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Eid-ul-fitr or the fast breaking day marks the end ofRamadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting. The term eid is derived from the Arabicword ‘oud’ meaning ‘the return’ signifying the return of this festival everyyear. The festival celebrates the conclusion of the thirty days dawn to sunsetfasting during the Ramadan month.
Nov 14, 2004 Eid in S Arabia, Gulf states today DUBAI: Saudi Arabia and some Gulf Arab states will celebrate the Eid-ul-Fitr on Saturday, state media said on Friday. Naturally, one wonders how the “impossible to sight” lunar crescent became visible in these countries.
Day calculation ofEid-ul-fitr: This festival is celebrated after the long fasting monthof Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, on the first day of theShawwal month of the Islamic calendar. Legendarysignificance of Eid-ul-fitr:
Legend says that Prophet Mohammed left Mecca and undertookthe journey to Medina in 622 AD, to join the other Muslims who had migrated toMedina to escape persecution in Mecca. During this period, he fasted for threedays. Many years later, He was to receive a revelation from God, which statedthat all followers of the Islam faith fasted for a certain number of days.According to Islamic belief fasting helps in developing self-control and is away of getting closer to Allah. It purifies one's soul.
Legend also says that the Quran was revealed to ProphetMohammed in the last ten days of Ramadan.
![Eid Ul Fitr Khutbah Eid Ul Fitr Khutbah](/uploads/1/2/5/8/125856282/730931641.jpg)
The month of Ramadan is also historically associated withtwo important victories of Prophet Muhammad - the battle of Badr and theconquest of Makkah.
Eid-ul-fitr poojaprocess:
Eid-ul-fitr is celebrated for two days. Muslims wake upearly in the morning, before sunrise, offer the pre sunrise prayer (SalatulFajr) and in keeping with the traditions and actions of the Prophet Muhammadclean their teeth, take a shower before Fajr prayers, put on new clothes andapply perfume.It is recommended to have a small breakfast, as a sign ofnot being on fast that day, before attending the special Eid prayer. Anobligatory charity is paid to the poor and the needy before the prayer. Muslimsrecite the Eid-ul-fitr prayer (Takbir) in the low voice while going to the Eidprayer.
Eid prayer is performed in open areas like fields or atmosque. No adhan or iqama is to be pronounced for this prayer and it consistsof only two units with an additional of six Takbirs. The prayer is followed bya sermon (Khutbah) and then they ask for God’s blessings and forgiveness.Listening to the Khutbah is a necessary requirement and talking or walking out isprohibited at this time.
After the prayer the people visit their relatives andexchange gifts.
Eid-ul-fitrcelebration:In Cape Town, SouthAfrica, hundreds of muslims gather at Green Point in the evening of thelast day of Ramadan for sighting the moon. Everyone comes with something toshare with each other at the time of breaking the fast.
In Saudi Arabia(the land of two mosques), families gather at the patriarchal home for Eidprayers. Before the special meal is served, children line up in front of theirelders who dispense Saudi currency to them.
Eid-ul-fitr is a three day feast in Egypt with an official holiday. The Eid day starts with small snackfollowed by Eid prayers. After the prayers people greet each other. Childrenare normally given new clothes to wear.
In South Asia, Celebrationsstart a day before the actual festive day. Women flock the market to buycolorful bangles and get their hands decorated with henna. The night before Eidis called Chand Raat in these countries, which stand for the night of the moon.On Eid, people embrace each other, reciting the phrase 'Eid Mubarak'. Exchangeof gifts and money (Eidi) is practiced by people at large. Everyone, right fromkids to adults, indulge in offering Eid prayers on Eid-ul-Fitr. People are alsoseen visiting the graveyards to pray for the salvation of departed familymembers.In United Kingdom,Eid ul Fitr starts with the Imam giving advice to the Muslim community forliving a healthy and soulful life. He then recites his sermon, Khutbah, and theprayer. Once the local imam declares Eid ul Fitr, everyone greets and embraceseach other.
![Fitr Fitr](/uploads/1/2/5/8/125856282/287560668.jpg)
Common Eid-ul-fitrdishes:
- Murgh Mussallam
- Mrouziya
- Nawabi Biryani
- Sufi Malpua
- Beef Fajita salad
- Beef stew
- Beef Roast
- Tabuli
- Biryani
- Mutton Korma
- Haleem
- Lemon pepper steak
- Seviyan
- Sheer Korma
- Badam Phirni
- Badami Ghosht