Eid al-Fitr, literally ‘Feast of Breaking the Fast,’ is the earlier of Islam’s two official festivals (the other being Eid al-Adha). The holy festival is observed by Muslims worldwide to commemorate the conclusion of Ramadan’s month-long dawn-to-sunset fasting.
It occurs on the first day of Shawwal in the Islamic calendar; however, this does not necessarily correspond to the same Gregorian date, since the start of each lunar Hijri month changes as to when the new moon is viewed by local religious authorities. The holiday is referred to by a variety of other names in various languages and regions around the globe. Additionally, the day is referred to as Lesser Eid or just Eid.
How Is Eid Al Fitr Celebrated?
Eid-al-Fitr (alternatively spelled and pronounced Eid-ul-Fitr) is the first of the Islamic (lunar) calendar year’s two Eids. It concludes Ramadan, the month-long period during which Muslims commemorate Allah’s revelation of the Quran to the Prophet Muhammad.
To avoid confusion with Eid-al-Adha, this Eid occurs after the holy month of Ramadan, during which several Muslims refrain from eating or drinking throughout the day for 29 or 30 days. It is part of the Sawm (fasting) vow, one of Islam’s five pillars.
The festival commemorates the end of the dawn-to-dusk fast and is observed on Shawwal’s first day (the 10th month). When the Gregorian (solar) calendar is used, it occurs around 11 days sooner than the previous year.
When Is Eid-Al-Fitr This Year?
The precise date is seldom known in advance since religious authorities in many nations depend on the appearance of the Eid crescent moon to signal the formal start of the festival. It may be postponed by a day if the moon is visible and the sky is too bright, or if clouds obscure it. This is also why Ramadan begins on various days around the globe. It will be commemorated on Tuesday, 3 May 2022, this year.
Individuals are not permitted to fast on this day of the year, even if they choose to.
What Is The Significance Of Eid-Al-Fitr?
Eid-al-Fitr is a time for celebration, with Muslims uniting with friends and family to express thankfulness to God after a month of introspection. The festival serves as an excellent reminder for Muslims to be appreciative of what they have and to share with those who are less fortunate.
What Is The Way Eid-Al-Fitr Is Celebrated?
Along with gratitude, Muslims are required to make a charitable gift (zakat al-Fitr), however, this is a lower amount than the standard 2.5 percent zakat on which wealthier Muslims are charged. This is another of Islam’s five pillars. In addition to these contributions, some Muslims volunteer at soup kitchens and distribute their own food to individuals in need of assistance.
As is the case with Eid-al-Adha, gift-giving plays a significant role in Eid festivities. Children receive eidia contributions in money bags, and sweet delicacies like cookies and dates are distributed amongst family members, neighbors, coworkers, acquaintances, and even strangers. Family members will also purchase gifts for one another, however, the majority of these will be reserved for the family’s younger members.
Countries all throughout the globe host massive celebrations during Eid-al-Fitr. Days dedicated to fireworks displays are particularly popular in the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia since they allow families to spend valuable time together.
What Does The Greeting ‘Eid Mubarak’ Mean?
Muslims will greet one another with ‘Eid Mubarak,’ which alludes to having a wonderful day on Eid. It is uttered on both Eid days and is the customary greeting upon meeting another Muslim for the first time during Eid. Many non-Muslims who are acquainted with the word and its meaning also greet Muslim friends and colleagues with ‘Eid Mubarak’ on this day.
Prayers For Eid
Muslims often dress up to visit their local mosque, where they not only participate in prayers but also enjoy their first meal during daylight hours in a month. Salaat ul-Fajr takes place before dawn, and then it’s time to wash in preparation for the Eid prayer, also known as Salaat al-Eid.
Due to the fact that Salaat al-Eid is only done twice a year, the imam leading the congregation would often explain how to say this prayer prior to its beginning.
FAQs About Eid Al Fitr
Eid al-Fitr, often known as the “Lesser Eid,” marks the completion of the fasting month of Ramadan. It is a time for prayer and worship, family meetings, gift-giving, and charity that lasts between one and three days, commencing during the first day of Shawwal, the Islamic calendar’s tenth month.
Eid al-Fitr, “Festival of Breaking Fast,” often written d al-Fir, also known as al-d al-aghr, Turkish Ramazan Bayrami (“Ramadan Festival”), is the first of Islam’s two canonical feasts.
Muslims commemorate the completion of their holy responsibilities throughout Ramadan with the start of Eid al-Fitr, after a month of prayer, dedication, and self-control. In many Muslim-majority nations, the celebration is a national holiday.
Sheer Khurma
Kimami Sewaiyan
Mutton Korma
Biryani
Nihari
Haleem
Sheermal
Phirni
Seekh Kebab
Bhuni Raan
Shahi Tukda
Conclusion
Now that you know everything about Eid Al Fitr, it’s time to get ready to celebrate this festival with a lot of pomp and love! For more blogs about popular Indian festivals, keep reading Seema!
