Fruitful Living
Eid ul-Fitr: The climax of 1 month of fasting
ALL praise belongs to Allah, the Lord of the worlds, who ordained fasting in the blessed month of Ramadan as a means of spiritual purification and moral elevation for the believers. We thank Him for granting us the opportunity to witness and complete this noble month. May His peace and blessings be upon the noble Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), his family, his companions, and all those who follow his guidance until the Day of Judgment.
As the crescent of Shawwal appears, Muslims across the world celebrate Eid ul-Fitr, a day that marks the successful completion of a month devoted to fasting, prayer, charity, and spiritual reflection.
Historical and scriptural background
The observance of fasting during Ramadan was divinely prescribed by Allah as an act of worship and discipline for the Muslim community. The Qur’an establishes this obligation in clear terms:
“O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may attain righteousness (taqwa).” (Qur’an 2:183)
This verse demonstrates that fasting is not unique to Islam alone but was also practiced by earlier religious communities. However, in Islam it was perfected as a structured act of devotion observed annually during the month of Ramadan.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasized the spiritual rewards associated with fasting. He said:
“Whoever fasts Ramadan out of faith and in hope of reward, his previous sins will be forgiven.” (Sahih al-Bukhari; Sahih Muslim)
Ramadan therefore becomes a period in which believers strive to purify their hearts, discipline their desires, and strengthen their relationship with their Creator.
The objectives of Ramadan fasting
The central objective of fasting in Islam is the attainment of taqwa, which refers to a heightened consciousness of Allah that influences one’s conduct and decisions.
The Qur’an explicitly highlights this purpose when it states: “That you may attain righteousness (taqwa).” (Qur’an 2:183)
Through fasting, Muslims learn self-restraint and patience. By abstaining from food, drink, and marital relations during daylight hours, believers cultivate discipline over their physical desires.
Fasting also nurtures compassion for the less privileged. Experiencing hunger and thirst reminds the fasting person of the hardships endured by the poor, encouraging generosity and social responsibility. For this reason, Ramadan is also a period of heightened charity and community solidarity.
Furthermore, Ramadan serves as a time for spiritual renewal through increased prayer, recitation of the Qur’an, remembrance of Allah, and acts of kindness. By the end of the month, the believer ideally emerges spiritually rejuvenated and morally refined.
Understanding Eid ul-Fitr
Eid ul-Fitr literally means “the festival of breaking the fast.” It is the joyous occasion that follows the completion of Ramadan and symbolizes gratitude to Allah for granting believers the strength to fulfill this important act of worship.
The Qur’an alludes to this celebration when it states: “…that you complete the prescribed period and glorify Allah for guiding you, and perhaps you will be grateful.” (Qur’an 2:185)
Eid ul-Fitr is therefore not merely a cultural festival but a religious expression of gratitude and devotion.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) also confirmed the significance of this celebration when he arrived in Madinah and found the people observing other festivals. He said: “Allah has replaced them for you with two better days: the Day of Eid al-Fitr and the Day of Eid al-Adha.” (Sunan Abu Dawud)
These two annual celebrations, therefore, hold a sacred place in Islamic tradition.
Observance of the Eid ul-Fitr prayer
One of the most important features of Eid ul-Fitr is the special congregational prayer performed by Muslims. This prayer consists of two units (rak‘ahs) and is distinguished by additional Takbīrāt (proclamations of “Allahu Akbar”) that glorify Allah.
Following the prayer, the Imam delivers a sermon (khutbah) reminding the community of the lessons of Ramadan and encouraging them to remain steadfast in righteousness.
The Eid prayer symbolises unity and brotherhood, as Muslims gather in large congregations to express gratitude to Allah and celebrate their collective spiritual achievement.
Celebrating Eid ul-Fitr in Accordance with Authentic Islamic Teachings
Islam provides clear guidance on how Eid should be celebrated in a manner that reflects gratitude and moderation.
