The word Eid means festival or feast in the Arabic language. Eid al-Fitr is a religious festival celebrated by Muslims all over the world with great pomp and show. It marks the end of the holy month of fasting and prayer, Ramadan. This year, Eid al-Fitr will be celebrated on 15th June across the globe by the people of the Muslim religion. On this day, people wake up early in the morning, take a bath, and wear new clothes. Afterward, they offer prayers to God, meet their friends and relatives and savor sweet delicacies. There is a common Eid tradition among people where they hug their friends and relatives and wish them a blessed Eid.
Like any other festival, it brings people closer to their dear ones and strengthens the bond of love between them. Apart from the famous customs and traditions of this festival, there are a few unknown things about Eid al-Fitr that we are going to discuss further.
It Begins When the New Moon Is First Sighted
Eid al-Fitr begins when the new moon appears in the sky. So technically, it starts at different times and sometimes on different days in different parts of the world. Therefore, many people celebrate the festival when the new moon appears over Mecca instead of waiting for the full moon to appear in their locality.
Eid al-Fitr and Ramadan Held on Different Dates Each Year
If you must have noticed, every year Eid al-Fitr and Ramadan falls on different dates. That’s because the Islamic calendar is based on the lunar cycle and the new month start and end with each new moon. That is quite different from the Western calendar, which is based on the solar cycle. Thus, every year, Ramadan is held 10 days earlier or so than the previous year or as compared to the Western calendar.
The Word Eid al-Fitr Is a Translation
Eid al-Fitr has a literal translation that means “Festival of the Breaking of the Fast” or “The Feast of Fast-Breaking” as it is celebrated at the end of Ramadan, the sacred month of fasting and praying. During the month of Ramadan, people abstain from eating or drinking water during the daytime, consuming alcohol, smoking or getting physically intimate.
It’s Much More Than The Festivity
The festival of Eid al-Fitr is not just limited to making merry with friends and family. It encourages people to adopt a peaceful approach towards life by forgiving and forgetting any differences with others. They also perform charity by offering food and clothes to the poor and needy people.
People Remember Their Loved Ones Who Have Passed Away
Apart from praying, meeting friends, and savoring delicious food on the occasion of Eid al-Fitr, people also remember their loved ones who have passed away. They visit the graves of their deceased family members, clear their gravesite, and offer prayers to God for the peace of their divine soul.
The Celebration Lasts for Three Days
After a whole month of fasting, people become delighted when the time comes to break their fast. The families get together for celebration and savor their taste buds with delicious cuisines. The best thing about Eid al-Fitr is the celebration lasts for three years. Depending on the dates it falls on the lunar calendar, sometimes the celebration is extended over the weekend as well.
Also Known As Lesser Eid
In the Muslim religion, there are two important Eid celebrations, the Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. The Eid al-Fitr is commonly known as “Lesser Eid” among people and the Eid al-Adha is called the “Feast of Sacrifice” or “Greater Eid,” which celebrates the sacrifice Ibrahim was ready to make to Allah.
Eid al-Fitr is the celebration when people thank almighty for blessing them with a happy and prosperous life. Let this festival spread love, peace, harmony, and light of hope across the world!!
