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Islam
teaches Muslims how to celebrate the `Eids. On these days, the Muslims
take a bath and wear their best clothes.
Even
though fasting is not permitted on the `Eid days, yet, the major part
of the celebration is not eating or drinking - rather, it is a prayer
that brings Muslims together to remember Allah’s bounties and
celebrate His Glory and Greatness.
The
`Eids and their celebration in Islam carry a distinctive meaning and
spirit. They are totally different from the celebrations in other
nations and cultures.
For
other nations, a holiday is a chance to immerse in worldly pleasures,
or to involve oneself in prohibited acts to the utmost. Not so for
Muslims!
For
Muslims, the `Eid is an occasion to increase in good deeds. Each `Eid
marks the conclusion of an important worship, and the determination to
continue in obedience and submission to Allah (Glorified be He).
In
moments of extreme pleasure or sadness, a Muslim never forgets his
Lord’s Greatness, Might, Glory, and Watchfulness (Glorified be He).
A Muslim’s actions are always controlled by this continued
remembrance and awareness.
Thus
the `Eid is not an occasion to take a vacation from Islamic
responsibilities and commitments, nor to waste time and money in
extravagance. It is not “fun for the sake of fun”. Rather, it is
controlled and directed rejoicing that is of ultimate and definite
benefit for the Muslim.
The
`Eid is a chance to multiply good deeds by bringing happiness and
pleasure to the hearts of other Muslims, by helping and supporting the
poor and needy, and by getting involved in pastimes that emphasize the
strong and serious Islamic character.
Excerpted
from www.islaam.com with slight modifications.
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