The blessed month of Ramadan has been completed last night and the moon has been sighted for the Islamic month of Shawwal, which denotes the celebration of Eid-ul-Fitr today, 21st April, 2023.
Eid is celebrated throughout the world by wearing new clothes, offering prayers together, giving lots of charity to the needy, and most importantly, sharing and enjoying yummilicious food with everyone. Its all about love, care, sharing and spreading smiles.
The Muslims around the world celebrate the end of the blessed month of Ramadan on Eid-ul-Fitr. Eid-ul-Fitr is declared after moon sighting indicating the first day of the Islamic month of Shawwal after the completion of the month of Ramadan. The festival’s name comes from an Arabic term which translates as the “feast of breaking the fast”
In the last days of Ramadan, the head of each family is obligated to pay a charitable tax, known as Fitra or Zakat Al Fitr, to help those who are less fortunate celebrate the occasion. Even when celebrating, Muslims must be mindful of families within the wider community who may be struggling, so no one is left out.
Eid is centred around celebrating the end of a month of fasting and spending time with family, friends and people within the community. Giving thanks to God is core, which is why on the morning of Eid, Muslims offer a special congregational Eid prayer.
Muslims dress up on Eid morning in their best, often brand-new clothes and many decorate their houses for the occasion. Muslims greet one another on Eid day by saying ‘Eid Mubarak’ which means ‘blessed Eid’ and also exchange hugs. This is to create a feeling of good will and unity. People also visit relatives throughout the day, enjoying food at every stop.
Eid celebrations begins with prayers at dawn, which usually take place at a mosque. The festival has its own special prayer, which is designed to be performed in a congregation.
This is followed by the sermon and then a supplication asking for Allah’s forgiveness, mercy, peace and blessings for all living beings across the world. The day is heavily focused on family and friends, with loved ones feasting and reflecting together.
It is traditional for Muslims to gather together in a park, at home or community halls, to celebrate breaking their fast, with large-scale events and festival food (particularly sweet treats), prayer and stalls.
We just came from the local mosques or the community centres after offering Eid prayers, followed by greeting each other and sharing some sweets and savoury. Everyone was wearing new clothes, all dressed up in their cultural attires, from sub-continent to Middle East and from Africa to South East Asia, everyone was representing their culture, brought their snacks and cakes to share, kids were happily running around with their goodie bags, and making sweet memories.
Muslims also perform the zakat, which is the act of giving to the poor and needy.
People greet each other with “Eid Mubarak,” meaning “Blessed Eid”, and while practices can vary depending on the country, in some parts of the world Muslims deck their homes with lanterns, lights and flowers.
The spirit of Eid is to celebrate love, smiles, well-being and peace with everyone around you by sharing, caring and looking after each other. Let’s celebrate together to make these moments blessed and show everyone how much we care for them.
