Fun Facts About Eid al Fitr

The holiday is upon us after a month of prayer and fasting. It is a time of joyous celebrations for Muslims across the globe, where we all gather our friends and families to celebrate the end of the Holy month of Ramadan.

Here are some fun facts about Eid al Fitr.

Eid al-Fitr is called different names in different countries

Eid is the Arabic word for holiday. So, in different countries, Eid al-Fitr is called in different names. Some of the names people call Eid al Fitr by are:

Ramazan Bairami – Azerbaijan

Lebaran – Indonesia

Korite – Senegal

Hari Raya Puasa – Malaysia

Eid al- Fitr means

“Festival of the Breaking of the Fast,” or “the Feast of Fast-Breaking.”, Eid al Fitr is a literal translation of the holiday.

Eid al-Fitr is celebrated for three days

This holiday is celebrated over three days traditionally. In the occasion where it falls in the middle of the week, the festival can go on throughout the weekend. Eid al Fitr is days of fun and delight.

There is no one set day for Eid al Fitr

Because the Islamic calendar is based on the lunar cycle, the date on which Eid Al Fitr falls on is determined by the first sighting of the new moon. Not only does it change every year but also from country to country. But it always falls on the first day of the month of Shawwal.

Gifts are a part of this holiday

The family gathers and friends come over, which often means gifts for children. “Eidi”, gifts given to children and youth, are mainly gifts of pocket money, goods and accessories or flowers. It is something children look forward to every year.

Eid al Fitr, the “Lesser Eid”

There are two important holidays in the Islamic faith. Eid al Fitr and Eid al Adha, the Feast of Sacrifice that celebrates the sacrifice Abraham was willing to make to God. This holiday is known as the “Greater Eid” while Eid al Fitr is the “Lesser Eid.”

The Feast of Eid al Fitr

The fasting in the month of Ramadan is wrapped up by a major feast on Eid. People prepare delicious foods to share with friends and family and eat for most of the holiday.

Since this holiday comes after the end of a month-long fast, Muslims spend most of this holiday eating. Each country has its own special dishes.

It all starts with a prayer

The day of Eid al Fitr starts with all Muslims gathered by the mosque for a special prayer called “Eid Prayer.” Since a lot of people attend this prayer, mosques often get crowded and people pray on the streets. Believers thank God for the day and pray that the fasting of Ramadan is accepted.

Happy Holidays!

Written By: Bisrat Atalay Tasew

Sources

https://blogs.proquest.com/culturegrams/7-facts-about-eid-al-fitr/

http://mentalfloss.com/article/574327/best-mattresses-buy-online