– Dr. M. Iqbal Siddiqui
Eid al-Fitr is one of the most significant Islamic festivals, marking the culmination of Ramadan, a month of intense spiritual reflection, self-restraint, and devotion. However, Eid is not merely a day of celebration, it is the completion of a one-month training period that conditions Muslims to practise piety, patience, gratitude and social responsibility. It reinforces the lessons of self-discipline, empathy, and charity learned during Ramadan and serves as an occasion to strengthen communal bonds, uphold justice, and promote social harmony.
In India, where religious and cultural diversity has long been celebrated, Eid al-Fitr has traditionally been a festival of unity, interfaith harmony, and brotherhood. However, in recent years, growing political and communal polarisation has attempted to undermine its spirit. Restrictions on Eidgah prayers, vindictive and arbitrary demolitions of mosques, economic boycotts, hate narratives, and selective media portrayal have presented new challenges to the festival’s inclusive essence. Despite these hurdles, Eid remains a symbol of resilience, reaffirming the unshakable commitment of communities to coexistence and mutual respect.
Eid Celebrations in India: A Cultural and Social Phenomenon
Eid al-Fitr in India is not just a religious event, it is a celebration deeply woven into the country’s social and cultural fabric. From the bustling markets of Chandni Chowk in Delhi, Laad Bazaar in Hyderabad, Aminabad in Lucknow, to Zakaria Street in Kolkata, the country comes alive with Eid shopping, vibrant food streets, and festive preparations.
Families gather for grand feasts featuring Sheer Khurma, Sevaiyan, Biryani, Kebabs, and a variety of sweets, and gifts (Eidi) are exchanged among loved ones. The spirit of sharing extends beyond Muslim households, with many non-Muslim friends and neighbours partaking in the celebrations, strengthening the interfaith bonds that have historically defined India’s pluralism.
Ramadan: One Month Spiritual Training
To fully understand Eid al-Fitr, one must appreciate the transformative journey of Ramadan. More than just a month of fasting, it is a period of spiritual renewal, self-discipline, and heightened awareness of social responsibilities. The essence of Ramadan is encapsulated in the Quranic verse (2:183), which highlights taqwa – a deep sense of piety and God-consciousness – as the ultimate goal of fasting.
The Quran describes the “people of taqwa” (muttaqoon) as those who uphold prayer and charity but also display integrity, compassion, and resilience in adversity. They fulfil their commitments, stand by their families, and extend kindness to orphans and the impoverished.
Eid al-Fitr, therefore, is not just a moment of festivity but a culmination of this spiritual and moral training. It marks a renewal of commitment to values such as righteousness, gratitude, and social responsibility. More than a day of joy, Eid is a manifestation of Ramadan’s lessons, encouraging Muslims to carry forward its principles in daily life and share their blessings with those around them.
Fasting is not merely about abstaining from food and drink; it serves as a means to cultivate essential human values:
- Self-Discipline: The practice of controlling physical needs and desires fosters resilience and inner strength. This self-restraint helps individuals resist greed, impulsiveness, and harmful temptations, ultimately leading to moral refinement.
- Empathy and Solidarity: The day-long experience of hunger nurtures a deep connection with the less fortunate, making generosity and charity instinctive. It is a reminder that the struggles of the poor are not distant realities but shared human experiences.
- Social Justice: Islam emphasises that wealth should circulate fairly, and Ramadan reinforces the obligation of those who are privileged to support the needy. This responsibility is formalised through Zakat (annual almsgiving), Sadaqat-ul-Fitr (charity before Eid) and other charities ensuring that no one is left behind.
At its core, Ramadan shapes Eid al-Fitr into a profound observance, reinforcing the importance of community, compassion, and social justice. It serves as a reminder that true celebration lies not in material excess but in uplifting others, fostering unity, and spreading kindness.
The Essence of Eid al-Fitr: Charity and Inclusivity
At the heart of Eid al-Fitr lies Sadaqat-ul-Fitr, a mandatory charity given before the Eid prayer. Unlike Zakat, an annual obligation on accumulated wealth, Sadaqat-ul-Fitr is a universal charity applicable to every Muslim, ensuring that even the poorest can partake in the festival.
This practice embodies:
- Purification of the fast: It compensates for any shortcomings during Ramadan.
- Economic inclusion: It ensures that everyone can celebrate Eid with dignity regardless of their financial condition.
- Compassion and solidarity: It fosters a sense of social justice, ensuring wealth circulates beyond privileged circles.
In India, where income disparities are glaring, Sadaqat-ul-Fitr holds profound significance. Many mosques and charitable organisations arrange mass food distributions, clothing drives, and financial aid during Ramadan to ensure that the joy of Eid transcends economic barriers. This spirit of inclusivity is also reflected in Eid-ul-Adha, where the distribution of sacrificial meat ensures that the poor benefit from the festival’s blessings.
Challenges to Open Eid Celebrations
Restrictions on Public Eid Prayers
- Some states, including Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Delhi, have imposed curbs on Eidgah prayers in recent years, citing security concerns.
- Other religious gatherings, however, face no such restrictions, highlighting a disparity in enforcement.
- Attempts to restrict public displays of religious identity disproportionately impact Muslims, reinforcing a sense of marginalisation.
Economic Boycotts and Targeted Misinformation
- Social media-driven hate campaigns have targeted Muslim businesses during Eid, with calls to boycott shops, eateries, and halal products.
- Misinformation about Zakat and Qurbani has been weaponised to incite fear and suspicion, furthering economic exclusion.
Selective Media Framing and Political Narratives
- Mainstream media often portrays Eid with a communal lens, focusing on imagined controversies rather than highlighting its message of peace and charity.
- Government-backed religious events receive extensive coverage, while Eid celebrations are sometimes framed as disruptive.
Eid as a Symbol of Communal Harmony and Resistance
Despite these challenges, Eid al-Fitr continues to stand as a beacon of unity and resistance against communal forces.
- Interfaith Iftar parties and Eid gatherings across India show that the spirit of solidarity remains intact. Many non-Muslims continue to attend Eid festivities, upholding the tradition of shared celebrations.
- Civil society initiatives counter hate narratives by organising Eid food drives, emphasising that charity and justice transcend religious boundaries.
- Grassroots resistance against communal narratives is visible in digital spaces, where individuals challenge misinformation and highlight stories of interfaith brotherhood.
In times of rising majoritarianism, celebrating Eid mutual respect and interfaith harmony becomes an act of cultural assertion and peaceful resistance. It reaffirms that India’s soul is built on diversity, and no political force can erase its deeply rooted traditions of coexistence.
Preserving the True Spirit of Eid
Eid al-Fitr is far more than a festive occasion, it is a reaffirmation of faith, a pledge to uphold justice, and a call to collective responsibility. It embodies the profound values of compassion, inclusivity, and social harmony, reminding us that true joy is found not in material excess but in sharing, togetherness, and uplifting those in need.
As India grapples with social and political challenges, the essence of Eid must shine brighter than ever. At a time when forces of division seek to fragment communities, the most powerful response is to celebrate with open hearts, extend kindness across barriers, and reinforce bonds of unity. Let Eid be a festival that transcends religious and social divides, fosters healing over hostility, and reaffirms that solidarity is stronger than strife.
Despite the trials of the times, the spirit of Eid remains unshaken – a guiding light that reminds us that in the face of adversity, hope, love, and humanity will always prevail.
[The writer is Assistant Secretary, Jamaat-e-Islami Hind]
