Eid al-Fitr is seen as a time of forgiveness and of being grateful to Allah for helping people to complete their fasting. Islamic Scholar
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- After a month of fasting, prayer and alms-giving, Muslims around the world will welcome the end of Ramadan either June 25 or 26, depending on when the new moon is seen. Eid al-Fitr means "festival of the breaking of the fast" and it is one of the biggest celebrations in the Islamic year.Since Eid begins with the first sighting of the new moon, most of the Muslims have to wait until the night before Eid to verify its date. The starting date varies each year and from country to country due to geographical location. After the moon is seen, it is celebrated for three days and on the morning of the first day, Muslims gather for prayer.This festival is infused with different traditions that vary in different countries. Most people use the three days for visiting their friends and relatives. Other traditions include the "Eidiyah", in which cash gifts are given to children from elders and relatives.The occasion is seen as a time of forgiveness and of being grateful to Allah for helping people to complete their fasting. Many Muslims show their gratitude to God by donating food or clothes to the less privileged.We take a look at Eid celebrations in some of the different countries.
Muslims attend a Eid al-Fitr mass prayer to mark the end of the holy fasting month of Ramadan at Sunda Kelapa port in Jakarta, Indonesia, June 25, 2017. Photo: Reuters
Muslim American friends take part in the Maghrib sunset prayer on the last day of Ramadan and ahead of Eid al-Fitr celebrations on a beach in Long Branch, New Jersey, U.S., June 24, 2017. Photo: Reuters
People attend Eid al-Fitr prayers to mark the
end of the holy fasting month of Ramadan in a park in Peshawar, Pakistan, June
25, 2017. Photo: Reuters
Muslims attend an Eid al-Fitr mass prayer to
mark the end of the holy fasting month of Ramadan at a public park, outside
El-Seddik Mosque in Cairo, Egypt, June 25, 2017. Photo: Reuters
Egyptians celebrate and try to catch balloons
released after Eid al-Fitr prayers, marking the end of the Muslim holy fasting
month of Ramadan at a public park, outside El-Seddik Mosque in Cairo, Egypt,
June 25, 2017. Photo: Reuters
In most Muslim nations,
the three days of Eid are observed as public and school holidays. In the U.S.,
it is not so, but many employers and schools allow time off for Muslim workers
and children, particularly in areas with a high Muslim population, according to
USA Today. The most
standard greeting on this occasion is "Eid Mubarak" which means
to "have a blessed Eid."
In different countries, the festival is celebrated in
different ways. In south Asia, with minor differences, the Eid
al-Fitr is celebrated in a similar fashion. The night before Eid is called
"Chaand Raat" where women apply henna on their hands and feet.
Special sweets like "Sevaiyan" (vermicelli pudding),
"Haleem" (mutton stew), "Kebabs" and "Nihaari
Gosht" are big attractions. Families go to shops to purchase new clothes
and other things.
In Indonesia and
Malaysia, Eid is celebrated in similar ways. In Indonesia Eid al-Fitr is
known as "Idul Fitri" or "Lebaran" and in Malaysia, it is
known as "Hari Raya Aidilfitri."
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