** Eid al-Fitr: an approach of reflection and transformation beyond celebratory practices **
Last Sunday, the Muslims of Nigeria and around the world celebrated Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of the sacred month of Ramadan. This celebration, certainly vibrant and rich in traditions, is of a meaning that goes beyond simple celebration. It invites us to reflect on the broader range of fasting and religious practices in various contexts, both spiritual and socio -cultural.
Fasting during Ramadan is not just a question of food restriction. It illustrates the art of introspection and personal transformation. Aisha Sanni, a 19 -year -old Nigerian, shared his ambivalence against the end of Ramadan, feeling both joy and sadness. This duality deserves our attention. Indeed, it illustrates a larger psychological phenomenon observed in many people after a period of intensified spiritual practices.
In a study carried out by the University of Harvard in 2022, believers who engage in spiritual practices, such as fasting, have often felt a “post-ramadan depression”, a period of exacerbated reflection on the habit changes and the dichotomy between the sacred and the profane. Statistics collected in several Muslim countries reveal that 42 % of participants claim that their religious practice during Ramadan increases their perception of social injustices. This raises a crucial question: is Ramadan not an opportunity, beyond faith, to strengthen solidarity and to motivate a tangible social change?
In this context, it is also interesting to examine cultural and religious differences in the celebration of Eid al-Fitr around the world. Unlike most countries in the Middle East, where the party is marked by massive rallies and sharing of community meals, the celebration in sub-Saharan Africa is enriched by a strong community dynamics. For example, in regions like the Northern Nigeria, fundraising for the most disadvantaged are particularly common, illustrating a strong social commitment which transcends the strictly religious framework.
In addition, the question of the economic drifts posed by the festivities of EID deserves to be highlighted. The explosion of expenses during this period, when families tend to invest massively in new clothes, extravagant dishes and donations, can cause a consumption trap that goes against the charity spirit valued by Ramadan. According to the report of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), purchases during EID can reach up to 20 % of the annual household budget in certain regions, thus creating economic pressure which may, for some, lead to debts.
It is therefore advisable to adopt a balanced approach in the way we celebrate these sacred moments. The way Aisha expresses his sadness in the face of the end of Ramadan challenges us: it is a call to transform our perception beyond rites and traditions. The EID al-Fitr can prove to be a moment not only of rejoicing, but also a period of renewal of commitment to practices which promote social justice, community mutual aid and personal development.
In conclusion, the celebration of Eid al-Fitr represents a precious opportunity to take stock of our values and our behaviors. If fasting teaches discipline and empathy, it is obvious that they must last far beyond the month of Ramadan. Today’s society requires not only compassion but also a strong mobilization around social and economic issues. For Aisha and for millions of others, the end of Ramadan marks the beginning of an even greater work: that of long -term transformation, both individual and collective. The days following Eid al-Fitr must therefore be the starting point for a renewed commitment to the community and the essential humanist values in our contemporary society.