One of the key obligations is the payment of Zakat al-Fitr, a charity given before the Eid prayer to ensure that even the poor can share in the joy of the day. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “The Messenger of Allah made Zakat al-Fitr obligatory as a purification for the fasting person and as food for the poor.” (Sunan Abu Dawud)
Muslims are also encouraged to wear clean or new clothes, eat before going for the prayer, and exchange greetings of goodwill.
Equally important is maintaining family ties, visiting relatives, helping the needy, and spreading happiness within the community. At the same time, Muslims are reminded to avoid extravagance or activities that contradict Islamic moral values.
Key take-home messages from the Eid Khutbah
During the Eid sermon, the Imam typically emphasises several important lessons derived from Ramadan.
First, believers are reminded that the discipline cultivated during Ramadan should continue throughout the year. Acts of worship such as prayer, charity, and remembrance of Allah should not end with the conclusion of the month.
Second, Muslims are encouraged to uphold the values of compassion, justice, and unity within their communities.
Finally, the khutbah often calls upon believers to remain conscious of their responsibilities toward society, promoting peace, morality, and social harmony.
Eid Greetings to the Muslim community
As Muslims celebrate this blessed occasion, we pray that Allah accepts our fasting, prayers, charity, and all acts of devotion performed during Ramadan.
May the spiritual lessons of the month remain with us throughout the year, guiding us toward righteousness and compassion in our daily lives.
I extend my warmest greetings to Muslims everywhere and wish you all Eid Mubarak.
Author Profile
Imam Alhaji Saeed Abdulai is the Kpone Katamanso Municipal Chief Imam, a Governance Expert, and a Certified Counsellor. He regularly contributes to national discourse on religion, social development, governance, and moral leadership, and participates in media discussions on family life, ethics, and community development.
By Imam Alhaji Saeed Abdulai, Kpone Katamanso Municipal Chief Imam
4. Correct the falsehood
If someone misrepresents Muhammad (pbuh), teach people who Muhammad (pbuh) really was.
Tell them about his mercy.
Tell them about his justice.
Tell them about his patience.
Tell them about his forgiveness.
5. Report genuine offences
Use lawful channels.
The Muslim does not become the police, prosecutor, judge and executioner.
6. Protect the innocent
If one Christian insults Islam, do not attack another Christian who knows nothing about it.
If one Muslim makes an offensive statement, do not blame all Muslims.
7. Restore peace
After the controversy, bring responsible Muslim and Christian leaders together.
Talk.
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Clarify.
Forgive where forgiveness is appropriate.
And rebuild trust.
Ghana must not become a battlefield of religious provocation
My dear brothers and sisters in Islam,
Let us look around Ghana.
Muslims and Christians have lived together for generations.
We have Muslim fathers with Christian in-laws.
Christian mothers with Muslim sons-in-law.
Muslim and Christian business partners.
Muslim and Christian neighbours.
Muslim and Christian classmates.
Muslims and Christians serving together in the military, police, public service, universities, hospitals, markets and businesses.
This is Ghana.
We must protect this peace.
Religious freedom is precious.
But religious freedom comes with religious responsibility.
A microphone is not a weapon.
A pulpit is not a battlefield.
A smartphone is not a licence to spread hatred.
A viral video is not a fatwa (religious decree).
And anger is not evidence.
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A word to Muslim scholars
To my fellow Imams and Islamic scholars:
Allah has placed a trust upon our shoulders. You are the best of generations selected for the guidance of mankind. Quran chapter 3:110.
When people are angry, we must calm them.
When people are confused, we must educate them.
When people want revenge, we must teach justice.
When people want violence, we must remind them of Allah.
Our microphone should extinguish fire—not pour petrol upon it.
