Eid
Eid ul Fitr and Eid ul Hajj celebrations
Eid ul Fitr (often abbreviated to Eid) is the Muslim holiday which marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan. One of the most significant features of Ramadan is the requirement to fast from dawn till dusk each day, and Eid ul Fitr translates to “Festival of Fast-Breaking.”
Eid ul Fitr Traditions
On the eve of the last day of Ramadan, as soon as the moon is sighted, the Takbir is recited, which is the phrase “Allahu Akbar,” meaning “God is great.” Next, Muslims ensure they have made a donation of basic food to the needy for their Eid holiday meal, which is collected at a local mosque. This donation is known as “sadaqah al fitr,” or “charity of fast-breaking.” Then the Eid prayer can begin to signify the start of the three days of festivities.
During Eid, Muslims visit family and friends, exchange gifts, and contact distant relatives and friends to wish them well and exchange Eid greetings, such as “Eid mubarak!” In Muslim countries, these three days are a government and school holiday. Muslims in North America typically celebrate more quietly in groups with families and close friends. In 2007, the Empire State Building in New York City was lit green for the three days of Eid.
Ways to Acknowledge Eid ul Fitr
Eid cards are a wonderful way to wish a Muslim well during Eid. Common sentiments are “Eid Saeed,” which means “Happy Eid,” and “Kul ’am wa enta bi-khair,” which translates to “May every year find you in good health.” Eid cards sent as e-cards over the Internet are also appropriate, especially in situations where a paper card might be difficult to mail.
Other Eid Celebrations
Although Eid ul Fitr is the biggest Muslim holiday, another is Eid ul Adha, also referred to as Eid ul Hajj, which marks the end of the annual pilgrimage to Mecca. Eid ul Adha falls each year on the tenth day of the month of Dhul Hijja according to the Islamic lunar calendar. Practices during this holiday include gathering at mosques in fine clothes and the sacrifice of domestic animals that meet certain quality and age standards. The meat from the sacrifices is shared with the less fortunate to ensure that everyone has food during this holiday.
Eid ul Adha lasts for four days and is sometimes referred to as “Greater Eid” to distinguish it from “Smaller Eid” or Eid ul Fitr.
