What is Eid-ul-Fitr?
Eid-ul-Fitr, or Eid, marks the end of the Muslim religious tradition of Ramadan, and is celebrated starting on Tuesday.
Religious authorities in Saudi Arabia, where many of Islam’s holiest shrines are found, announced Eid, the end of Ramadan, with the sighting of the new moon on Monday.
Observed by Muslims around the world, the month-long purification fast ends with Eid, and elaborate family meals are served along with wearing new clothes and gift-giving.
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Eid-ul-Fitr is a joyous day for Muslims, much like Thanksgiving Day, where appreciation for health, strength, and the opportunities of life are celebrated. Where Christians celebrate holidays like Christmas and Easter with candy and desserts, Muslims also make sweet delicacies and feasts.
During Christian holidays, people enjoy spending time with loved ones and focus more on giving, similar to the celebration of Eid.
Christians decorate their homes at Christmastime with ribbons, lights, and trees, while attending special church services. In many parts of the world, Muslims use lanterns and flowers to decorate their homes during Eid.
Also, much congregational prayer occurs during Eid, which lasts three days.
The first Eid was celebrated by the Prophet Muhammad in 624 CE after the victory of the battle at Jang-e-Badar.
New Delhi’s Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh greeted the nation Tuesday saying that the festival of Eid “highlights the spirit of sacrifice and the joy of sharing,” India Blooms reported.
“The celebrations marking the end of the Ramadan fasting foster peace and harmony and reflect the true spirit of our composite culture,” said Singh. “May the festival spread peace, tolerance, and harmony among all.”
Adam Thomas, British High Commissioner to Pakistan, also issued a greeting to Muslims, the Associated Press reported. He said that Eid is a special day for Muslims, as it ends the holy month that is “dedicated to charity, family, contemplation, and recitation of the Qur’an.”
Thomas, who said this is his second Eid in Pakistan, continued in his message: “On behalf of her Majesty’s Government, the staff at the British High Commission in Pakistan and on my own behalf; I am delighted to extend our best wishes to everyone celebrating Eid-ul-Fitr in Pakistan and around the world.”
Observant Muslims started their celebrations at sunset Monday, and use the common greeting “Eid Mubarak,” meaning, “Have a blessed Eid.”