The Prophet said:ِ
لَيْس َ الشَّدِيد ُ بِالصُّرَعَةِ، إِنَّمَا الشَّدِيد ُ الَّذِي يَمْلِك ُ نَفْسَه ُ عِنْد َ الْغَضَب
“The strong man is not the one who can overpower others; rather, the strong man is the one who controls himself when angry.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, 6114; Sahih Muslim, 2609)
This is strength.
Self-control is strength.
Restraint is strength.
Wisdom is strength.
Justice is strength.
A word to Christian preachers
And to our Christian brothers and sisters, especially those who preach:
We Muslims deeply revere Jesus (peace be upon him)
He is not an ordinary man in Islam.
He is ʿĪsā ibn Maryam عليه السالم, a mighty Messenger of Allah.
The author is the Chief Imam of Katamanso Municipal and Certified Counsellor and Governance Expert.
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When Paul tells us that our “attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus,” he had summarized in the previous two verses what such an attitude was: selflessness, humility, and service. “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others” – Philippians 2:3-4.
In other words, the attitude a Christian should reflect is one that focuses on the needs and interests of others. Without question, that does not come naturally to us. When Christ came into the world, He established a whole new attitude to relationships with others. One day when His disciples were arguing among themselves regarding who was to be greatest in His kingdom, Jesus said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you.
Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave – just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” – Matthew 20:25-28. Jesus is teaching us that, when we become preoccupied with our own things, it can cause conflicts and other problems with people we know. Instead, God wants us to have an attitude of serious, caring involvement in the concerns of others.
Paul speaks more about this Christ-like attitude in his letter to the church in Ephesus: “that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.– Ephesians 4:22-24. Many religions of today, including the New Age philosophies, promote the old lie that we are divine or that we can become gods. But the truth of the matter is that we will never become God, or even a god. Satan’s oldest lie was promising Adam and Eve that, if they followed his advice, “- and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” Genesis 3:5, NKJV.
Each time we try to control our circumstances, our future, and the people around us, we’re only demonstrating that we want to be a god. But we must understand that, as creatures, we will never be the Creator. God doesn’t want us to try to become gods. Instead, He wants us to become like Him, taking on His values, His attitudes, and His character. We are meant to “be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness” – Ephesians 4:23-24.
Finally, we must always keep in mind that God’s ultimate goal for His children is not our comfort, but the transformation of our minds into the attitude of godliness. He wants us to grow spiritually, to become like Christ. This doesn’t mean losing our personalities or becoming mindless clones. Christlikeness is all about transforming our minds. Again, Paul tells us, “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will” – Romans 12:2.
It is God’s will that we develop the kind of mindset described in the Beatitudes of Jesus – Matthew 5:1-12, that we exhibit the fruit of the Spirit – Galatians 5:22-23, that we emulate the principles in Paul’s great chapter on love – 1 Corinthians 13, and that we strive to pattern our lives after Peter’s characteristics of an effective and productive life – 2 Peter 1:5-8.
Establishing our actions in righteousness
Every person is commanded to live up to divine standards.
a. In the words of Jesus
“ For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Be ye, therefore, perfect, even as your Father, who is in heaven, is perfect” – Mt. 5:20, 48.
Every person in the world is required to live up to that standard. You say, “You’ve got to be kidding!” No, I’m not. You are obligated to live up to that standard with a pure inside as well as a right outside. But you say, “I can’t!” You are absolutely right. That’s why we are given the solution…
b. In the words of Paul
As it is written: “There is none righteous, no, not one; But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference;– Rom. 3:10, 21-22a.
Though you can’t obtain on your own the righteous standard Christ set, you can receive His righteousness if you are one of those who believe. Isn’t that great? God set the holy standard. And when you acknowledge that you can’t live up to it, He says, “My Son is not only the Lawgiver, but He is the Redeemer as well, who makes it possible for you to live on that level.” Beloved, it’s a fantastic thing! The standard is so high we can’t obtain it. But Christ met that standard and imputes to us His righteousness. Oh, what a blessed thing!
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