FESTIVALS

 Eid-al-Fitr

Introduction

Eid-al-Fitr is the first of two Eids of the Islamic calendar year. Eid comes after holy month of Ramzan, when many Muslims will not eat or drink during the daytime for a 29 or 30 day period. It's part of Sawm(fasting) commitment.

The holiday is all about the breaking of the dawn-to-dusk fast and is celebrated on the first day of Shawaal(the 10th month).

The exact date is never determined in advance as religious authorities in various countries rely on the sighting of the Eid crescent moon to when it will officially begin.

Why is Eid-al-Fitr celebrated?

According to certain traditions, these festivals were initiated in Medina. Anas, a well-known companion of the Islamic prophet, narrated the incident.

When Prophet Muhammad arrived in Medina, he found people celebrating two specific days in which they entertained themselves. At this, Muhammad remarked that Allah had fixed two days of festivity: Eid al-Fitr and Eid-al-Adha. 

Eid-al-Fitr is regarded as a time to celebrate, with Muslims gathering their friends and family to show gratitude towards God following the previous month.

The holiday serves as a great reminder for Muslims to be grateful for what they have, and to share with those who may be less fortunate.

How is Eid-al-Fitr celebrated?

At daybreak of first day communal prayer(Salat-al-Eid) is performed. Friends greet one another, new clothes are worn and graves of relatives are visited.

Muslims are obliged to give a payment to charity called Zakat-al-Fitr. In addition to these payments some Muslims take the initiative to work voluntarily at soup kitchens and hand out their own food to the needy.

Gifting is also a big part of celebration. Children receive Eidi offerings in money bags. Sweets are exchanged among families, relatives, neighbours and even strangers.

Family members also buy presents for each other. People wish each other with 'Eid Mubarak'. In countries like Saudi Arabia fireworks shows are popular on this day.

Conclusion

Eid-al-Fitr is one of the main festivals in Islamic culture. It teaches us importance of being together. It teaches us to celebrate together by helping those who can't celebrate.

Thus, it is not only a festival of importance but a festival which teaches us moral values. I hope that world always has brotherhood just as the festival of Eid. Hope Allah blesses us all.