Eid ul-Fitr – Celebrating the Beginning of the End
In the Arabic language, Eid means “festivity”, Fitr means to “break fast”. Shawwal, the 10th month of the Islamic lunar calendar, translates to “lift” or “carry” (since female camels typically carried their babies during this time, hence “carry”). The new crescent moon is usually seen during the Shawwal following the month of Ramadan. Ramadan is the holy month of fasting. Biryani is a fried or roasted dish usually comprised of rice (usually basmati), spices, meat, chicken and vegetables. Sheer korma is a vermicelli pudding eaten for special occasions and made with sheer “sweetened milk” and khurma “dates”. It is eaten on the morning of Eid after prayer and it is also eaten if guests should come.
Putting all of the above together, we can better understand the Muslim holiday festival of Eid ul-Fitr celebrates the end of a fasting period, or Ramadan.
The Eid is the first day of Shawwal and is an observance celebrated all day, unlike the Eid ul-Adha which lasts four days. This is a joyous time with family reunions, a time to give thanks. According to Muslim belief, this observance of the Eid was commanded by Allah to any and all believers Believers of the equal society founded by the Prophet Muhammad enjoyed a freedom from exploitation, dishonesty, bribery, fraud and other forms of corruption. Everyone was to live in peace and harmony and everyone was to be treated with equality. Therefore, the month of fasting, or Ramadan, was created to force people to appreciate everything they have by making them give up enjoyable things during this period that they normally would be allowed to enjoy which helps teach one refrain or restraint (Quran 2:183). Also, according to the Quran, Muslims must stop their fasting on the last day of Ramadan and must say the Takbir during this period of Eid.
During this festive time, Muslims gather to hear the imam offer a sermon, followed by prayer and afterward everyone wishes goodness and blessings to friends and family.
Giving to a needy charity or those less fortunate is not optional during this time of Eid. These donations are usually in the form of rice, sugar, korma, so that everyone, including those less fortunate, can participate in this important festival.
Hopefully, this has given you some insight into joyous Islamic festival of Eid ul-Fitr.
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