The day that all Muslims wait to come after fasting the holy month of Ramadan. Eid Ul Fitr is regarded as a special reward from Allah to the believers who have fasted the month of Ramadan. Eid Ul Fitr marks the end of the month of fasting (Ramadan), and it is celebrated during the first three days of Shawwal. The month of Shawwal is the 10th month of Islamic calendar. Eid Ul Fitr is the time of private visits and official receptions as friends and relatives visit each other; they greet each other; gifts are given; new clothes are worn. Also, Muslims thank Allah in these three days for giving them the power to do all His commands during the holy month of Ramadan.
The Sign of the Beginning of Eid Ul Fitr
The date of the beginning of Eid Ul Fitr depends on the sighting of the crescent moon, so its exact date is not never certain far in advance. Its beginning can differ from one country to another. Ramadan (the month of fasting) sometimes be 29 days only, and if it was 30 days, the beginning of Shawwal will be delayed by a day, especially if the sky is too light when the moon is out. Sometimes, clouds abstract the moon, and this is also why the crescent moon of Ramadan can start on different days in different areas of the world.
How is Eid Ul Fitr celebrated?
At the end of Ramadan, Muslims must give a payment to charity. This payment is called “ Zakat al fitr”. This Zakat (purify) is a small donation compared to the 2.5% zakat that Wealthy Muslims are taxed. Zakat is one of the five Pillars of Islam. As well, some Muslims spend some of their time in soup kitchens to cook food and hand out their own food to those who are in need of relief.
Mothers make cookies before the beginning of Eid Ul Fitr while all the members of the family share in this work. Gifting has a big part of Eid celebrations. These days, children are very happy as they receive eidia offerings from their relatives. Sweet cookies, dates, and chocolate are exchanged among friends, relatives, loved ones, neighbors and even foreigners. Family members exchange presents to each other.
One the first morning of Eid Ul Fitr (festival of fast breaking), Muslims dress in their new clothes. They left their homes to attend their local mosque or other large other door locations before the sun rises. They go to these places to perform the Eid Ul Fitr prayer which is performed after the dawn and before the sun rises. It is the time of the first breakfast for Muslims during sunlight hours they have had in a month.
The Eid Ul Fitr Prayer also known as Salat Al Eid. Imam who will lead the congregation often explain how they perform this prayer as this salat is performed only twice a year in Eid Ul Fitr and Eid Ul Adha.
Meaning of “Eid Mubarak” Greeting
All Muslims greet each other saying “Eid Mubarak” that refers to having a blessed day. This is the expected greeting when any Muslim meet a fellow Muslims for the first time. “Eid Mubarak” means to be happy, to have a great day and blessed festivals.
Eid Ul Fitr Related Information
- The Prophet Muhammad and His Companions celebrated with Eid Ul Fitr for the first time in 624CE after their victory in the Battle of Badr.
- Eid Ul Fitr is known as Feast of the Lesser Bairam. Bairam is a Turkic word which means holiday.
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