Eid ul-Fitr
Eid ul-Fitr (
Arabic: عيد الفطر), often abbreviated as simply Eid, sometimes spelled Eid
al-Fitr in the Roman alphabet, is an
Islamic holiday that marks the end of
Ramadan, the month of fasting.
Fitr means "to break" and therefore symbolizes the breaking of the fasting period and of all evil habits. On the day of the celebration, a typical
Muslim family gets up very early and attends special prayers held only for the occasion in big mosques, in large open areas, stadiums or arenas. The prayer is generally short, and is followed by a
khutba. The festivities and merriment start after the prayers with visits to the homes of friends and relatives and thanking the Creator for all blessings. Eid is a time to come together as a community and to renew friendship and family ties. This is a time for peace for all Muslims in the world to devote to prayers and mutual well-being.
It is a joyous occasion with important religious significance. Happiness is observed at attaining spiritual uplift after a month of fasting. Muslims dress in holiday attire. After attending the special congregational prayer in the morning, worshippers greet and embrace each other in a spirit of peace, love, and brotherhood. Visiting friends and relatives is common.
For Muslims, Eid ul-Fitr is a joyful celebration of the achievement of enhanced piety. It is a day of forgiveness, moral victory and peace, of congregation, fellowship, brotherhood and unity. Muslims are not only celebrating the end of fasting, but thanking their God for the help and strength that they believe he gave them throughout the previous month to help them practice self-control.
Common greetings during this three-day festival are the
Arabic greeting "Eid mubarak", "Eid saeed" or its
Urdu variation "Eid mubarak!" which, loosely translated, means "Happy Eid!". In many parts of Southeast Asia, it is common to greet people with "Selamat Hari Raya" or "Selamat Idul Fitri" which means "Happy Eid" in
Malay and
Indonesian. In Indonesia, more people greet another Muslims with "Maaf lahir batin" which means "I'm sorry physically and spiritually", because in Indonesia, Eid-ul-Fitr is not only for celebrations, it is also the time for
Muslims to clean their sins.
The first Eid was celebrated in
624 CE by the Islamic prophet
Muhammad with his friends and relatives after the victory of the
Battle of Badr.
The holiday follows the month of Ramadan, falling on the first day of
Shawwal (the tenth month in the
Islamic calendar). As with all months in the Islamic calendar, it begins with the sighting of the new moon. For this reason there may be regional differences in the exact date of Eid, with some Muslims fasting for 29 days and some for 30 days.
Eid ul-Fitr commemorates the end of the month of Ramadan.
Fasting is forbidden on this day as it marks the end of the month-long fast of Ramadan. A Muslim is encouraged to rise early and partake of some
dates or a light, sweet snack, significant because for the past 30 days they have abstained from all food and drink from dawn till dusk. It may come as a surprise to many non-Muslims, but many people feel a sense of loss or sadness at the passing of Ramadan.
Muslims are encouraged to dress in their best clothes, new if possible, and to attend a special Eid prayer that is performed in congregation at
mosques or open areas like fields, squares etc. When Muslims finish their fast at the last day (29th or 30th Ramadan), they congregate
Takbir:
Allahu akbr, Allahu akbr, Allahu akbr, la illaha ila Allah,wa Allahu akbr, Allahu akbr wa lillah hilhamdGod is the Greatest, God is the Greatest, God is the GreatestThere is no deity but [the One] GodGod is Greatest, God is Greatestand to Him goes all praiseThe Takbir is recited after confirmation that the moon of
Shawwal is sighted on the eve of the last day of Ramadan. It continues until the start of the Eid prayer. Before the Eid prayer begins every Muslim (man, women or child) must pay
Zakat al Fitr, an
alms for the month of Ramadan. This equates to about 2
kg of a basic foodstuff (wheat, barley, dates, raisins, etc.), or its cash equivalent, and is (typically) collected at the
mosque. This is distributed by the mosque to needy local Muslims prior to the start of the Eid prayer. It can be given anytime during the month of
Ramadan and is often given early, so the recipient can utilise it for Eid purchases. This is distinct to Zakat based on their wealth which must be paid to a worthy charity. This is calculated at 2.5% of their wealth.
The Eid prayer (
salah) is followed by the
khutba (
sermon) and then a prayer (
dua') asking for forgiveness, mercy and help for the plight of Muslims across the world. It is then customary to embrace the persons sitting on either side of you as well as your relatives, friends and acquaintances.
Children are normally given gifts or money. Women (particularly relations) are normally given special gifts by their loved ones. Eid is also the time for reconciliations. Feuds or disputes, especially between family members, are often settled on Eid.
