Eid-ul-Fitr Marks End of Ramadan Fasting

Muslims celebrate Eid ul Fitr on the first day of the tenth month of the Islamic calendar, after the month of Ramadan.  Following a Lunar calendar, Muslims mark the beginning of the month with the sighting of the new crescent.

Eid is an Arabic word derived from “aada” that means a recurring event.  In Islam it denotes the festivals of Islam. Fitr means to break and Eid ul-Fitr marks the breaking of the fasting period.

Eid-ul-Fitr is a very joyous day; it is a true day of thanksgiving for believing men and women. On this day, Muslims show their joy for health, strength and the opportunities of life, that Allah has given to them to fulfill their obligation of fasting and other good deeds during Ramadan.

It is a day to seek forgiveness for one’s sins. Fasting is forbidden.

On this holiday, a Muslim should wake up early, take a bath, brush his teeth, dress up in his best clothes and have breakfast before leaving for the mosque.

Muslims see this day as a reward for fasting and worship during Ramadan.

The air of festivity and celebration can be felt on the eve before Eid when frenzied shopping and Eid preparations are at their height.  Since Eid is celebrated with gift giving, the decorated shops and markets are open until late at night for last minute shoppers.

On the eve before Eid, women and children get together to decorate their hands with henna. Staying up late preparing food for the next day, the whole house is a hub of activity and excitement.

The excitement builds up as rumors start about the sighting of the crescent moon in some remote place, as yet officially unconfirmed. Children think of what they will wear, what gifts they will get and how they will spend their gift money to buy toys. And sometimes there is disappointment when it is not confirmed, but another fast, another day and the next evening the children are just as excited. 

The Eid prayer is important for Muslims as it has the merits of the daily prayers and the weekly gathering. Eid is a family and social event and after the Eid prayers, people visit each other, exchange gifts, socialize with extended family and community, visit the sick and offer prayers for the deceased.

For those who have fasted during the month of Ramadan, there is a sense of triumph and accomplishment.