How are we observing Eid now?
Weeks before the auspicious day, we normally shop for clothing and delicacies of local sweetmeats. And on the eve of Eid, there will be light decorations and listening to religious songs to uplift the mood of Eid. Just like any other festivities, there is joy, music, and watching special television shows.
A small part in saying the famous praises of God "God is great, God is great, God is great. There is no god but God, and God is great. And glory to God eventide and in the morning, And all Praise to Him"
The next morning, we attend a prayer and continue with the Praise of God. We then visit relatives and friends and exchange gifts. That is how we briefly observe Eid.
Before we elaborate on how we should observe Eid according to the message of the Quran, we need to know the meaning of 'Eid' from the message.
Observe the meaning of Eid
The two Eid we celebrate are Eid-al-Fitri and Eid-al Adha. The word "عِيدًا" Eidan translated as festival or joy. The nested meaning of this word is naturally to eat or feast when Prophet Isa or Jesus asked for food from God.
5.114 Jesus, son of Mary, said: " Our God, Our Lord, send down to us a feast from the heaven, that it becomes a joy to us from the first to the last, and a sign from You, and provide for us, You are the best provider."
There are no phrases of "al-Fitri" or "al-Adha" from the message. As Eid-al-Fitri is connected to fasting in the month of Ramadan. God says:
2.183 O you who believe fasting is prescribed for you, as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become righteous.
2.184 For a specified number of days. But whoever among you is sick, or on a journey, then a number of other days. For those who are able: a ransom of feeding a needy person. But whoever volunteers goodness, it is better for him. But to fast is best for you if you only knew.
2.185 Ramadan is the month in which the Quran was revealed. Guidance for humanity, and clear portents of guidance, and the Criterion. Whoever of you witnesses the month, shall fast it. But whoever is sick, or on a journey, then a number of other days. God desires ease for you, and does not desire hardship for you, that you may complete the number, and celebrate God for having guided you, so that you may be thankful.
In summary a believer must:
fast in the month of Ramadan
eat and drink until the white streak of dawn can be distinguished from the black streak. Then complete the fast until night fall. 2.187
If ill, then feed the needy for missed days (fidya)
Glorify God for guiding us so that we may be thankful
Observe the meaning of Qurban
The word "Qurban" is always connected to the sacrifice story of Prophet Ibrahim AS.
In 5.27 the word قُرْبَانًا (qurban) is translated as 'offering'. The sons of Adam presented 'something' to God to come near to God. We give someone a product or gift to come closer to them or for them to get closer to us. 4.7 "wa aqrabuna"is referred to "and the near relatives".
God mentions about the sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim AS as "wafadaynahu bithibhin" (and redeemed him with a killing). "wafadaynahu bithibhin aleem" - and redeemed him with a great sacrifice. In 22.37 this phrase is absent.
37.108 And we left with him for later generations.
God is keeping the noble history of Prophet Ibrahim AS for us to know and emulate the good work of Ibrahim and son.
22.23 God will admit those who believe and do good deeds into Gardens.."
22.24 And they are guided to the good sayings, and guided to the path of the Praiseworthy.
22.25 As for those who rejected and repel from the path of God....We will let them taste a painful retribution.
22.26 We have showed Abraham the location of the House: "Do not associate anything with Me; and purify My House for those who circle around, and those who stand to pray, and those who kneel and prostrate."
22.27 And announce the pilgrimage to humanity. They will come to you on foot, and on every transport. They will come from every distant point.
22.28 So that they may witness benefits for themselves and mention (remember) the name of God in the appointed days for what He has provided for them of the animal livestock. So eat from it and feed the needy and the poor.
22.36 And the Budn (cows, or camels driven by pilgrims at the sanctuary of Makkah) We have made them for you as among the rites of Allah, wherein you have much good. So mention the name of God over them when they are drawn up in lines. Then, when they are down on their sides, eat thereof, and feed the poor who does not ask, and the beggar who ask. Thus have We made them subject to you that you may be grateful.
It is interesting in 22.36 that God did not mention of the word 'qurban' or 'bithibhin' but dramatize the entire scene as ' so mention the name of God over them whey are drawn up in lines. Then, when they are down on the sides, eat thereof...'
Because this is not a deed of coming near to God or a killing an animal as an exchange. The sons of Adams wanted to come near God. And Prophet Ibrahim (to stop the pursuit of slaughtering his son) was called upon and God redeemed him with a great sacrifice. God is satisfied with Prophet Ibrahim AS deed and gave him:
37.109 Peace be upon Ibrahim
The main intent is to feed the poor crowd in the Pilgrimage: 22.28 'So eat from it and feed the needy'. This is the reason for 22.37.
22.37 Neither their flesh, nor their blood, ever reaches God. What reaches Him is the righteousness from you. Thus He subdued them to you, that you glorify God for guiding you. And give good news to the charitable.
And the 'much good' mentioned in 22.36 is that those who perform this rite are considered as 'charitable' as stated in 22.37.
How should we observe Eid according to the message of the Quran?
Whenever we approach the two Eids, we must consider the following pointers for God to consider our righteousness:
Remember the days of fast, and thank God for the strength given
Remember the option of 'fidya' given to those who cannot fast due to illness
Remember the joy we felt when breaking the fast
Remember the story of the sons of Adam and Prophet Ibrahim AS on the subject of qurban and Great sacrifice, respectively. And how God accepted their good works. And how Prophet Ibrahim as was given a personal greeting from God Himself
Bring these stories to remember when we are in our five daily prayer, when we do charity, when we fast and when we do the Pilgrimage
Discuss these stories with our family gathering during the Eids
Magnify and glorify God much and thank Him for the revelations
Ask God not to make our families to fall into the following category:
259.25 And he said, "You have chosen idols (intermediary) instead of God, out of affection for one another in the worldly life. But then, on the Day of Resurrection, you will disown one another and curse on another. Your destiny is Hell and you will have no saviors."
Print paintings have produced two artworks of goat and four sheep. Get them and place in your homes to remember the noble story of Prophet Ibrahim (as) and his son to support the statement of God:
37.108 And we left with him for later generations.