Eid ul-Fitr in the USA and Canada
American and Canadian Muslims in North America typically celebrate the day in a quiet way. Because the day depends on the sighting of the moon, observing families are often not aware that the next day will be Eid until the night before. Most check with members of the community to see if the moon has been sighted by anyone. Different methods for determining the end of Ramadan and the beginning of Shawwal are used in each particular community. Because the day is determined by the natural phenomenon of sighting the crescent moon, the East Coast may celebrate Eid on a different day than the West Coast.
To determine the day of Eid, the crescent moon must be sighted directly, however some people choose to base the sighting on scientific calculations. Typically, the end of Ramadan is announced accordingly via e-mail, postings on websites or chain phone calls to all members of a community. Usually working people make arrangements for a lighter work day on the days that may possibly be the Eid day. But many North American Muslims cannot take the whole day off. A typical Muslim family in the USA or Canada will wake up very early in the morning and have a small breakfast. Getting ready often consists of getting dressed in fancy clothing for those who are off all day, and work clothing for those who cannot have the day off.
Next the family will go to the nearest congregational prayer. The prayer may be held at the local mosque, hotel ballroom, arena or stadium. The prayer is often led by a lay person in the community who is respected because of his character and breadth of knowledge of Islam. Often these prayers are held in shifts. The first prayer at 7 am the second at 9 am and the third at 11 am. After prayers, the Muslims disperse. Some have to go to work, others have the day off and spend the time visiting friends and family. Many Muslim families have Eid ul Fitr open houses on that day. Muslim children who attend public school often take the day off and spend it with members of the family who are able to take the day off. The day is spent thanking the Creator for all our blessings.
Because North American Muslims come from all parts of the world, not any one particular food is served on that day. Muslims believe that all blessings come from God, but each family typically has a feast with foods of their particular heritage. For example, an Pakistani-American-Muslim family would have traditional South Asian food, whereas an African-American-Muslim family would have a roast with the sides and an Arab-American-Muslim family would have Arab cuisine. An intermarried, bicultural family would have food from both cultures on that day. Often a Muslim North American family will visit the homes of friends of many heritages on that day. A typical Muslim family might have an Asian breakfast, an Indian lunch and an Irish dinner all in one day.
Eid ul-Fitr in Malaysia and Singapore
Main article: Hari Raya Aidilfitri
In
Malaysia and
Singapore, Eid is also commonly known as
Hari Raya Aidilfitri or
Hari Raya Puasa.
Hari Raya literally means Day of Celebration. Muslims in Malaysia and Singapore celebrate Eid like other Muslims throughout the world. It is the biggest holiday in Malaysia, and is the most awaited one. Shopping malls and bazaars will be filled with people days ahead of Hari Raya, causing a distinctive festive atmosphere throughout the country. Many banks, government and private offices will be closed on this day, which at many time lasts until a week.
The night before Eid will be filled with the
takbir which is held in the mosques or musollas. In many parts of Malaysia, especially in rural areas, oil lamps or
pelita will be lit up in house compounds. Eid also witnesses a huge migratory pattern of the Muslims, from big metropolitan cities to rural areas. This is known as
balik kampung — literally going back to home town to celebrate Eid with one's parents. Special dishes like
ketupat, a type of rice cake;
lemang and other Malay delicacies are served during this day.
It is customary for Malays to wear traditional
Malay costumes on the Eid. The dress for men is called
baju melayu which is worn together with
songket while the women's are known as
baju kurung and
baju kebaya. It is also common to see non-Malay Muslims wear costumes of their culture.
Once the prayer is completed, it is also common for Muslims in Malaysia to visit the grave of their loved ones. During this visit, they will clean the grave, perform the recital of the
Ya-Seen, a chapter (
surah) from the
Qur'an and also perform the
tahlil ceremony. All these are done in hope that their loved ones are blessed by Allah and they are spared from the punishment in the afterlife. Muslims will also seek forgiveness from each other, forgetting past sins and renewing their relationship with others. In both countries, the most common greeting is "maaf zahir dan batin", simply meaning 'I seek forgiveness from my heart and soul'.
The rest of the day is spent visiting relatives, or serving visitors. Eid ul-Fitr is a very joyous day for children for this is the day where adults are extra generous. Children will be given token sums of money, also known as "duit raya" from their parents or elders
["Hari Raya Puasa". Retrieved Nov. 2, 2005.] [Yusof, Mimi Syed & Hafeez, Shahrul (Oct. 30, 2005). "When Raya was a bewildering experience". New Straits Times, p. 8.].
Eid ul-Fitr in Indonesia
In
Indonesian the feast is named
Hari Raya Idul Fitri or informally,
Lebaran.
