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Getting Credits, Eid Fun, Grief on Eid

Issue 350 » October 28, 2005 - Ramadan 24, 1426

General

Living the Quran

Al-Nisa (The Women)
Chapter 4: Verse 85

Good cause and Evil Cause
 "Whoever intercedes in a good cause (hasanah) shall share in its good result, and whoever recommends an evil cause (sayyiah) shares in its burden. And Allah has power over all things."

Get the credit!
In this fleeting world's chances, Allah's providence and justice may not always appear plain or 'just' to our eyes. That is why we are asked to believe that if we help and support a good cause (whether verbally, physically, or financially), we share in all its credit and its eventual victory. And conversely, we cannot support an evil cause without sharing in all its harmful consequences in the Hereafter.

It's a matter of choice
In this verse God is reminding us about the fact that it is all a matter of choice. One has the opportunity to struggle for the cause of God and encourage others to do good and strive for excellence in every action, and be rewarded by God. Likewise, one has the opportunity to expend one's energy trying to create misunderstanding and mischief among God's creatures and to demoralize people in their struggle for good and truth to prevail, thus bearing the burden of all the evil in the world that follows.

Watch what you do and say
Moreover, one is delighted at observing this aspect of Allah's Mercy: the fact that we would be rewarded in the Next life even for simply recommending or encouraging someone to do Hasanah (good)! This is one reason to be careful about what we do and say. If a friend or relative of ours begins to follow our evil footsteps, we will bear its consequences.

Source:
"Towards Understanding the Quran" - Sayyid Abul A'la Mawdudi
"The Holy Quran" - Abdullah Yusuf Ali

Understanding the Prophet's Life

Celebrating Eid

Narrated Anas bin Malik:
Allah's Apostle never proceeded (for the prayer) on the Day of Eid-ul-Fitr unless he had eaten some dates. Anas also narrated: The Prophet used to eat odd number of dates.

Narrated Abu Sa'id Al-Khudri:
The Prophet used to proceed to the place of prayer on the days of Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha; the first thing to begin with was the prayer and after that he would stand in front of the people and the people would keep sitting in their rows. Then he would preach to them, advise them and give them orders, (i.e. Khutba). And after that if he wished to send an army for an expedition, he would do so; or if he wanted to give and order, he would do so, and then depart.

Narrated Jabir bin 'Abdullah:
On the Day of Eid the Prophet used to return (after offering the Eid prayer) through a way different from that by which he went.

Narrated Aisha:
Allah's Apostle (peace be upon him) came to my house while two girls were singing beside me the songs of Buath (a story about the war between the two tribes of the Ansar, the Khazraj and the Aus, before Islam). The Prophet lay down and turned his face to the other side. Then Abu Bakr came and spoke to me harshly saying, "Musical instruments of Satan near the Prophet?" Allah's Apostle turned his face towards him and said, "Leave them." When Abu Bakr became inattentive, I signalled to those girls to go out and they left.

It was the day of Eid, and the Black people were playing with shields and spears; so either I requested the Prophet or he asked me whether I would like to see the display. I replied in the affirmative. Then the Prophet made me stand behind him and my cheek was touching his cheek and he was saying, "Carry on! O Bani Arfida," till I got tired. The Prophet asked me, "Are you satisfied (Is that sufficient for you)?" I replied in the affirmative and he told me to leave.

Narrated 'Urwa on the authority of 'Aisha:
On the days of Mina, (11th, 12th, and 13th of Dhul-Hijjah) Abu Bakr came to her while two young girls were beating the tambourine and the Prophet was lying covered with his clothes. Abu Bakr scolded them and the Prophet uncovered his face and said to Abu Bakr, "Leave them, for these days are the days of 'Id and the days of Mina." 'Aisha further said, "Once the Prophet was screening me and I was watching the display of black slaves in the Mosque and ('Umar) scolded them. The Prophet said, 'Leave them. O Bani Arfida! (carry on), you are safe (protected)'."

Source:
"The Two Festivals" - Al-Bukhari, Book 15
Blindspot!

Dealing with grief on Eid

While Eid is definitely a time of joy and happiness, it's also one of sadness for those who recall happy occasions with deceased family members. Whether we're experiencing this sadness ourselves, or know someone who is, grief is something we can't ignore.

Pray to Allah (Dua)

One way of dealing with sadness on Eid is through Dua (supplication). Once a man from the tribe of Salmah came and said to the Prophet, peace be upon him: ‘O Messenger of Allah! Do my parents have rights over me even after they have died? And Rasulullah said: Yes. You must pray to Allah to bless them with His Forgiveness and Mercy, fulfill the promises they made to anyone, and respect their relations and their friends. (Abu Daud, Ibn Majah).

Why not use Eid to make Dua and remember deceased parents? As well, why not use it as an occasion to visit and show respect to their relatives and friends? This will alleviate some of the pain of missing them on an occasion when families get together and celebrate.

Cherish the good memories

If the deceased is another relative or friend, why not invite over those who remember him or her on Eid day for a meal followed by an Eid gift. This way you can be with those who cherish the memories of your loved one.

Turning the tables, if you know someone dealing with personal grief this Eid, make a special effort to invite them over. If this is their first Eid after their loved one has passed away, then extra sensitivity may be needed. Maybe you can take them out for a meal at a restaurant instead of having a large get-together so that you can both share in fond memories of the relative or friend.

Avoid Isolation

Personal grief isn't just connected to the death of a loved one. It could be related to family problems, losing a job, failing grades or more. In this case, the need to get together with others on Eid is even more important. The key is to avoid isolation on a happy occasion. If you have a family member or friend who is suffering through such problems, inviting them over on Eid day can lift their spirits. This can help them break the cycle of depression and hopelessness they may be going through. Offer them words of Dua, hope and comfort which can also help them cope with their difficult situation.

This Eid, if you see someone suffering, try to comfort them. We must make a special effort to help anyone in need, and Eid day, which is a happy occasion, is an excellent occasion to do so.

Source:
“Dealing with grief on Eid” – SoundVision.com