A group of people once passed by a monk in a monastery. Seeing him, they enquired, “When do the people of this monastery celebrate ‘Eid?” The monk replied, “On the day that they are forgiven.”
The monk then recited the following:
لَيْسَ الْعِيْدُ لِمَنْ لَبِسَ الْجَدِيْدْ ، إِنَّمَا الْعِيْدُ لِمَنْ طَاعَاتُهُ تَزِيْدْ
‘Eid is not for those who merely wear new clothing. ‘Eid is actually for those whose good deeds increase.
لَيَسْ الْعِيْدُ لِمَنْ تَجَمَّلَ بِاللِّبَاسِ وَالرُّكُوْبْ ، إِنَّمَا الْعِيْدُ لِمَنْ غُفِرَتْ لَهُ الذُّنُوْبْ
‘Eid is not for those who merely beautify themselves by wearing attractive clothing and riding on exotic conveyances. ‘Eid is actually for those whose sins have been forgiven.
(Lataaiful Ma‘aarif pg. 483)
Annually, the day of ‘Eid is eagerly anticipated by the Muslim Ummah and is viewed as an occasion of happiness and rejoicing. However, how many people spend their Ramadhaan in such a manner that they actually have something to celebrate? If the Ramadhaan was profitable, by them earning the mercy and forgiveness of Allah Ta‘ala and changing their lives, then this is definitely one of the greatest blessings that one can rejoice over.
If we have not appreciated this blessed month as we ought to have done, then it is still not too late. There are still a few invaluable moments remaining which we can use to turn to Allah Ta‘ala and seek His forgiveness. If we do so, there is hope that Allah Ta‘ala will shower His mercy on us and also include us among those who gained His mercy in this month.