By “Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, la ilaha illa Allah.” I hear this recorded takbeer everyday in my beloved city of Gaza. With each day we hear the adhan, we become more excited about the upcoming day to celebrate Eid al-Adha, especially when we Gazans are always searching for any opportunity to get a slice of happiness.
The best part of Eid for me is the prayer. It makes me feel happy and blessed. To me, worshiping, praising Allah (SWT) first thing in the morning on Eid is my door to contentment.
Eid prayer is a spiritual celebration that exudes feelings of closeness with God, and a day of worship and celebration that you should love as well.
Here are 9 reasons why Eid prayer is good for your soul:
1. Great rewards await you.
It has been narrated that Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) was always praying with Muslims outside. We should always strive to follow him and his Sunnah. Also, glorifying God is a sign of pious hearts!
“That (is the command). And whoso magnifieth the offerings consecrated to Allah, it surely is from devotion of the hearts.” (22:32)
2. You become spiritually connected with God.
When all the worshippers glorify Allah (SWT) and say takbeer, we begin to feel how great He is in our lives.
You can say, “O Allah! We’ve come walking, obeying your order, eager for your blessing.” These simple words will help you in remembering who you are and why you are here in this world in the first place.
It may become easier for you to then submit all your matters to Him, the Ultimate power, and this can raise your spiritual connection with the Divine, and soothe your soul.
3. You strengthen your relations with others.
It’s unfortunate that I can’t see everyone I’d like to see frequently, but there’s one thing I know for certain. On Eid, I will see all my beloved brothers and sisters in Islam the morning of prayer!
If there are any disagreements or points of contention with someone, look past them and forgive. How do you do that? You should remember the purpose of your attendance at Eid prayer and visualize that Eid is equal to happiness.
With that, you greet everyone and put all the previous differences aside. A warm hug or handshake is a guarantee to celebrating Eid more positively.
4. You understand who you are better.
Waking up early to celebrate the holidays is exciting. So, waking up early to make it in time for prayer will remind you of all the sacrifices our prophets before us made to worship the Almighty.
You can say, “O Allah! We’ve come walking, obeying your order, eager for your blessing.” These simple words will help you in remembering who you are and why you are here in this world in the first place.
5. You get the opportunity to watch the sunrise.
How many time have you planned to watch the sunrise and fill your heart with positivity? How many times did you go through with those plans? Did laziness or other plans get in the way?
This is your chance to watch that beautiful miracle that Allah (SWT) gives us every morning!
6. You get to see cute kids in their new Eid clothes!
One of my favorite things to see during the Eid prayer are all the beautiful children dressed up in their holiday outfits.
There are little kids in bright colors, suits, hand-embroidered thobes or abayas. It’s just so cute, I can’t even handle it!
7. You help in the unity of our Ummah.
When we all stand together behind our imam to pray, all men, women, and children in a big open space, this should remind us how important the unity is for our Ummah.
Praying together helps eliminate a lot of bad blood and bad energy that leads to divisions.
8. You get the chance to gather as a family for breakfast.
With the world getting busier and busier due to technology and life (like living under occupation), sometimes it’s hard to gather together for a simple meal such as breakfast.
The Eid prayer gives most families this beautiful opportunity to sit together for their first meal of the day and break bread. So, after finishing the prayer, it’s wonderful to have breakfast with your family, whether outside or at home.
9. You enjoy all the Eid decorations!
If you live in a place where cities decorate for Eid, or even if you are limited to seeing decorations at the mosque, enjoy the view. It’s during this time that you will see smiles on kids’ faces and people enjoying the festivities.
You will be more excited in the celebration if you venture out to be with other Muslims celebrating rather than staying home. And, as everyone knows, if you start your day out good and happy, the rest of the day should follow with the same theme.
So, make sure to attend this year’s Eid prayer. Trust me; you’ll never regret it!
Eid Mubarak, everyone. May Allah (SWT) bless our Ummah and grant it with safety, power, and happiness.