The victory of Aidil Fitri

Here is the next article translated from http://www.shiar-islam.com/ . While it is still almost four month before the next Aidil Fitri is celebrated, I was merely following the order of the original Malay articles available in the website. Thus let me present this article of which the original Malay version was uploaded on 29th Ramadhan 1428 (11th October 2007)

THE VICTORY OF AIDIL FITRI

Oleh Al-Ustaz Syed Hasan Alatas
http://www.shiar-islam.com/

English translation by Radzi Sapiee

Aidil Fitri is a day of victory for the Muslims as it is a sign they have succeeded in fasting for a whole month in the month of Ramadhan. For a month we are trained physically and spiritually to be pious and devoted, to follow all of Allah’s commands while distancing ourselves from what is forbidden. For God judge us according to our piety and that would the measure of our success in the hereafter.

For a whole month during daytime we have to stand hunger and thirst, while those who are married have to also restrain themselves from their sexual needs. Every Muslim must also stop themselves from saying, hearing and looking at things which could incur Allah’s wrath. Instead they are encouraged to offer superegoratory prayers, recite the zikir or remembrance of God, read and study the Quran and try to implement what is taught in their lives. Ramadhan is also a good time to feed the poor and help other Muslims to fight in the way Allah, following the examples of the prophets and the messengers just like what is done by missionaries and full-time preachers. For their effort to show people and light the way to the true path, the path that Allah is pleased with, which resulted in the Muslims being able stay true to religion, able to do the obligatory fast according to the rules prescribed.

We celebrate Aidil Fitri starting nightfall on the first day of the month of Syawwal with recitals of the takbir (Allahu akbar), formula of tauhid (la ilaha illa Allah) and tahmid (alhamdu lil allah) with loud clear voices to exclaim the greatness of Allah s.w.t., His unique oneness and praise Him for all the blessing He has given us. Allah said in the “Quran: “…….and you should extol the greatness of Allah for the guidance bestowed upon you, so you’ll be gratefull.” (Q.S. Al-Baqarah : 185)

Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Lailaha illallahu, Allahu Akbar,Allahu Akbar, wa lillahilhamd. Allah who is most great, there is none that deserves worship but Allah, and to Allah is directed all praises.

Al-Imam Al-Syafiee reminded us, the night of Aidil Fitri is among the nights when our wishes in prayers is easily granted. Thus let us pray to Allah in full concentration and ask Him to accept our fast despite our weaknesses and whatever is lacking. Ask Him so that the fast and anything good we do becomes our provision in the hereafter.

Let us celebrate this day of victory by offering congratulations and praying for the well-being of each other. Do not forget to ask forgiveness for whatever mistakes we could have comitted against other Muslims. It is easier for people to forgive on this holy day. Verily humankind is weak and tends to be oblivious of their mistakes. So take the opportunity to ask for forgiveness, also to forgive and forget.

Our silaturrahim or ties of brotherhood is strenghten by visiting our families and kith and kins, our neighbours, friends and other Muslims. This will result in them returning our visits and so on. Thus let us all do this with much happiness and love. Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar walillahil hamd.

May the obligatory fast we do over the month of Ramadhan brings us rewards such as good health pyhsically, mentally and spiritually. For the fast when properly done could shape our characters and turn us into excellent human beings, pious and devoted to Allah s.w.t., patient, disciplined, thoughtful and gratefull while cleansing us from impurities and sins. May it also increase our intelligence as we face the trials and tribulations of this temporal world in preparation for the hereafter.

May we belong to the victorious people who have properly fast over the month of Ramadhan. To those who have succeeded, we like to offer our congratulations for the victory they have gained due to the blessing of following the commandments of Allah and His messenger for the whole month of Ramadhan al-mubarak.

Lastly to all Muslims men and women wherever you are, let me say: ”Happy Aidil Fitri celebration. And may you forgive me physically and spiritually too”.