Eid-Ul-Fitr is the most important festival in Islamic calendar and falls in the month of Shawwal. After fasting for the month of Ramdan, the day when the fast is broken is known as Eid. The date for the start of any lunar Hijri month varies based on the observation of new moon by local religious authorities, so the exact day of celebration varies by locality.
The significance of Eid-Ul-Fitr is essentially spiritual. This day, the Muslims thank Allah for having given them the will, the strength and the endurance to observe fast and obey His commandment during the holy month of Ramadan. Muslim religious leaders of the early days of Islam always felt profound sorrow and void when Ramdan came to an end, as they felt that they were being deprived of the spiritual blessings which were associated with the month of fasting.
Significance
Eid-ul-Fitr is a reminder to the community to share the festivities with the poor, the underprivileged, the downtrodden, orphans, neglected and the cast off besides embracing people from all walks of life. This day is about sharing joy with one and all and feel compassion towards humanity.
There are three basic underlying teachings of Islam that explain the reason behind celebrating Eid.
- Showing gratitude towards God for being a constant guide in the fasting month of Ramadan.
- Going to the Mosque and praying at least five times a day and asking God for forgiveness.
- To carry out the act of charity towards the poor and needy and it is called "Zakat-Al-Fitr"
Ramdan is the month of true devotion and people learn how to be happy with the minimal things. One is also abstained from using slang language or cuss words. No modes of entertainment like music, TV, movies, dancing, or singing is allowed because these things would distract one from the thought of the Almighty.
The month of Ramadan Muslims refrain from eating, drinking, and intimacy with their spouses from sunrise to sunset. In the evening, they gather in the mosque to perform a special congregational prayer called Tar€w€Ç‡ü´. Ramadan is a time when they draw near to God, better themselves, and feel a close intimacy to God that cannot be explained. It must be experienced. Ramadan is not only about refraining from food and drink, but it is also about abstaining from evil thoughts, words, and actions. What makes Ramadan special is that these acts of devotion are done collectively. Everyone is fasting, praying, and trying to get rid of their bad habits. It creates an atmosphere where one is encouraged and supported to become a better person.
Celebrating Eid
Each culture throughout the world has different Eid traditions, but all of them begin with the morning Eid prayers in the mosque. Eid-Al-Fitr is a day-long celebration and is also known to be the 'Smaller Eid' because the other Eid named as Eid-Al-Adha is a four day festival and is called "Greater Eid".
The core principle for both these Eid days remains the same and that is showing gratitude to Allah. Special prayers are held the world over, between sunrise and noon, when the Muslims assemble, in large congregations, wearing their best dresses standing shoulder to shoulder, demonstrating for everyone the universal brotherhood which is another distinguishing feature of Islam --- the religion of God.
On the day of Eid, Muslims decorate their home and work place of business to celebrate the festival. The celebration begines with Eid shopping and traditional dishes for Eid like sweet dishes including Sheer Khurma, sevaiyaan with dates, Ras malai, kibbeh and other festive dishes. People go to mosques to perform the Eid prayer in the early morning, visits various friends and families exchange gifts and share good wishes. Muslims also do charity and donation of food barley, dates, rice, cloths etc.
Peachmode wishes one and all Eid Mubarak. Here are some style picks for you to choose from for the auspicious day!
