A celebration for the righteous: Who truly deserves “Eid Mubarak”?

By Dr. Fiaz Maqbool Fazili

Rejoice, O you who grasped the profound essence of Ramadan—who fasted with sincerity, devoted yourselves in prayer, immersed in the Qur’an, gave generously, and turned steadfastly from sin. May Allah (SWT) accept your deeds, amplify your blessings, and grant you the full reward of your devotion. Ameen.

Eid ul-Fitr, the Festival of Breaking the Fast, is not merely a day of feasting and finery. It is a divine accolade, a luminous reward for those who embraced Ramadan’s spiritual rigor—fasting, praying, and purifying their souls. As the crescent moon heralds this joyous occasion, it is a moment to recognize those who internalized the lessons of this sacred month, emerging as embodiments of piety, mercy, and renewal.

Ramadan transcends abstention from food and drink; it is an invitation to reconnect with the Divine. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) described it as a month where “the gates of Paradise are opened, the gates of Hellfire are closed, and the devils are chained.” This cosmic shift offers believers a chance to recalibrate their lives through seeking forgiveness, cultivating taqwa (God-consciousness), and correcting moral shortcomings. The righteous approached Ramadan not as a ritual but as a lifeline—their days marked by Qur’anic reflection, their nights by humble prostration, and their hearts by relentless repentance. They understood that fasting is a vessel for empathy, discipline, and spiritual rebirth.

Yet, as the echoes of Takbeer fill the air, we must ask: Who truly deserves the greeting “Eid Mubarak”? This phrase is not a casual formality but a celebration of victory for those who conquered their lower selves. It honors the ones who fasted not just from food but from anger, envy, and malice; who transformed Ramadan into a catalyst for lifelong reform. The deserving are those who worshipped with urgency, wept in sincere repentance, and pledged to sustain their spiritual momentum beyond the month. They paid their Zakat al-Fitr, fed the hungry, and reconciled broken ties, heeding the Prophet’s warning: “Whoever does not abandon false speech and acting upon it, Allah has no need of him abandoning his food and drink.”

In an age of curated social media posts, “Eid Mubarak” risks becoming a hollow slogan. Festive photos mask neglected lessons, and indulgence overshadows introspection. But Eid’s true weight lies in its spiritual roots. It is a checkpoint—a reminder that “every soul will taste death, and you will be paid in full only on the Day of Resurrection.” Did we use Ramadan to prepare for that Day? Or did we squander its blessings, leaving our hearts unchanged? The Prophet (pbuh) cautioned, “Many people derive no benefit from their fast except hunger and thirst.”

Eid ul-Fitr is a mirror. For the righteous, it reflects divine approval—a testament to their struggle against complacency. For others, it is a call to reclaim lost time. As we don new clothes and share sweets, let us ask: Did we earn our “Eid Mubarak”? True deserving lies in those who fulfilled obligations, sought Laylat al-Qadr with trembling hearts, and sowed seeds of kindness, patience, and gratitude.

To those who strove: Congratulations! Your efforts are honored by the Most Merciful. But remember—Ramadan’s end is not the end of worship. Let Eid’s joy ignite a resolve to pray daily, study the Qur’an, and extend kindness year-round. Support the orphan, feed the poor, and carry Ramadan’s light into every corner of your life.

May Allah accept our fasts, forgive our sins, and make us among the righteous who are greeted with Jannah. Let Eid inspire not complacency but a lifelong pursuit of His pleasure. Ameen.

Dr. Fiaz Maqbool Fazili is a scholar focusing on Islamic spirituality and community ethics. Reach him at [email protected].