Liaison office of Grand Ayatullah Sayyid Ali Al Sistani (L.M.H.L) in London, Europe, North and South America.
Eid al-Fitr is one of Islam’s greatest and most joyful occasions, celebrated after a full month of fasting, worship, and obedience. It serves as a divine reward for those who completed this blessed duty. It is narrated that Imam Al-Baqir (AS) said: “The Prophet (PBUH&HF) said: On the first day of Shawwal, a caller will announce: ‘O believers, come claim your rewards!’ Then he added: ‘O Jabir, God’s rewards are not like the rewards of kings. This is the Day of Rewards.’” Imam Al-Sadiq (AS) also said: “A fasting person has two joys: joy when breaking their fast and joy when meeting their Lord.”
Eid is not limited to celebration; believers are encouraged to practice the following:
1. Visiting One Another:
Visiting fellow believers is a form of worship and a way to strengthen social bonds, spread love, alleviate loneliness, and exchange blessings. Imam Al-Sadiq (AS) said: “Whoever visits their brother for God’s sake, God says: ‘You visited Me, and your reward is My responsibility. I will only accept Paradise as your reward.’”
2. Maintaining Family Ties:
Islam greatly emphasizes connecting with relatives. Imam Al-Baqir (AS) said: “Keeping family ties improves character, softens the heart, purifies the soul, increases wealth, and extends lifespan.” Imam Al-Sadiq (AS) added: “Even offering a drink of water to a relative counts. The best way to uphold family ties is to avoid harming them.”
3. Visiting the Diseased ones:
Visiting the diseased is a moral and religious duty. Imam Al-Sadiq (AS) said: “Whoever visits a sick Muslim, God assigns 70,000 angels to bless them until Judgment Day.” Such visits bring comfort, reduce pain, and provide emotional support. Carrying a gift for the sick is recommended to bring them joy.
4. Visiting Cemeteries:
Visiting graves of believers, especially those of parents and relatives, reminds us of the afterlife, honors the deceased, and strengthens family bonds. The Prophet (PBUH&HF) said: “Whoever visits their parents’ grave every Friday will be forgiven and recognized as a devoted child.” Imam Al-Sadiq (AS) narrated: “The deceased rejoice when visited. Pray for them and seek their prayers for your needs.”
5. Helping the Poor and Needy:
This is a pillar of social solidarity. Acts include giving Zakat al-Fitr, distributing food/clothes, supporting orphans, and aiding the vulnerable. The Prophet (PBUH&HF) said: “The most beloved to God are those who benefit others.” Imam Al-Baqir (AS) said: “Charity wards off seventy hardships and ensures a good end.”
Least but not last, Eid al-Fitr is a lesson of noble values—tolerance, love, solidarity, and connection. Let it be a true opportunity for spiritual renewal and embodying the merciful message of Islam.
“O Allah, include us in every good You granted Muhammad and his family, and protect us from every evil. We ask God to bless us all with goodness, health, safety, and faith. He is All-Hearing, All-Answering.”