Eid Mubarak: What is Eid al-Fitr? Everything you need to know as Ramadan comes to a close

posted on: Jul 17, 2015

Muslims across the world will be celebrating today.

The three-day festival of Eid al-Fitr, often shortened to simply Eid, will mark the end of the month-long fasting event of Ramadan.

Ramadan, which began on 18 June this year, is the month of the Islamic calendar in which the Prophet Muhammad is said to have revealed their holy book – the Qu’ran – to Muslims.

As most are aware, Muslims fast during the hours of daylight, meaning they are not allowed to pass anything through the mouth while the sun is up.

That means no food – or drink – whatsoever.

Muslims also undertake extra prayers and worship during the period, as a means to grow closer to Allah.

Now, though, Eid al-Fitr is thrown as the Islamic community celebrate, go to food festivals, perform music and spend time with loved ones.

What is Eid al-Fitr?
The arabic name Eid al-Fitr translates literally to ‘festival of the breaking of the fast’ in English.

It marks the end of the month-long fast of Ramadan and the beginning of the Islamic month of Shawwal.

When is Eid al-Fitr observed?
Eid al-Fitr is observed when the first new moon is sighted.

This can lead to the festival being celebrated on different days in different parts of the world.

While some Muslims wait to be able to see the moon themselves, many either use the calculated time of the new moon, or base it on the declaration made in Saudi Arabia.

How is Eid al-Fitr celebrated?
Muslims gather at mosques in the morning to perform the Eid prayer, before holding family gatherings and visiting friends.

Muslims share feasts and sweets to mark the end of the fasting period, and greet each other by saying ‘Eid Mubarak’ – which roughly translates as ‘happy Eid’ or ‘blessed Eid.’

The celebrations last for three days, and are seen as a time of forgiveness and of giving thanks to Allah for helping people to complete their spiritual fasting.

Many Muslims display this thanksgiving by giving donations and food to those less fortunate than themselves.

Source: www.coventrytelegraph.net