Celebrating Eid the Halal way!

┇ QUICK TIPS FOR EID ┇

LIVE THE MOMENT! 

Ibn Hajar (may Allah have mercy upon him) said: "Expressing joy on Eid is one of the symbols of Islam." [Fath al-Baari (2/514)]

Eid may be enjoyed by visiting family, friends and buddies for a celebration or a party. Rock wearing the best dress or suit you have, and use perfume or some fragrance to add to your majesty. The companions (may Allah be pleased with them) would wear their finest clothes on the days of Eid. Gifts increase the love, so gift those who you love! Enjoy fine food and drink, whether that is at home or at a restaurant outside the home. Get some fresh meat if you could not afford to sacrifice, and enjoy the moments. 

Go for a short or a long trip depending on your vacations, and visit scenic places like private beaches or highlands, or to historic places, or to a place where there are permissible leisure activities like:

• Bungee jumping.
• Skydiving.
• Hiking.
• Other sports, games, etc.

 Sports may look like an everyday activity, but you need to be creative to make it special and grand. This may be achieved by inviting more number of people, or by arranging special awards for winners, or special refreshments during or after the sports. 

Without any need to mention, these activities must not be in opposition to Islamic guidelines, like improper dressing or behavior. Some more examples of permissible activities follow:

• Pony, camel, or elephant rides. 
• Boat rides.
• Amusement rides. 
• Going to farms, zoos, museums, science fairs, etc. 
• Camping out and hiking. 

With that said, funny and entertaining shows or talks may as well be held. People like to watch a show that presents lessons or morals in a funny or witty way. For example, a short play may be performed to highlight the difference between a child who is good to his parents and another child who mistreats them. However, this should be done provided that it does not include any violations to Islam like  lying, trickery or magical tricks unless the tricks are later explained to the audience, imitation of the opposite sex such as men acting or dressing like women and vice verse.

Festivals and celebrations are occasions of joy and happiness. They have their distinctive spirit in all societies and cultures, and are eagerly awaited and heartily welcomed by everyone. The feeling of excitement associated with these occasions, however, causes people to introduce uncommon, strange or even bizarre practices during them. Islam regulates the occasions to be celebrated and the methods of celebrating them. It maintains their atmosphere of happiness, while redirecting.

Knowledge-based activities: The Eid get-togethers can be utilized to conducting activities that test people's Islamic background, encouraging them to seek more knowledge. The following are some examples: 

• Competitions in Qur'an, Hadith, and general Islamic knowledge.
• Reading and discussing stories of the prophets, the sahaabah, or other righteous Muslims. 
• Sharing personal stories represent Islamic moral values.
• Discussing methods and experiences in presenting Islam to the non-Muslims.

The extra time that may be available could be put into good use by performing acts of benevolence like:

• Making drives to collect donations for the needy.
• Locating needy and helpless people and trying to console them or offer them help.
• Visiting orphanages and cracking jokes or passing the time with them to make them as well feel the Eid.

Sheikh Muhammad Al-Jibaly writes: “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 completely 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. In moments of extreme pleasure or sadness, a Muslim never forgets his Lord’s greatness, might, glory, and watchfulness. 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.”                                                  

For more info: 

Festivals and Celebrations in Islam, 

by Muhammad al-Jibaly