At the end of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, Muslims worldwide gear up to welcome Eid al-Fitr, a joyous and triumphant day. On this day, prayers are offered, kingships are strengthened, and donations for the poor are given. Mouth-watering feasts are held and shared with family, friends, and neighbors.
This year, Eid al-Fitr will be celebrated from the evening of 2 May and will last until 3 May 2022. In the Islamic calendar, Eid al-Fitr is observed on the 1st and 2nd day of Shawwal 1442. Please note that dates may vary and are subject to the sighting of the moon. Apart from the Eid prayer, Muslims are obliged to pay the Zakat al-Fitr on this day. Zakat al-Fitr is essentially a mandatory charity obtained from every Muslim a couple of days before the end of Ramadan. Each and every adult Muslim must provide a sum. The amassed sum will then be distributed to those in need just before Eid al-Fitr arrives.
What is the history and significance of Eid-ul-Fitr?
Eid al-Fitr is also known as the ‘festival of breaking fast. It is believed that Prophet Muhammad got the first revelation of the Holy Quran during the holy month of Ramadan. According to Islamic belief, it began after Jang-e-Badr, in which Muslims triumphed under the leadership of Prophet Muhammad.
Eid ul-Fitr is also a celebration for having a successful month of fasting, praying, and refraining from all negative actions, thoughts, and words and is a way of paying respect to Allah. The festival is celebrated across the globe with Muslims taking part in prayers that are followed by a sermon soon after dawn.
On this day, people wear new clothes, give Zakat or alms to the poor, distribute sweets and eat a variety of dishes including Biryani, kebabs, Seviyan, and many other things.
How Eid ul-Fitr is celebrated around the World?
The celebration of Eid al-Fitr is largely the same around the world. As soon as the crescent moon has been observed, praises to the Almighty can be heard echoing throughout the masjids, houses, markets, and essentially everywhere. The celebration begins early in the morning with Muslims visiting the Masjid.
However, every country has its own ways and traditions to celebrate Eid Al Fitr.
New clothes are donned with women wearing their new kaftans and men wearing white Jellaba as a symbol of purity. The houses of relatives and friends are visited and sweets and gifts are given and taken as a symbol of gratitude.
The rest of the day sees families and friends visit one another carrying out traditions such as providing gifts and small sums of money to children and partaking in the lavish feast. Muslims come together physically and spiritually as they congratulate and ask forgiveness from one another. In short, Eid al-Fitr is a day of forgiveness and unity.
Children are particularly excited as they have come to associate Eid ul Fitr with a variety of gifts and feasts. It’s typical for adults to congratulate the little ones by distributing sweets, gifts, and small sums of money as an expression of love.
Throughout the country, people prepare their houses for the festivities by putting up decorations and arranging holiday lighting to receive guests. Joy and happiness prevail in all regions as the country immerses itself in the grand celebration.
