Voice of British Muslim Women

Fezia Haq, London

Festivals are a part of many religions, and Islam is no exception. Since ancient times, these special days bring people together in their communities of faith.

For Muslims, the festival of Eid feels complete when we have offered our Eid Prayer in congregation. Observance of Eid Prayer was a practice of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be on him) who told us to follow it.

It is spiritually uplifting for Ahmadi Muslims when, following Eid Prayer, our Khalifa – who is the divinely appointed successor of the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) – addresses us in his Eid sermon. The smile it brings to our faces hearing him speak on this auspicious day encourages us to attain a “truly joyous Eid”, as he reminds us. But what is that real happiness which goes with Eid celebrations? His guidance[2]  has been that we should make a pledge on Eid to consistently fulfil the obligations of Allah the Almighty and of the people. Only then will we truly be celebrating Eid.

Let’s delve into the key takeaways from the Eid-ul-Fitr sermons of His Holiness (may Allah be his Helper) from the past few years to find out:

True Eid is beyond a day in the year:

The literal meaning of ‘Eid’ is a day which returns. His Holiness has reiterated this detail in his Eid sermons, that a truly jubilant Eid consists of lasting righteousness[1]. We know that doing good makes us feel…well, good! So, the improvements made in the holy month of Ramadhan should continue on this day of celebration – and beyond.

Reflect. Review. Reform:

As we mark the day of Eid with celebratory feasts and spreading cheer, His Holiness has counselled us to utilise this positive atmosphere for self-analysis, reviewing how far we’ve come, and then based on this, bringing about a spiritual & moral revolution within ourselves[2]that stays even as the day comes to a close.

Our Eid is that of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be on him):

‘There is an Eid for every nation and this is our Eid,’[3]  taught the Exemplary Prophet (peace and blessings be on him). The one through whom we get to partake in Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations, the Khalifa explains, is the one whose practice we need to follow[4]. At the end of the day, this is the ultimate gift on Eid: following the footsteps of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) as we celebrate Eid.

Don’t forget the innocent and oppressed:

Whilst we rejoice on Eid, His Holiness draws our attention towards those whose happiness is incomplete. Whether it be due to war in Palestine or Sudan, the persecution of Ahmadis [5], or someone going through hardship, we mustn’t think only of our own happiness[6]. He reminds us to remember them in our prayers throughout the day, and where possible, continue the charitable acts we partook of in Ramadan to extend the joys of Eid to others in need. In these dire times when the heart is heavy seeing their pain, doing so, he points out, will also be a source of comfort to us that we are helping the less fortunate.

Eid sermons always end with His Holiness leading us in silent prayer. This concluding part of the Eid sermon gives us a boost amidst the hustle and bustle of festivities that inspires us to strive for ultimate and lasting happiness for the remainder of the Eid day: by gaining the nearness and pleasure of God Almighty Himself – through Whom all lasting blessings come.

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[1] https://www.alhakam.org/eid-ul-fitr-2024/

[2] Eid-ul-Fitr Sermon 2024 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mBfg-ME8ZJA

[3] https://www.reviewofreligions.org/22697/eid-an-oft-returning-festival/

[4] Eid-ul-Fitr Sermon 2022 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r5vZPorfv8o

[5] https://www.alhakam.org/eid-ul-fitr-2024/

[6] Eid-ul-Fitr Sermon 2023 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0_iYogiMLHU