Opinion | Islam, Eid-ul-Fitr & Environment

Eid ul-Fitr is not only just a festival but indeed a reward from Allah SWT for the Ummah of Prophet Mohammad PBUH who practiced fasting for the whole month of holy Ramadan.

Eid-ul-Fitr is the most pious festival of the Muslims around the world. After a month of prayer, devotion and self-control, Muslims celebrate the accomplishment of their duties during Ramadan with the beginning of Eid ul-Fitr, or the Festival of Breaking the Fast.

Celebration of Eid ul-Fitr typically lasts for three days, one day fewer than those of Eid ul-Adha. Muslims take part in special morning prayers, greet each other with formal embraces and offer each other greetings of “Eid Mubarak,” or “Have a blessed Eid.” They gather with family and friends, give games and Eidi to children and prepare and eat special meals, including a popular sweet dish like siwaya.

Since giving to others through charity is an important part of Ramadan. It is also a part of the Eid al-Fitr celebration. Many Muslims donate different kinds of food to the poor. This form of charity is called sadagah al-fitr. It makes sure that everyone will be able to mark the end of Ramadan by enjoying a special meal. Keeping an eye on this

One should  set the limit for purchasing things for Eid in order to keep the poor people in their mind so that they should not feel bad for not purchasing much stuff as others can we should provide help to those people who aren’t able to celebrate Eid ul-Fitr so that everyone will be able to celebrate Eid ul-Fitr with all happiness and inclination.

The message of Eid ul Fitr is one of peace, brotherhood and solidarity. Muslims celebrate the festival by coming together and exchanging gifts with one another. The festival is also a time for Muslims to reflect on their faith and to remember those who are less fortunate.

Eid ul Fitr is a time for celebration and reflection. It is a time to rejoice in the blessings of Allah and build trust with each other. This day comes as a rejoice after the whole month of Ramzan Fasts. The celebration, joys and festivity on this day is the reward of blessings of the month of Ramzan.

9 ways to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr in a more eco-friendly way:

Islam and the Environment

The Islamic perspective on environmental protection reflects a positive image of Islam and how it embraces every matter humans face on earth. The Islamic attitude towards the environment and natural resource conservation is not only based on the prohibition of over-exploitation but also on sustainable development.

Let’s celebrate Eid Ul-fitr in a more greener way by keeping in consideration the following things: 

1. Ditch the plastic bags. Wherever you go grocery shopping or Eid shopping, remember to get a cloth bag with you or re-use one of your old plastic bags. Less plastic consumption means less dumping in the environment. Some countries have already banned shopping with plastic bags, so why don’t you start yourself.
2. Replace disposable plastic plates and cups with reusable paper products during events. Paper is easier to recycle and less harmful to the environment when dumped.
3. Serve drinks in smaller glasses for less waste.
4. Share the food leftovers with the less fortunate.
5. Educate your family and guests about avoiding leftovers and wasting food.
6. Use less water in ablution (wudu’) and the shower. It was reported that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) used a container filled with around 628 ml of water, equivalent to a medium-sized mineral water bottle.
7. Use a reusable water bottle for refilling.
8. Cut down on your energy use.
9. Plant a tree. You can also get seeds and give them to others on Eid Al Adha to promote your cause.

wishing each and every muslim over the world the happiest Eid ul-Fitr May Allah Swt accept our fasts and rewards us with the blessed Eid always and forever.

– The writer is an Executive Member of a Srinagar-based organisation ‘Voice of Youth’. He can be reached at SHOAIBWN8@GMAIL.COM