Hari Raya literally means The Great Day of (Celebration) . Sometimes, there are different statements on when the day falls, especially between
Muhammadiyah and
Nahdlatul Ulama, because people use different techniques to determine it. Almost all of the people follows the government of
Indonesia's statement and such differences do not get in the way of people celebrating. This event is recognized as national
holiday and starts a few days before Idul Fitri and lasts some days after it. Schools also have different schedule for the holiday as many Islamic schools usually make it a longer holiday.
Muslims in Indonesia usually ask forgiveness from their relatives and friends after the special prayer. Another interesting Idul Fitri tradition in Indonesia is
mudik that usually applies to urbanites who came to
Jakarta from the other provinces of
Java or other islands in
Indonesia. Before Idul Fitri comes, people will go back to their hometowns where their relatives, sometimes including their parents, reside. This event often causes crowding in
airports,
seaports, and
bus stations while some who are travelling by
car are trapped in the traffic jam for hours. For little children, asking for
money as well as forgiveness from relatives is common to motivate them. Many, especially in the cities, also use the term
angpau for the money just like
Chinese people do.
At the night of the last day of Ramadan, Indonesians usually do 'Takbiran'. Takbiran is a big celebration, people, from little children to old men, recite the takbir with a microphone in a parade. They travel around the town and usually they hit 'bedug', a large drum, as a background music of the takbir.
Eid ul-Fitr in India and Pakistan
In
India and
Pakistan, the celebration the night before Eid is called
Chand Raat, or night of the moon. Women, especially young girls often paint each others' hands with traditional
mehndi (
henna) and wear colorful bangles. One of the special dishes in
India,
Pakistan and
Fiji is
savayya, a dish of fine, toasted
vermicelli noodles
[Food Events - Eid Celebrations. BBC Food Online. Accessed 2 November, 2005.]. Elder family members give
eidi (small amount of money or gifts) to children. After attending the mosque in the early morning, family members and relatives visit each other, attend many joyous parties, feasts, special carnivals and parks (with picnics, fireworks, etc.), and exchange gifts with each other. In Pakistan and India, many bazaars, malls, and restaurants get crowded with people. It is also an important day for people to complete their charity commitment (
Zakaat).
Eid ul-Fitr in Bangladesh
In
Bangladesh, Eid ul-Fitr is celebrated with great enthusiasm and excitement. In this day everyone tries to wear new dress and prepare foods to match the festive mood.
Chand Raat is also celebrated in the night before the Eid day. As soon as the appearance of the new moon affirms the next day as Eid day, the whole country bursts into what called a gala. People rush into markets to do the last time shopping. women, especially young girls, paints their hands with mehendi (
henna). Young boys starts their celebration with
Potka(exploding snack) and
tarabati.
The preparation to celebrate the Eid day runs almost the whole month of ramadan, and it reaches its peak in the chand raat and lasts at least for the next couple of days. In Bangladesh, Eid ul-Fitre is a
national holiday.
Eid ul-Fitr in Iran
In the predominantly
Shia culture of
Iran, Eid is a highly personal event, and celebrations are often more muted. Called
Eideh Fitr by most Iraninans, charity is important on that day. Typically, each Muslim family gives food to those in need. Often meat or
ghorbani, which is an expensive food item in Iran, will be given by those in wealthier families to those who have less. Payment of
fitra is obligatory for each Muslim. The tradition in many families holds that for each member of your household on the day of Eid, one person outside of your family needs to be fed. Many Iranian families have
chelo kabab, which is skewered meat served with white rice, grilled tomatoes, herbs and yogurt on that day.Thanking God for all blessings is top on the list of activities for the day. The day is a national holiday. So most people spend the day at home or visiting family or going for outings in the areas around the big cities.
While Eid ul-Fitr is always on the same day of the Islamic calendar, the date on the
Gregorian calendar varies from year to year, much like
Easter, due to differences between the two calendars, since the Islamic calendar is a
lunar calendar and the Gregorian calendar is a
solar calendar. Furthermore, the method used to determine when each Islamic month begins varies from country to country.
All future dates listed below are only estimates:
*2006:
24 October*2007:
13 October*2008:
2 October*2009:
21 September*2010:
10 SeptemberEid ul-Fitr officially begins the night before each of the above dates, at sunset.
*
Eid ul-Adha*
Muslim Holidays*
Masculine Eid: Half-Full or Half-Empty? by Dr. Mohammad Omar Farooq
*
Ramadhan and Eid ul-Fitr*
Ramazan / Ramadan / Fasting / Eid-ul-Fitr*
Dates of Eid ul-Fitr until 2010*
Eid ul-Fitr Significance,Traditions, Recipes
