*Hamaara Parivaar* Sequel to DKDG - Page 4

Eid ul-Fitr or Id-ul-Fitr (Arabic:'Idu l-Fir), often abbreviated to Eid, is a Muslim holiday that marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting. Eid is an Arabic word meaning "festivity", while Fi?r means "to break fast"; and so the holiday symbolizes the breaking of the fasting period. It is celebrated after the end of the Islamic month of Ramadan, on the first day of Shawwal.

Eid ul-Fitr is a day long celebration and is sometimes also known as the "Smaller Eid" (Arabic: al-'idu -aghir) as compared to the Eid ul-Adha that lasts four days and is called the "Greater Eid" (Arabic: al-'idu l-kabir).

Muslims are commanded by the Qur'an to complete their fast on the last day of Ramadan and then recite the Takbir all throughout the period of Eid.

General Rituals:

Common greetings during this holiday are the Arabic greeting 'Id mubarak ("Blessed Eid") or 'Id sa'id ("Happy Eid"). In addition, many countries have their own greetings based on local language and traditions.

Typically, Muslims wake up early in the morning and have a small breakfast (as a sign of not being on a fast on that day) of preferably the date fruit, before attending a special Eid prayer (salah) that is performed in congregation at mosques or open areas like fields, squares etc. Muslims are encouraged to dress in their best clothes (new if possible) for the occasion. No adhan or iqama is to be pronounced for this Eid prayer, and it consists of only two raka'ahs. The Eid prayer is followed by the khutbah (sermon) and then a supplication (dua') asking for forgiveness, mercy and help for all living beings across the world. The khutbah also instructs Muslims as to the performance of rituals of Eid, such as the zakat (charity/daan to poor people). It is then customary to embrace the persons sitting on either side of oneself, whilst greeting them. After the prayers, people also visit their relatives, friends and acquaintances and some people also pay visits to the graveyards (ziyarat al-qubur).

The Takbir and other Rituals

The Takbir is recited after having 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 who is able must pay Zakat al-fitr, an alms for the month of Ramadan. This equates to about 2 kilograms (4.4 lb) of a basic foodstuff (wheat, barley, dates, raisins, etc.), or its cash equivalent, and is typically collected at the mosque. This is distributed to needy local Muslims prior to the start of the Eid prayer. It can be given at any time during the month of Ramadan and is often given early, so the recipient can use it for Eid purchases. This is distinct from zakat based on wealth, which must be paid to a worthy charity. The Takbir consists of:

Allaahu akbar, Allaahu akbar, Allaahu akbar
laa ilaaha illAllaah
Allaahu akbar, Allaahu akbar
wa li-illaahil-hamd

God is the Greatest, God is the Greatest, God is the Greatest, There is no deity but God God is the Greatest, God is the Greatest

and to God goes all praise

Variation

Allaahu akbar, Allaahu akbar
laa ilaaha illAllaah
wAllaahu akbar, Allaahu akbar
wa li-illaahil-hamd
alhamdulillaah 'alaa maa hadaanaa, wa lahul-shukru 'ala maa awlaanaa

God is the Greatest, God is the Greatest, There is no deity but God and God is the Greatest, God is the Greatest

and to God goes all praise, (We) sing the praises of God because He has shown us the Right Path. (We) gratefully thank Him because He takes care of us and looks after our interests.

Practice in South Asian countries:

In Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Nepal, the night before Eid is called Chand Raat, which means, night of the moon. People often visit bazaars and shopping malls, with their families and children, for last minute Eid shopping. Women, especially young girls, often paint each others' hands with traditional "henna" and wear colourful bangles.

During Eid, the traditional greeting is Eid Mubarak, and frequently also includes a formal embrace. Gifts are frequently given'new clothes are traditional'and it is also common for children to be given small sums of money (Eidi) by their elders.

After the Eid prayers, it is common for families to visit graveyards and pray for the salvation of departed family members.

Special celebratory dishes in Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, and Fiji include sivayyan, a dish of fine, toasted sweet vermicelli noodles with milk & dried fruit. In Bangladesh, the dish is called shemai.

Some people also avail themselves of this opportunity to distribute zakat, the Islamic obligatory alms tax on one's wealth, to the needy.

It is common for children to "salam" parents and adult relatives, they usually get money from the adult relative, if the family is middle class or wealthy.

In India the most popular place at this time is generally Jama Masjid in New Delhi. People can be spotted in thousands, with all excitement it needs to make this day. Eid is a public holiday and is celebrated all over in India. But it is not only Jama Masjid of Delhi but across India, specially in Kolkata the prayer in Red Road is one of the finest gathering.