fasting. We feel happy and we give thanks to Allah that we obeyed His commands; we fasted during the month of Ramadan. Allah’s commands are good for us. They are for our benefit. Allah does not want to put any burden on anyone, but He gave us the rules of fasting for our own benefit. Fasting has many benefits for individuals and for communities. It has spiritual, moral, and physical benefits.
Brothers and sisters, let us ponder on the spirit of `Eid Al-Fitr. If we reflect on the significance and spirit of `Eid al-Fitr, we will find it characterized by the following:
First: A Day of Thanksgiving & Gratitude to Allah
Second: A Day of Joy & Rejoice
Third: A Day of Great Reward
Fourth: A Day of Maintaining Ties of Kinship
Fifth: A Day of Taking Care of the Poor and the Needy
First: A Day of Thanksgiving & Gratitude to Allah
`Eid Al-Fitr is a day of thanksgiving and gratitude to Allah, as it signifies the successful completion of the sacred month of Ramadan. This festival marks the completion of an act of duty and devotion. It teaches us the lesson that real happiness arises from performing one’s duty and making sacrifices for a noble objective.
Brothers and sisters, we thank Allah Almighty for He has guided us for the fasting of Ramadan, for Khatm Al-Qur’an, for doing good deeds, and for reciting the Qur’an. We thank Allah for He has given us money to pay Zakat al-Fitr and other charities. Allah says in the Qur’an, “And He desires that you complete the prescribed period of fasting, and glorify Allah for His guidance to you: that you may be grateful.” (Al-Baqrah 2: 185)
Second: A Day of Joy & Rejoice
Brothers and sisters, the joy is our `Eid, it is our feast. During the month of Ramadan, Allah has put us to test. At the end of the month there is a great sense of achievement, of coming closer to the Almighty. It is the joy of spiritual fulfillment. It is a time for celebration, not to indulge in insulting or abusing others or detracting from the achievements of the month of Ramadan; it’s a day of real happiness and joy.
Allah says: [Say: In the bounty of Allah and in His mercy therein let them rejoice. It is better than what they hoard] (Yunus 10:58).
Also, Prophet Muhammad said—as Abu Hurayrah reported:”… The fasting person will have two times at which the will feel happy: when he breaks his fast, he feels happy for breaking the fast, and when he meets his Lord, he will be happy because of his fast.” (Agreed upon)
Therefore, brothers and sisters, let’s enjoy the `Eid through the permissible means, and avoid the unlawful means.
Third: A Day of Great Reward
The Day of `Eid Al-Fitr is the day of the reward for those who have observed fasting through the month of Ramadan. It is called in Heaven as the Day of Reward.
It is reported in a hadith that the angels stand on both sides of the roads on the `Eid day and proclaim:
“O believers! Walk towards your Lord Who is the most Generous. He favors you with goodness and gives you great reward. He commanded you to pray during the night and fast during the day. Now that you have obeyed Him, come and receive your rewards.” (At-Tabarani)
And as the believers finish their `Eid prayer, they again say:
“Allah has forgiven you. Return to your homes with the best of good and glad tidings. This is the day of reward. This day is called the day of reward in Heaven as well.” (At-Tabarani)
Fourth: A Day of Maintaining Ties of Kinship
`Eid Al-Fitr is the day when Muslims visit friends and relatives and exchange greetings. Brothers and sisters, it is the day when we should maintain ties of kinship. Every one has to visit his relatives or at lest call them. Muslim brothers and sisters should greet each other by saying “`Eid Mubarak” or “May Allah accept ours and your good deeds!”
The Prophet, peace be blessings be upon him, said: “Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should maintain good relations with his kindred.” (Reported by al-Bukhari and Muslim)
Fifth: A Day of Taking Care of the Poor and the Needy
Brothers and sisters, we have to take care of the poor and the needy. Allah commanded us to take care of the needy, the poor, and the orphans throughout the year. Taking care of the needy and the poor on days of `Eids are given more emphasis. Allah and His Prophet instructed us to meet the needs of the poor and the needy on the Day of `Eid and to make them in no need of asking for people’s help on this day.
Brothers and sisters, Let us keep this spirit of `Eid among us always. Let us strengthen our bond with our Creator and with each other. Let us be more united. Let us all become more and more committed to righteousness in our own lives, in the lives of our families, and in the society in which we live.
Brothers and sisters, the Prophet (peace be upon him) is reported to have said, “The one who repents his sin will be equal to the one who does no sins.” So, seek Allah’s forgiveness for your sins and seek His favors and gifts.
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Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest, and all praises are due to Allah
All praise and thanks are due to Allah. And, I testify that there is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah. O Allah bless Muhammad, his family, his companions, and all those who follow him with guidance until the Day of Judgment!
Brothers and sisters, let us consider the following practical tips so that we would keep the spirit of `Eid:
Don’t leave the Masjid before you greet all your brothers/sisters, saying “`Eid Mubarak” or “may Allah accept from you and me!”.
Visit all your relatives and friends who are close, and call those who are living far away.
Take care of your family and your kids and let them feel the happiness of `Eid
Be careful to attend the `Eid party so that you would have the chance to see your Muslim brothers and sisters.
Make du`aa’ for your Muslim brothers and sisters everywhere.
Try to rejoice the `Eid through permissible means and keep away from unlawful means.
Finally, I ask Allah to accept our good deeds and grant us his forgiveness and mercy.
Don't forget to make doa for
Ab Rahim Abdul Hamid & Rosmawati Zainal( Ummi Ros) & Family