Muslim Festivals and Ceremonies — Page 22
other. All animosities and ill feelings towards fellow beings are forgotten. The spirit of Eid is one of peace, forgiveness and brotherhood. Thus happy and contented they return home. Special dishes are prepared on this festive occasion. Friends and relatives are generally invited. Gifts and greetings are exchanged throughout the day. Sending Eid cards has also become a tradition these days throughout the Muslim world, though many Muslims prefer to give such money to the poor and needy. Children wait anxiously for this day as they receive presents and money called '‘Eidi' from their relatives and elders. Feeding the poor, looking after the needy and visiting the sick are considered as meritorious acts on these occasions. . Sadaqat-ul-Fitr or Fitrana. On such an auspicious and festive occasion, Muslims are specially reminded of their obligations towards the poorer section of society. A special contribution called 'Sadaquat-ul-Fitr' or 'Fitrana' is fixed for this purpose. The contribution should be paid by the head of the family on behalf of all the members of the family. It is desirable to pay this contribution before the Eid service in order to enable the poor to join in the festivities of the day. . Philosophy underlying the festival. Every commandment or direction given by Islam is based on wisdom and has a philosophy underlying it. In the daily Prayer services at the mosque, the residents of an area come together five times a day and thus get to know each other, their bond of brotherhood is strengthened and they become aware of each other's needs and requirements. In the Friday Prayer service this fraternal circle of sympathy, love and co-operation is extended so as to include the residents of the whole town or of a sector of a city. On. Eid occasions this circle becomes even wider. . Moreover, it is grafted in the minds of the true believers that the spiritual discipline they have carried out during the month of. Ramadhan should be continued throughout the year. . While Eid is an occasion for joy and happiness, it is certainly not an occasion to indulge in frivolity, over-eating and mere pursuit of pleasure. The main purpose is always to seek the pleasure of. God Almighty by glorifying Him and rendering thanks to Him for having enabled them to perform their duties duly. 23 22