Eid al-Fitr sometimes also known as Eid ul-Fitr, also called the "Festival of Breaking the Fast", is a religious holiday celebrated by Muslims worldwide that marks the end of the month-long dawn-to-sunset fasting of Ramadan.
History of Eid-al-Fitr dates back to the Islamic era of prophet Muhammed. When the Prophet arrived in Medina he found people celebrating two specific days in which they entertained themselves with recreation and merriment. At this, the Prophet remarked that Almighty has fixed two days of festivity Eid al-Fitr and Eid-al-Adha.
Traditionally, Eid al-Fitr begins at sunset on the night of the first sighting of the crescent moon. If the moon is not observed immediately after the 29th day of the previous lunar month (either because clouds block its view or because the western sky is still too bright when the moon sets), then the holiday is celebrated the following day. The Eid prayer is performed in congregation in open areas like fields, community centers, or mosques. But with the ongoing coronavirus lockdown restrictions, it is requested to perform prayers at your respective home. The Eid prayer is followed by the sermon and then a supplication asking for Allah's forgiveness, mercy, peace, and blessings for all living beings across the world. The sermon also instructs Muslims as to the performance of rituals of Eid, such as the zakat. As ritual dictates, Muslims praise Allah in a loud voice while going to the Eid prayer: AllÄhu Akbar, AllÄhu Akbar, AllÄhu Akbar. LÄ ilÄha illĆ l-LÄh wal-LÄhu Akbar, Allahu Akbar walil-LÄhi l-įø„amd. Recitation ceases when they get to the place of Eid or once the Imam commences activities.
Eid-al-Fitr is practiced differently by various countries worldwide. People in middle-east countries like Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Turkey, Afghanistan decorate their homes and prepare sumptuous meals for family and friends.
African countries like Egypt, Tunisia, Somalia, South Africa, Sudan spend the first day of Eid al-Fitr to gather all family members and celebrate the Eid at public gardens. For the next 3 days, families will then visit each other, extended family, neighbors, and close friends. In these short visits, the baked goods, chocolates, and sweets are served, and often large lunches are prepared for the visiting well-wishers. Children are given gifts, either in the form of toys or money.
In Asian countries like India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines, Thailand, and China markets and shopping malls become overwhelmed with people. Those who live away from their families for their job or livelihood, return to their home towns and villages to celebrate the festival with family members and relatives. In the Chaand Raat children gather at the open field to see the Hilal (crescent moon) of the month of Shawwal. Girls decorate their hands with mehendi. Eid is mainly enjoyed by the kids, as they mostly receive money in cash called Eidi(gift) as a gift from their relatives and elders. Special celebratory dishes in India include Lachcha or sewaiyan, a dish of fine, toasted sweet vermicilli noodles with milk, and dried fruit (known as Sheer khurma).
Countries like Europe & United States Eid al-Fitr is not a recognized public holiday but many schools, businesses, and organizations allow for at least a day's leave to be taken for religious celebrations.
Although the date of Eid al-Fitr is always the same in the Islamic calendar, the date in the Gregorian calendar falls approximately 11 days earlier each successive year.
With the ongoing coronavirus lockdown restrictions, here's how you can celebrate Eid-al-Fitr at home amid lockdown:
Apply basics henna designs to yourself and your loved ones, so what if this year you couldnāt hire the best henna artist, channel your inner artist and brighten up the spirits of Eid
Organize your own virtual Eid family get together on a video call
The Indian Government and most leading Islamic organizations across the world have directed people to pray at home and not congregate at mosques. Stay home stay safe is the norm to be followed to ensure the safety of you and your loved ones
Ramadan is all about charity (zakat), donate rations, clothes, toys, food, and more to those around you who seem like they are in need. Always remember sharing is caring.
And last but not the least dress up and binge on your favorite bowl of Sheer khurma
Happy Eid-al-Fitr - from the team of The Fashion Station
https://www.thefashionstation.in/
