The Meaning of Eid al-Fitr: When Fasting Meets Its Ending, The Fighting Keeps Going

Jakarta, UIN Online News - Professor of Islamic Civilization History and the Chairman of the Central Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) for Foreign Relations and International Cooperation, Prof. Dr. Sudarnoto Abdul Hakim, M.A., encourages Muslims to contemplate the significance of the 1-month-long Ramadan worship and make the best out of the Eid al-Fitr.

“We must express our gratitude for successfully completing the Ramadan worships, culminating in the celebration of Eid al-Fitr. However, Ramadan represents more significant values that we have acquired throughout the month,” stated Prof. Sudarnoto during his interview.

Additionally, Prof. Sudarnoto explained that every lesson acquired throughout Ramadan should be preserved and cultivated. As for the Eid al-Fitr, its celebration serves as an opportunity to integrate the values acquired during Ramadan into their everyday lives.

"If we have effectively applied the very teachings acquired during Ramadan even after the Eid al-Fitr, I am glad that we have attained remarkable strength, specifically spiritual and moral fortitude," he addressed.

Eid al-Fitr, occurring on the first of Syawal, is often understood as the day of returning to our Muslim nature, signifying a restoration of purity in every dimension: speech, thoughts, acts, and deeds. It also signifies the concept of "returning to eating," since fasting is forbidden on that day according to Islamic law.

Nonetheless, notwithstanding the joyous commemoration of Eid al-Fitr, the observance of Eid al-Fitr should not be approached hedonistically. Such behavior fundamentally opposes Islamic ideals, emphasizing the need to reinforce our dedication to aiding those in need.

Furthermore, he asserted that the observance of both Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr encompasses two significant dimensions: the vertical dimension, which pertains to spirituality; and the horizontal component, which underscores social responsibility.  

"We are really committed to undertaking a profoundly holy endeavor, and it is our responsibility to transform the significance of fasting into tangible actions; hence, our empathy for others must be reinforced," he urged.

One of the groups that need immediate care is our brethren in Gaza, as Sudarnoto is highly concerned of. There is nothing but a continuously rising number of families who are unable to live normal lives due to high levels of mortality, sickness, and destruction across multiple developmental sectors.

"The establishment of a reconstruction program for Gaza serves as an important helping hand for them. Therefore, on this first day of Shawwal, let us reinforce our solidarity to demonstrate our benevolence," he persuaded.

Sudarnoto then underscored the need for sustained assistance for the rehabilitation of Gaza. Though the endeavor still needs considerable time and significant financial resources, it cannot be accomplished merely by depending on the civilian population of Gaza.  

"Those countries that blatantly declare peace are the ones that actually take it from others. Do not permit Gaza to be appropriated and dominated by the hand of the hypocrites. This is the moment for the international Muslims to collectively assist their Palestinian brothers, for the sake of their glory and freedom," he uttered.

Also Watch: Eid al-Fitr and Palestine | Prof. Dr. Sudarnoto Abdul Hakim, M.A. | Eid Mubarak

(Alfina Ika Arianti/Aida Adha S./Fauziah M./Muhamad Arifin Ilham)