By Ishola Balogun

Today possibly marks the end of the most blessed month of fasting, a period of absolute devotion, of nearness to Allah, of favour and blessings, of forgiveness and righteousness, of abstinence from food and drink, and materialism, of tahjuds and divine Powers, of  Charity and kindness.

We thank Allah for witnessing the end of the period with wholesome benefits insha-Allah. As we prepare for the celebration, it should be noted that it is solely observed with the intention to thank Allah for bestowing us the grace of witnessing the month and sharing from the mercies therein and giving the endurance to abstain oneself from the luxuries of the materialistic world.

We have cleansed our minds, bodies and souls during the fasting period, it is appropriate we celebrate the spiritual achievements with full energy and gaiety.

‘Eid-il-Fitr’  has a unique set of prayers offered in a different manner than usual congregational Jumat prayers. After an early bath, (ghusl) Muslims are enjoined to wear new clothes and gather at praying ground close to them for the eid prayers.

Light food is recommended before you set out for the eid.  This is necessary after going through a whole 29 days of fasting, it is necessary to take a light meal at least to show you have completed your fasting period.

As you go to the prayer ground, recite the following to affirm your love for Allah, express your gratitude towards him and praise him. Say: “Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Laa Ilaaha Illallaah Wallaahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Wa lillaahil Hamd.”meaning: God is the greatest, God is the greatest, there is no god except Allah, and Allah is the greatest. HE is the greatest. To HIM belongs all praises.”

Remember to offer your Zakatul-Fitr before you set out for eid. Details of this were published yesterday on our daily Ramadan Talk.  According to a release sent by The Muslim Congress, TMC which elucidates on Zakatul-Fitr, it is payable anytime before the ‘Eid-ul-Fitr prayer.

The Prophet (SAW) urged Muslims to pay this charity in the month of Ramadan, because it helps the poor and needy, takes care of their needs in the month of Ramadan and also makes it possible for them to celebrate the ‘Eid festival with other Muslims, and also meant to expiate (Kaffarah) for defects and mistakes a person may have done during this blessed month of Ramadan.

The amount of Zakat Al-Fitr was fixed by the Prophet (SAW). It is about 5 pounds of wheat, flour, barley, dates or raisins. Some jurists also allow paying cash to the poor and needy. The head of the household must pay this amount on behalf of all the members or the dependant, males or females, adults or children.

It is interesting to know that Muslims are at liberty to pay Zakat-ul-Fitri with foodstuff or in monetary equivalent (cash).

According to Luqman AbdurRaheem, the Ameer, The Muslim Congress, those  willing to use monetary equivalent of foodstuff could find below the 2012 Survey of Zakat & Sadaqat Foundation as compiled by the group but for residents in Lagos because prices are not the same at different parts of the country.

RICE N420, BEANS N630, MAIZE  N280, GUINEA CORN  N280, GARRI N280, MILLET N350, WHEAT N420.  All these rites, devotion, and charity are more important than the elaborate and extravagant celebrations. But the fun and frolic environment cannot be missed even after the rites are over. The Eid-prayers are followed by feast and get-together among loved ones.  Eid-il-Mubarak!