As Ramadan comes to a close, Muslims across the world bid it farewell with the celebration of Eid al Fitr. It is one of the two main festivals celebrated in Islam and falls on the 1st of Shawwal upon the citing of the crescent moon.
Eid al-Fitr means the Festival of Breaking the Fast. During the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn to dusk, abstaining from food, drink and sinful behaviours. They engage in increased prayers and recitation of the holy book, Quran. The purpose of fasting in this month is not just to understand how the poor feel without food/drink but to spend time self-reflecting on our routine behaviour and purpose of this life.
On the final night of Ramadan, in some cultures women will take to the market streets to shop for clothes, jewellery and apply henna on their hands. This is known as Chand Raat. Prior to this day approaching, many Muslims are encouraged to pay Fitrana, a small donation shared with the poor and needy in society so they can have a blessed Eid and partake in the celebrations. Fitrana is obligatory on each individual in a household, including children.
On the morning of Eid, Muslims will gather in mosques for the communal prayer. There is no call for prayer (Adhan) for this prayer and it consists of two rakats. Muslims then exchange Eid Mubarak greetings with one another before heading home for a feast with the family. Visiting relatives and friends on this day is common and many will also visit the graves of their deceased loved ones.
The Eid feast includes lots of delicious dishes including sheer khurma, biryani, kebabs, samosas etc. Everyone typically wears new clothes on this day and children look forward to receiving "Eidi" which can be money or gifts from their elders.
As Muslims celebrate Eid across the globe, let us not forget to share the celebrations with the poor and unfortunate in society. Let us also not forget that Ramadan may have ended but the lessons it taught us must stay with us for a lifetime. Be kind, gracious and generous, avoid acting in a sinful manner and put the best out there for sure good will return to you too.
On this note, CC would like to wish all those celebrating a very Happy Eid Mubarak and also encourage them to remember those currently caught up in conflicts/wars around the world! Let us pray for a better world for all of us! Ameen.
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