Eid is one of the greatest rituals of Islam. It is celebrated worldwide with great fervor and joy. Eid or Eid al-Fitr is celebrated every year by Muslims because it marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting observed by Muslims worldwide. They break the fast of Ramadan all together on the day of Eid. As said the celebration marks the end of a month-long of fasting, introspection, prayer, and spiritual development. It symbolises the victory of self-control, religiosity, and dedication over worldly wants and is a time for celebration and spiritual rejuvenation. Eid al-Fitr is characterized by being the last day before which the zakat al-Fitr obligatory on Muslims can be paid. On the morning of Eid, about a third of an hour after sunrise, Muslims perform the Eid prayer. Muslims meet on Eid, exchange congratulations, and visit their families and relatives. This is known as the ties of kinship. A Muslim also visits his friends, receives his friends and neighbours, and shows compassion to the poor. It is the custom in many Islamic countries for Muslims to eat some dates or delicious Eid cakes stuffed with dates on Eid.
Moreover, It is celebrated with cultural traditions and customs, including special prayers, communal gatherings, feasting, and sharing of gifts and sweets. On Eid, Muslims dress in their finest dress and visit mosques to offer special prayers known as Eid Salah or Eid Namaz. After prayer, they gather with their family and friends to share meals, exchange gifts and celebrate with joy.
Every year Eid al-Fitr is celebrated on a different date. According to the Hijri calendar, Muslims celebrate Eid al-Fitr on the first day of the month of Shawwal – the tenth month of the Hijri year – after the end of the month of Ramadan. Muslims confirm the beginning of the month of Shawwal by seeing the crescent moon, which announces the end of the month of Ramadan and the beginning of a new month, which is the month of Shawwal. Hence, this year, Eid al-Fit is going to be celebrated on April 11, 2024, with joy and happiness.
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Origins and meaning of Eid al-Fitr
Eid al-Fitr has its roots in Islamic teachings and is celebrated to commemorate the end of the obligatory fast of the month of Ramadan. Ramadan holds unique spiritual significance in Islam since it is believed that the Prophet Muhammad received the revelation of the Quran during this month. During Ramadan, fasting is seen as a kind of spiritual cleansing and an act of worship.
The festival known as Eid al-Fitr is a time to express appreciation and joy for finishing Ramadan and meeting the fasting obligations. Muslims might use it as a chance to thank Allah for all of their blessings, mercy, and pardon during the month of Ramadan.
Eid al-Fitr Custom & Rituals
Eid al-Fitr is celebrated on a single day and is often followed by several customs and traditions. Some customs are followed on this festival, albeit they may differ depending on the culture and area.
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Sadaqat al-Fitr: One of the main practices of Eid al-Fitr is giving Sadaqat al-Fitr, which is an obligatory charity given before the day of Eid. It’s regarded as a way to purify fasting and a chance to assist those who are less fortunate in celebrating Eid. Sadaqat al-Fitr is typically provided to the underprivileged and needy in the form of essential goods like wheat, dates, grapes, or cash.
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Eid Prayer: Reciting the unique Eid prayer is a significant Eid al-Fitr custom. Muslims get dressed up in their finest attire and head to the mosque or another specified location early on Eid day to offer the Eid prayer. In addition to being a chance for the Muslim community to unite and celebrate Eid, this prayer is a means of devotion and appreciation to Allah.
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Family Celebration: Eid al-Fitr is also a time for family get-togethers. Families gather together to celebrate with spectacular feasts, presents, and quality time after the Eid prayer. To commemorate the event, a lot of families also make special meals and decorate their houses.
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Clothes and decorating: Muslims typically wear their finest attire on Eid al-Fitr as a sign of respect and festivity. Women often wear traditional dresses and jewellery, and men also dress in festive costumes. In addition, many houses and streets are decorated with lights, flags and other decorations to create a festive atmosphere.
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Visit relatives and friends: Another common practice during Eid al-Fitr is to visit relatives and friends to exchange congratulations and celebrate together. Visits often include exchanging gifts, sharing meals, and spending quality time together. This is an opportunity to strengthen family and social ties and to spread the joy and happiness of Eid.