Eid is an Arabic word derived from root of a-w-d. Literally it means a recurring event. In Islam it denotes the festivals of ISLAM. The word Eid occurs in the Qur’an once meaning a joyous recurring occasion.
“Isa the son of Maryam said : O Allah, our Lord! send down to us food from heaven which should be to us a Eid (joyous recurring occasion), to the first of us and for last of us, and a sign from You, and grant us means of subsistence, and You are the best of Providers.” Sura Al Maida 5:114
Human history has known festivals from the earliest days of man on earth. Man has celebrated festivals ever since he knew communal life. Ancient Egyptians had one called the day of adornment. It was during one such festival that Prophet Musa (pbuh) defeated the magicians. (Qur’an – Suratu Taha 20:57-59).
Eid ul Fitr is the festival that marks the end of the month of Ramadhan. Fitr means to break and it therefore marks the breaking of the fasting period and of all evil habits. Happiness is observed at attaining spiritual upliftment after a month of fasting.
Imam Ali (pbuh) has said that Eid is a day of happiness for those whose fasts and prayers have been accepted by Allah. He has also said that Eid is the day in which one has committed no sins.