Al-Qalam 
The true essence of Eid is found not only in joy but in standing in solidarity with the oppressed, says Imam Dr. A. Rashied Omar.
Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, a month of profound spiritual reflection, gratitude, and renewed awareness of our responsibilities toward one another. Eid is a time of joy, gratitude, and communal solidarity, where Muslims gather in prayer, seek forgiveness, and extend acts of charity. Yet, for millions, especially our Palestinian brothers and sisters, this Eid arrives under the shadow of relentless suffering.
In Gaza, the West Bank, and beyond, families who should be celebrating are instead mourning their loved ones, tending to the wounded, and struggling to find food, water, and shelter amid the onslaught of violence, displacement, and famine.
How do we embrace the joy of Eid while remaining conscious of the suffering that engulfs so many in our Ummah? Eid is not only a celebration; it is a profound spiritual reminder, a call to uphold justice, unity, and compassion, especially in times of turmoil. The essence of this sacred day lies not in mere festivity but in the reaffirmation of our commitment to standing with the oppressed, speaking truth to power, and extending the mercy and solidarity that our faith demands.
Eid-al-Fitr is a day of celebration, renewal, and collective well-being, where Muslims are expected to give Sadaqat-al-Fitr – an alms gift, ensuring that even the most vulnerable can share in the joy of the occasion. More than a ritual, this act of charity symbolizes a core tenet of Islam: that our worship is incomplete without our service to humanity.
Yet, Eid is not merely an individual or family-centred celebration; it is an affirmation of our interconnectedness as a global Ummah. It is a time to celebrate the values that Ramadan has instilled in us: patience in adversity, generosity, and an unwavering commitment to justice. When we say “Eid Mubarak” this year, we must do so with a consciousness of those who cannot celebrate freely, those enduring occupation, ethnic cleansing and genocide.
For Palestinians, Eid is not a time of unburdened joy but a celebration of their perseverance and resilience in the face of relentless adversity. In Gaza, where relentless bombardments have reduced entire neighbourhoods to rubble, families will gather in makeshift shelters instead of festively adorned houses. In the West Bank, where settlers and military forces continue to seize land and attack civilians, the joyous sound of ‘Eid Mubarak’ echoes painfully alongside the anguished cries of mothers missing their children.
Yet, despite the pain and suffering, Palestine remains a beacon of resistance and dignity. Even amid the destruction, Palestinian children still find ways to smile, families still come together to pray amidst the rubble, and communities still uphold their faith by celebrating the end of the month of fasting. Their resilience is a testament to the indomitable spirit of the oppressed, a lesson that we, as an Ummah, must not overlook.
This Eid, let us remember that our faith calls us to stand with the oppressed, speak truth to power, and work toward justice. The Qur’an reminds us that the primary purpose of fasting in Ramadan is to attain taqwa (piety and righteousness). Furthermore, the Qur’an defines taqwa as the very embodiment of justice, stating: Be just: that is closest to piety and righteousness (taqwa) (Q5:8). This verse powerfully reinforces the idea that true piety and righteousness (taqwa) cannot be separated from upholding justice. As we stand in prayer this Eid, let our hearts be filled not only with gratitude but with an unwavering commitment to uphold justice wherever it is denied.
Lamenting for Palestine is not enough, our faith calls for action. This Eid, let us turn our lamentation into meaningful acts of solidarity. We must embody solidarity by raising awareness in our khutbahs, prayers, and conversations, supporting urgent relief efforts in Gaza, engaging in peaceful advocacy and protests, and making ethical consumer choices by avoiding products linked to Palestinian oppression.
Despite the hardships, Eid remains a symbol of hope. It reminds us that even in the darkest of times, faith and solidarity illuminate the path forward. Palestinians continue to teach the world what it means to persevere with dignity, to hold onto faith amid despair, and to embody the very essence of Ramadan’s lessons. Their ability to celebrate amidst despair is a lesson in resilience and faith
This Eid, as we greet one another with ‘Eid Mubarak’ and share meals, let us do so with a renewed commitment to justice, knowing that the true essence of Eid is found not only in joy but in standing in solidarity with the oppressed.
May this Eid bring healing to the wounded, comfort to the bereaved, and strength to those who continue to struggle for their dignity, freedom, and compassionate justice.
Eid Mubarak. Free Palestine.
