One of the grandest festivals in the Islamic religion is known as the Eid Al fitr celebration. Eid Al fitr marks the end of Ramadan. During this period, Muslims around the world celebrate Eid by ending their Roza (Fast), thanking Allah for health and resistance during Ramadan, wearing new clothes, preparing grand feasts, meeting their loved ones, doing charity and many more.
In the Arabic language, Eid literally means “ Festival or Feast”. Eid Al Fitr means “ the Feast of Breaking the Fast ”. The fast, in this instance, is known as Ramadan, which brings to mind the revealing of the Qur'an to Prophet Muhammad and it requires Muslims to fast from dusk to dawn for a month.
Eid Al fitr is a celebrated on the first day of the 10th month (Shawwal) in the Islamic calendar as soon as the new moon is seen. The Islamic calendar is a lunar calendar where dates are calculated based on lunar phases. Since the Islamic calendar is shorter than the solar Gregorian calendar by 10 - 12 days, the dates for Ramadan and Eid on the Gregorian calendar changes year by year.
Eid Al Fitr features two to three days of celebration that include special prayers. People greet each other with it ”Eid Mubarak” meaning “Blessed Eid”. However, there are traditions or practices observed during this special day(s);
1.) Performing GHUSL(Ritual Bath): Here, Muslims perform this ritual bath before going for Eid prayer. This act symbolizes spiritual and physical cleanliness.
Wearing new clothes: On this day, Muslims wear new clothes or purchase new ones for the day of which symbolizes honour and respect for day and also thanking Allah for the countless blessings in their lives.
2.) Eating before leaving for Eid Prayer: Muslims eat something sweet before leaving for Eid prayer. This act breaks the fast and noting to all Muslims that they are no longer fasting and can enjoy the festive season wholeheartedly.
3.) Reciting the TAKBEER: Muslims recite this prayer while leaving their home for Eid prayer. The TAKBEER is being recited until the Eid prayer commences. The TAKBEER is a proclamation of Allah's greatness, glorifying him for a successful Ramadan completion.
4.) Attending Eid Prayer: this is most important as it symbolizes unity and thankfulness. All Muslims young and old are in attendance fostering togetherness.
Walking to the Eid Prayer: it is preferred to walk to the Eid prayer which portrays submission to Allah.
5.) Offering the Eid Greeting: this is done after the Eid prayer and Muslims greet each other with the Eid Greeting “Taqabbal Allahu minna wa minkum” (May Allah accept (our good deeds) from us and you)”.
6.) Zakat Al Fitr (Zitrana): This is a specific form of charity notable to Eid Al Fitr. Muslims do this before the commencement of Eid prayer to ensure that both the poor and needy could also enjoy the festivities of Eid Al fitr. Failure to do this, payment of Sadaqah and the reward will be less. It is however mandatory for every adult Muslim to do this.
Accordingly, in many countries, Eid Al fitr is a national holiday. School's and business are closed so families and friends come together in celebration. Also, Muslims decorate their homes with lanterns, twinkling lights or flowers, and special traditional foods are prepared.
Moreso, Eid Al fitr is a happy celebration that brings all Muslims together in love, unity, togetherness and gratitude; a celebration of the completion of their spiritual journey and total gratitude to Allah.
Eid Mubarak!!!
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