Muslims celebrate Eid al-Fitr at the end of the blessed month of Ramadan, in expression of gratitude towards Allah. Truthfulness, kindness to strangers, empathy and compassion for humanity are the virtues that Ramadan instils in Muslims. Once this blessed month concludes, the day of Eid is an opportunity to reaffirm our determination to make these lessons a permanent part of our lives.

One significant aspect of Islamic teachings is that it emphasises not only fulfilling the rights of Allah but also the rights of His creation. Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr entail those very Islamic principles of compassion towards mankind—reflected in the various obligatory and recommendatory charities Islam asks Muslims to observe. One such charity is the Zakat al-Fitr (also known as Sadaqat-ul-Fitr), given at the end of the month of Ramadan. In fact, it is obligatory upon Muslims to pay Zakat al-Fitr before going to Eid prayers, so that the poor can also be included in the happiness of Eid. It is only through including the less fortunate ones in our happiness that we can truly attain the joys of Eid.

The Founder of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad^as, the Promised Messiah and Mahdi, said:

“Having compassion and empathy for fellow human beings is a great act of worship and a wonderful way to earn the pleasure of Allah.”

Explaining the purpose of celebrating Eid, the Worldwide Head and Fifth Caliph of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad^aba, stated:

“Eid is not just a day to gather and celebrate like any other festival, but it is a day where we are responsible for fulfilling our obligations entrusted by Allah, even more than during regular days. We should fulfil the requirements of worshipping Allah as well as the rights of our fellow beings.

Similarly, His Holiness states:

“If we do not fulfil the rights of God’s creation along with the rights of Allah while following His commands, then we will be drifting away from His commandments. However, if we do fulfil them, it will be a means of our forgiveness, and we will be freeing ourselves from the clutches of Satan and protecting ourselves from the fire. And this is the true Eid that a believer desires.”

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community India wishes a heartfelt Eid Mubarak to all Muslim brothers and expresses good wishes for the whole world. We pray that Allah makes this Eid a source of blessings, peace, and security for India and the entire world.