Eid al-Fitr
Feast of Fast Breaking in Islam
Overview
Eid al-Fitr is an important religious holiday celebrated by Muslims around the world. It
marks the end of Ramadan, which is the Islamic holy month of fasting. It falls on the first of Shawwal, the month after Ramadan in the Islamic calendar. Shawwal begins if a full moon is sighted the previous night. Celebrations last around 1-3 days with common greetings such as "Eid Mubarak" (Blessed Eid) and "Eid Saeed" (Happy Eid).
marks the end of Ramadan, which is the Islamic holy month of fasting. It falls on the first of Shawwal, the month after Ramadan in the Islamic calendar. Shawwal begins if a full moon is sighted the previous night. Celebrations last around 1-3 days with common greetings such as "Eid Mubarak" (Blessed Eid) and "Eid Saeed" (Happy Eid).
Activities
Every family has a unique way of celebrating Eid al-Fitr. However, many activities are done similarly. In the morning, Muslims gather in outdoor locations or mosques to preform the Eid al-Fitr prayer. It is a short congregational prayer consisting of a sermon. Throughout the day, Muslims visit and call family and friends to give well-wishes. Special food is prepared and gifts are given, especially to children. People dress in their finest clothes and decorate their homes with lights. Moreover, old wrongs are forgiven and money is given to the poor. Overall, Eid al-Fitr is a joyous occasion.
Significance
Eid al-Fitr is significant because it follows the holiest month of Islam, Ramadan. The purpose of this holiday is for Muslims to thank God for giving them the ability to observe fast and obey His commands during Ramadan. This holiday has no connection to worldly affairs or historical events, it is purely spiritual. However, it is celebrated to commemorate the successful completion of continuous fasting, and the newly renewed spiritual cleansing and connection with God.
References
"Eid-Ul-Fitr; a Unique Festival Time of Joy for Muslims." Al-Islam.org. Web. 9 June 2015. .
<http://www.al-islam.org/fast-sayyid-saeed-akhtar-rizvi/eid-ul-fitr-unique-festival-time-joy-muslims>
"Eid-al-Fitr in Canada." Eid-al-Fitr in Canada. Web. 9 June 2015. . <http://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/canada/eid-al-fitr>
"How Is Eid Al-Fitr Celebrated in Islam?" Web. 9 June 2015. . <http://islam.about.com/od/ramadan/f/eid_fitr.htm>