Eid-ul-Fitr is an important religious holiday celebrated by Muslims worldwide. It marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting. The name "Eid-ul-Fitr" translates to "Festival of Breaking the Fast." This festival celebrates the end of Ramzan, the Muslim month of fasting. It is an occasion of feasting and rejoicing.
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Significance: It celebrates the conclusion of 29 or 30 days of dawn-to-sunset fasting during the entire month of Ramadan.
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Date: The exact date of Eid-ul-Fitr is determined by the sighting of the moon, so it varies each year. It falls on the first day of Shawwal, the month that follows Ramadan in the Islamic lunar calendar.
Eid is also famous bu the name of Sweet Festival, Lesser Eid, Hari Raya Puasa and Bayram. It is the only day for Muslims where they are not allowed to fast. It depends on the sight or appearance of the moon that when will the holy month of Ramzan ends and Eid is celebrated. It also marks the first day of the Shawwal
The Origin of Eid al-Fitr
It is believed that Eid-ul-Fitr was observed by Prophet Mohammad who is said to be the messenger of God in Islam. In some traditions, Eid and other related festivals began in Madinah where Muhammad witnessed people celebrating two specific days to entertain themselves. Later he exclaimed that God fixed Eid al-Adha an Eid al-Fitr as days of festivity for them which are even better than theirs. According to another tale, Muhammad's wife Aishah narrated that once her father stopped young girls when they were singing to which Muhammad responded saying that every nation has an Id, this is our Eid so let them sing.Eid al-Fitr Salat
- Mustahabb
- Fard
- Mandoob
Eid al-Fitr Traditions and Customs
- Common greetings are exchanged on this day from Eid Mubarak in Arab to Bayaraminiz kutlu olsun in Turkey. Forgetting the differences and animosities and forgiveness is also encouraged on this day.
- Ideally, Muslims wake up early on this day and after their first Fajr prayer they can clean their teeth, take bath, wear new clothes and apply Itr or perfume as well.
- After this they are allowed to take the customary sweet date-fruit and go for their next prayer or Salat. This is often done on a wide open ground or mosque wherein they are not allowed to speak a word except that of the Islamic prayer. People ask for Allah s mercy and forgiveness.
- A common tradition of Eidi is very famous among the kids and children. Many even indulge in charity to show their happiness and help the poor.
The Timings of the Moon
The sightness of the moon decides when to open the fast. In case the clouds block the moon or the sky on the west is too bright, Eid is shifted to be celebrate the following day.Eid-ul-Fitr involves several rituals and traditions that vary slightly by region but generally include the following:
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Sighting of the Moon: The beginning of Eid is announced after the sighting of the new moon, marking the end of Ramadan.
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Eid Prayer (Salat al-Eid):
- Performed in congregation, typically in an open field or a large hall.
- The prayer consists of two units (rakats) and is usually followed by a sermon (khutbah).
- It is recommended to attend the prayer after having breakfast to signify the end of fasting.
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Zakat al-Fitr:
- Also known as Fitrana, this is a form of charity given to the poor before the Eid prayer.
- It is obligatory for every Muslim who possesses food over their needs.
- The amount is usually equivalent to the cost of a meal and ensures that everyone can participate in the Eid celebrations.
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Ghusl (Ritual Bath):
- Muslims perform a full-body ritual purification known as ghusl in the morning before the Eid prayer.
- This act signifies physical and spiritual cleanliness.
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Wearing New or Best Clothes:
- It is traditional to wear new clothes or the best available clothes on Eid.
- Often, these are traditional garments specific to the individual's culture or region.
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Recitation of Takbir:
- Muslims recite the Takbir ("Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, La ilaha illa Allah, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, wa Lillahil Hamd") starting from the night before Eid until the time of the prayer.
- This is done to glorify God and express joy.
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Eid Greetings:
- Common phrases include "Eid Mubarak" (Blessed Eid) and "Eid Sa'id" (Happy Eid).
- These greetings are exchanged among family, friends, and community members.
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Visiting Family and Friends:
- Eid is a time for social gatherings and spending time with loved ones.
- Many people visit the graves of deceased relatives to pray for their souls.
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Feasting and Special Meals:
- Celebratory meals are a central part of Eid, often featuring a variety of traditional dishes and sweets.
- The specific foods vary by culture but usually include special desserts like baklava, sheer khurma, and maamoul.
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Gift Giving:
- It is common to give gifts, particularly to children.
- These can include money (Eidi), toys, clothes, or other items.
Eid al-Fitr Celebrations Around the World
If you wish to see the best Eid celebrations somewhere, head to Saudi Arabia. People here are whole heartedly indulged in organizing the Eid festival. Many shopkeepers offer gifts with each purchase while some give away new toys to strangers.
In Turkey, this day is famous by the name of Bayram. People visit cemetries to pay respect to their loved ones after their morning prayers.
In Tunisia, special biscuits are prepared to give them to the neighbors while in South Africa, this day is celebrated by gathering at Green Point for the moon sighting.
Structure of the Eid Prayer:
The Eid prayer consists of two units (rakats) and includes additional Takbirs (saying "Allahu Akbar"). The steps are as follows:
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Intention (Niyyah):
- The prayer begins with making the intention to perform the Eid prayer.
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First Rakat:
- Opening Takbir: The prayer starts with the opening Takbir ("Allahu Akbar") followed by the recitation of the opening supplication (Dua al-Istiftah).
- Additional Takbirs: After the initial Takbir, there are six or seven additional Takbirs. Raise your hands and say "Allahu Akbar" each time, then lower your hands to your sides.
- Recitation: After the Takbirs, the Imam recites Surah Al-Fatihah followed by another Surah from the Quran, commonly Surah Al-A'la or Surah Al-Ghashiyah.
- Ruku and Sujud: The rakat proceeds with the usual sequence of bowing (ruku) and prostration (sujud).
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Second Rakat:
- Additional Takbirs: After standing up for the second rakat, there are five additional Takbirs.
- Recitation: The Imam recites Surah Al-Fatihah followed by another Surah from the Quran.
- Ruku and Sujud: The rakat proceeds with the usual sequence of bowing and prostration.
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Conclusion:
- The prayer concludes with the Tashahhud, Salat Ibrahimiyyah, and Tasleem (saying "Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullah" to the right and then to the left).
Sermon (Khutbah):
- After the Eid prayer, the Imam delivers a sermon (khutbah). While the sermon is not obligatory for the congregation, it is highly recommended to stay and listen.
- The khutbah typically includes guidance on religious matters, reminders of the importance of charity, and exhortations to maintain the spirit of Ramadan.
Sunnah Practices:
- Ghusl: Perform a ritual bath (ghusl) before going to the prayer.
- Eating Before Prayer: It is recommended to eat something sweet, like dates, before leaving for the Eid prayer to signify the end of fasting.
- Takbir: Recite the Takbir ("Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, La ilaha illa Allah, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, wa Lillahil Hamd") on the way to the prayer and until the Imam starts the prayer.
- Different Routes: It is recommended to take different routes to and from the Eid prayer venue to meet and greet more people.
The Eid al-Fitr Salat is a joyful and spiritually significant act of worship that brings the Muslim community together in celebration and thanksgiving.
In India, women apply Mehandi a night before Eid. While in Pakistan, Sheer Khurma is prepared.