Interview with Ayatollah Shiekh Mohammed Hussein Al-Ansari on Eid

Question: what is the meaning of Eid?

Answer:

The Arabic language scholars (linguists) have agreed that the root of Eid is “Awd" which means “return”. Also it has been said that it was called Eid because of its honour, from Eid that was a famous respected placed amongst Arabs. 

Question: and why is it an annual event?

Answer:

Because the Eid is rooted form return as we said, The Eid can not be from return except if it came back every now and then and time after the other. Eid unites the views revives the nation activated peoples souls. Moreover every time it returns it will return with the greatness of blessings as it includes millions of people over the earth.

Question: What are the important affairs in Eidul Fitr? And what are its characteristics?

Answer:

In Eidul Fitr specifically there are a few very important matters, the most important ones are:1. Having sweets and dates before going to Eid prayer. So we follow his order to break our fast as we follow his order before that by fasting.2. Putting aside Zakatul fitr, for every soul even the new born baby, that was born before the sunset the night before the Eid. Even one moment before. And this is a way to make the poor happy, and to assist him/her, and Islamic and humanitarian projects.3. It is recommended to wear better cloths and to put perfume on to show the gifts of Allah his Almighty, on the human, because it has been narrated "Verily Allah likes if he has given a servant that he sees the effect of that gift on him". Probably some of the sides of the commentary of the Holy verse, "And tell about the gift of your God" can appear here.4. People gathering together on the same level, Poor and Rich. Old and young. With all of the differences they have and communicating better, greeting each other. That will increase the love and the relationships between them.5. After that the happiness will be seen on all, with their nice smiles, and with their lovely talks, and compassion that you can feel with them. The deepness of the brotherhood and love between them. So this will push the society towards improving and the right developing.6. The most significant of this is that it became and Festival for Muslims. Because they have left their sins behind them as they have left his month this month behind them, by obeying Allah (swt). So it is returning him back to him to his Almighty.            The gathering, prayers, Takbir and Tahleel, will be as a thanks to him. Therefore Allah (swt)             said "For you to complete the period and for you to say Allah is greater, for what he has guided             you to." This is done by reading the following Dua: "الله أكبر، الله أكبر ، لا إله إلا الله والله أكبر، الله أكبر ولله الحمد، الحمد لله على ما هدانا، وله الشكر على ما أولانا"So may all the fasting and worshiping people be pleasant, they whom their deeds were accepted by Allah, and he has given them what he has given them.