The Relationship Between Eīd al-Fiṭr and the Appearance of Imam Mahdi
After a month of fasting and devotion during Ramaḍān, Muslims eagerly anticipate the rewards promised by God on Eīd al-Fiṭr. The establishment of justice and security through the governance of the righteous has been promised in the Quran.[1] Therefore, Eīd al-Fiṭr should serve as a reminder of the appearance of Imam Mahdi for those awaiting him.
Eīd al-Fiṭr Prayer and the Recollection of Imam Mahdi’s Appearance
On Eīd al-Fiṭr, Muslims who have dedicated themselves to worship throughout Ramaḍān gather in mosques and religious centers to perform the Eīd prayer. This prayer, which includes nine Qunūt (supplications), provides an opportunity to ask the Creator for the best blessings. In these supplications, Muslims request that God grant them the same goodness bestowed upon the Fourteen Infallibles and protect them from all evil. The fulfillment of these wishes necessitates the appearance of Imam Mahdi. Therefore, on this day, believers should pray for his emergence. Eīd al-Fiṭr should pave the way for the appearance of Imam Mahdi and strengthen the anticipation of his coming among the faithful.
Pious Fasting Individuals; The Supporters of Imam Mahdi
Fasting and abstaining from sin are means of attaining piety, which is essential for the appearance of Imam Mahdi. His followers must strive to maintain righteousness, just as they have observed piety during Ramaḍān, so that they may witness the grand Eīd of his return. Whether in the blessed month of Ramaḍān or during the period of Imam Mahdi’s occultation, maintaining piety is a source of victory and ultimate happiness for the believers.
Eīd al-Fiṭr and Preparation for the Appearance of Imam Mahdi
During Ramaḍān, people experience small joys, such as breaking their fast, celebrating Eīd, and participating in prayers. These small joys serve as preparation for comprehending the greater joy of the appearance of Imam Mahdi, which will bring ultimate security and happiness. The anticipation of Imam Mahdi’s arrival instills hope in believers and saves them from confusion and misguidance. Those who uphold piety in the era of occultation seek the satisfaction of Imam Mahdi and the happiness resulting from his presence.
Reciting Dua al-Nudba on Eīd al-Fiṭr
In Islamic teachings, an "Eīd" is a day free from sin. Ramaḍān is the month of divine forgiveness, culminating in the celebration of servitude and liberation from Hellfire. The end of Ramaḍān is thus considered an Eīd. Similarly, Thursday night is a night of divine forgiveness, and Friday is regarded as an "Eīd." Among the supplications recited on both Eīd al-Fiṭr and Fridays is Dua al-Nudbah.
The essence of Eīd in Islam is servitude and gratitude. A believer who awaits Imam Mahdi on Eīd al-Fiṭr expresses both gratitude and lamentation—gratitude for God’s forgiveness and lamentation over the absence of Imam Mahdi, which prevents this mercy from reaching its full potential. Reciting Dua al-Nudbah on Eīd al-Fiṭr serves as a reminder to pray for his appearance. Additionally, this supplication highlights that the acceptance of prayers, the forgiveness of sins, and the sustenance of believers are all linked to Imam Mahdi’s presence. Thus, on Eīd al-Fiṭr, we should seek his emergence and request that his seal be placed upon our deeds.
Furthermore, the recommendation to recite the Ziyārat of Imam al-Ḥusayn on special occasions and Dua al-Nudbah on Eīd al-Fiṭr is due to the transformative nature of these prayers. Connecting with Imam Hussain establishes the foundation of faith, while a connection with Imam Mahdi elevates it to its highest aspirations, forming an ideal spiritual identity through these two great figures.
Praying for Imam Mahdi’s Appearance on Eīd al-Fiṭr
Eīd al-Fiṭr marks a return to the innate purity of human nature. On this day, as people reconnect with their true essence, they become more receptive to understanding divine truths. One of the recommended supplications on Eīd al-Fiṭr is Du’a al-Faraj, which begins with a lamentation: "O God, the tribulations have intensified." If those awaiting Imam Mahdi sincerely believe that his appearance will bring an end to trials and hardships, and if they pray with a sense of urgency, his appearance will certainly be hastened. However, this requires a united heart and collective yearning among the people.
The Responsibility of Awaiting Believers After a Month of Fasting The piety cultivated through fasting, charity, supplications, and night vigils during Ramaḍān should be preserved so that it becomes a stepping stone toward witnessing the appearance of Imam Mahdi. The divine blessings and spiritual opportunities granted in Ramaḍān should not be wasted; rather, they should be maintained to facilitate the arrival of Imam Mahdi’s era. In fact, preserving spiritual achievements is even more challenging than acquiring them. Therefore, believers must strive to uphold the motivation to avoid sin throughout the year so that, just as they reached Eīd al-Fiṭr, they may also attain the grand Eīd of Imam Mahdi’s appearance and partake in the ultimate joy it brings.
[1] The Quran, 28:5; 21:105.
