Muslims around the world celebrated Eid -Ul -Fitra on August 8 , 2013
The Eid celebration occurred after the month of fasting in Ramadan and is a celebration of the achievements of the month. It is a celebration of our devotion to God and our commitment to caring for all of His Creation.
During the month of Ramadan we spent the days fasting, experiencing the hardships borne by the poor. We gave in charity to our fellow human beings and practiced kindness and compassion to all. The nights were spent in prayer, remembering God the sole Creator and Sustainer of the Universe. Remembering our Lord reminds us that He is observing our actions and is aware of our intentions. Muslims believe that we are rewarded even for making the intention to do good towards others - when we follow these intentions with actions - even speaking a kind word, a smile , a helping hand to someone in need, then our reward is multiplied.
Worshipping God alone releases us from worshipping the dollar or prestige or power and reminds us that our lives are temporary, and we will return to our Lord, accountable for all that we did.
On the day of Eid, every person intends to carry forward the lessons of Ramadan and to carry this renewed sense of spiritual closeness to God throughout the year. The Eid day is spent with family and friends sharing good food, gifts for children and being thankful for all the great blessings that we enjoy. The basic theme of Eid is thankfulness - being grateful and appreciative of all that we have been given in life, and using what we have to take care of those who have far less.
As the Qur'an mentions, "God wills that you may complete the period of fasting, that you may celebrate the Greatness and Glory of God as He has guided you, and that you may show gratitude and thankfulness." (Qur'an 2:185)
