Eid-al-Fitr (Eid al-Fitr, Eid ul-Fitr, Id-Ul-Fitr, Eid) is the first day of the Islamic month of Shawwal. It marks the end of Ramadan, which is a month of fasting and prayer. Many Muslims attend communal prayers, listen to a khutba (sermon) and give zakat al-fitr (charity in the form of food) during Eid al-Fitr.
What do people do?
Many Muslims attend communal prayers and listen to a khutba or sermon on the first day of the month of Shawwal. These prayers are held outside or in large venues, such as sports arenas, in some places. Many Muslims may travel far to participate in these activities. Some communities organize different festivities, such as communal meals or events for children, on this day.
If a Muslim has not given zakat al-fitr during Ramadan, he or she can give this on Eid-al-Fitr. Zakat al-fitr is a form of charity consisting of a quantity of food, such as barley, dates, raisins or wheat flour, or its monetary equivalent given to the poor. Many Muslims may also prepare festive meals to share, wear new clothes, visit relatives and give presents or candy to children. Cards can also be sent, often featuring the words “Eid Mubbarak” (blessed Eid).
Public life
Eid al-Fitr is not a nationwide public holiday in countries such as Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom or the United States. However, many Islamic businesses and organizations may have altered opening hours. There may also be some congestion around mosques during the day.
Eid ul Fitr Background
It is not possible to predict the date of Eid-al-Fitr according to the Gregorian calendar accurately. This is because the month of Shawwal begins, and hence the month of Ramadan ends, after a confirmed sighting of the new moon, either in Saudi Arabia or locally. The new moon may be sighted earlier or later in specific locations. Hence, many Muslims in different communities, for example on the east and west coasts of the USA and Canada, may begin the Eid-al-Fitr celebrations on different dates.
Eid ul Fitr Festival |
Muslims on this day wake up early in the morning and have light breakfast preferably of the Date fruit. They then go for attending a special prayer (salah) exclusively for the Eid that is held in a mosque or any open area. They wear new clothes and attend the prayers compulsorily. The eid prayer is followed by Khutbah meaning sermon and dua meaning prayer asking for forgiveness, love and help for all the creatures living on the earth. After that the people greet the person sitting on his side independent of whether he know him or not. After the customary rituals people make visits to their relatives , friends and family. Some even visit Graveyards to pay homage to the departed souls.
On the last day of the month of Ramadan ,that is on the eve of Eid the moon of the Shawaal is sighted. As soon as the moon is sighted a special prayer called takhbir is recited. Before the eve every muslim who is able must pay the Zakat- al- fitr meaning help for the poor. Nearly about 2kg of basic fooding or cash is collected by the mosque and is distributed among the needy local muslims so that even they can also enjoy the festival.
Eid ul Fitr Celebrations
In southern asia men generally wear Throbe or Sherwani in the morning and women wear salwaar kameez. Men generally go for attending the Eid prayer in the mosque and then they greet every other human in the mosque. People in United Kingdom pay visit to their relatives and friends and even visit Graveyards to respect their ancestors. People cook traditional food for their relatives and specially a dish called simaya is more popularly made. It is celebrated open heartedly across different parts of India. The popular mosque in India is the Jama Masjid where people throng in huge numbers to enjoy this festive occasion.
