Eid al-Fitr will soon be upon us and marks the end of Ramadan; the month of fasting for Muslims the world over and a remarkable achievement. We’re waiting for the sighting of the new moon which will either be 29 or 30 days following the start of Ramadan. Depending on where you are in the world, the festival can last from one to three days and is an absolutely joyous occasion! Prayer, new clothes, special sweets, money and toys for children, visiting loved ones; both alive and deceased. It’s a wonderful end to the month of worship, piety and patience; a time which Muslims eagerly await and welcome with great splendour and fanfare. Boy do Muslims know how to celebrate!
Eid is the Arabic name for festival so you will hear the term often in relation to all festivals which occur throughout the year;
- Eid al Adha – Festival of the Sacrifice
- Eid Milad – Birthday (of anyone)
- Eid un Nabi – Birthday of the Prophet
Eid al-Fitr is known as the lesser/smaller Eid and in some countries is called Eid Saghir. Eid al-Adha is the greater Eid or Eid Kabeer.
Traditions differ throughout the world however there are a few standard features of the Eid al-Fitr celebrations or what Muslims would call Sunnat al-Eid (the way the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, would have celebrated Eid).
- Wake early to bathe and dress in clean clothes; where possible clothes should be new or at the least what would be termed in the western world as “Sunday Best”
- Eat a good breakfast; a breakfast which is significantly special as it would be the first eaten during sunlight hours for a whole month!
- Pay Zakaat-al-Fitr; a charitable payment to the poor in thankfulness to God for enabling an individual to observe the month of fasting
- Walk to the local mosque or prayer ground, to offer prayers in an open space (except if the weather is really poor)
- Pray the special Eid prayer in congregation. This should include all men, women and children.
- Listen to the sermon (Khutbah) where the Iman will remind the community about their responsibilities and obligations to God, their brothers and sisters in Islam and to human kind as a whole
After the Eid prayer, traditions will vary depending on the local culture. In some countries like the UK where Eid is not a recognised holiday, some Muslims may head for work if they haven’t booked a day off in advance. However in Muslim countries where it would be a public holiday, celebrations can be anything from basic to lavish and extravagant.
Children play a big part in many traditions and they especially like to show off their new clothes and toys and spend their Eid money. I knew quite a few families in Egypt that would save all of their clean One Egyptian pound notes in the run up to Eid, ready to distribute to the children in the family once the festivities start.
Food is also a big feature and many cultures have an array of sweets and biscuits which they make especially for their families and for the abundance of friends and neighbours who will visit throughout the three days. In some countries, especially Muslims countries, non-Muslim friends and neighbours will also visit or call their friends to congratulate them on their achievement and share in the happiness. It’s a sign of respect and very much welcomed.
Street carnivals with funfair rides are common in some countries and decorating hands and feet with henna in others. Greetings of Eid Mubarak and Eid Saeed fill the air. Its smiles all around and there is an overwhelming sense of happiness in Muslim countries and households from East to West and North to South. I’ve said this before and will say it again, because it’s something which everyone should get to experience at least once in their life! If you’re invited to attend any festivities whether in a Muslim family’s home or outside, you absolutely must attend. You’ll understand what I mean if you do.
The Management and Staff at Creative Word, wish all clients and visitors to our website a wonderful and blessed Eid.
