Eid-el-Fitr 2025: Anticipating a Celebration of Gratitude, Unity, and Joy
In commemoration of Eid-el-Fitr 2025, which will be celebrated on Sunday, 30th March, the Federal Government of Nigeria has declared Monday, 31st March, and Tuesday, 1st April 2025, as public holidays.
As the Muslim community worldwide prepares for this remarkable occasion, it is important to understand its significance and what is expected of celebrants.Eid-el-Fitr is the Islamic festival that marks the end of Ramadan. It is a time of joy, reflection, and thanksgiving after a month of fasting, prayer, and self-discipline.
The Origin of Eid-el-Fitr
Eid-el-Fitr has been celebrated for over 1,400 years. It was first observed by Prophet Muhammad (SAW) in the year 624 CE in Medina, Saudi Arabia, after the Muslims’ first Ramadan fast.
The celebration was introduced as a day of gratitude to Allah, marked by communal prayers, acts of charity, and festivity. Since then, it has become an essential part of Islamic tradition, observed by millions across different cultures and regions.
What is Expected of Muslims During Eid?
Eid is not just a festival but a religious obligation and an opportunity to strengthen faith and community ties. Here is how it is traditionally observed:
- Early Morning Prayers: The day begins with the Eid prayer, performed in mosques or open prayer grounds, where Muslims gather to offer gratitude to Allah.
- Zakat-al-Fitr (Charity): Before the prayer, Muslims who can afford it are required to give Zakat-al-Fitr, a donation to the needy. This is to ensure that even the less privileged can partake in the celebration.
- Dressing in the Best Attire: It is customary to wear new or clean, beautiful clothes, symbolising renewal and purity.
- Family and Community Gatherings: Families come together to share meals, exchange gifts, and visit loved ones, reinforcing bonds and spreading goodwill.
- Expressions of Gratitude and Joy: Muslims greet each other with “Eid Mubarak” (Blessed Eid) and engage in celebrations that reflect peace, unity, and happiness.
Read Also:
Eid-El-Fitr: Lesson from the Holy Qur’an, and all you need to know about the Muslim festival
10 ways to spend quality time with your loved ones during festive season
Why is Eid-el-Fitr a Joyful Celebration?
The joy of Eid-el-Fitr stems from the fulfilment of spiritual obligations and the values it promotes gratitude, compassion, and unity.
It is a time when communities come together, irrespective of social class, to share in the blessings of the occasion.
The festival also highlights the importance of forgiveness and reconciliation, making it a time of peace and renewed relationships.
As Nigerians observe these public holidays on 31st March and 1st April, it is an opportunity to reflect on the lessons of Ramadan: self-discipline, generosity, and devotion, and apply them beyond the celebration.
Eid Mubarak to all celebrating!
