Eid ul Fitar, Religious Fesitval of the Muslims

Eid ul Fitar, Religious Fesitval of the Muslims
Posted in Islamic Festivals on 20. Sep, 2009

The Eid ul Fitar is a religious festival celebrated by Muslims. It marks the end of Ramadan and  is  celebrated on the starting day of Shawaal, the tenth month of the Islamic Calendar. For Muslims, Eid ul Fitar is a joyous day since it is an opportunity for them to offer thanksgiving. As a true Thanksgiving Day, Muslims show appreciation to Allah for their opportunities in life, strength, and good health. They also give thanks to Allah for the fulfillment of their obligations such as good deeds and fasting during the blessed month of Ramadan.
The name of Eid ul Fitar is derived from two Arabic words, “Eid” and “Fitr”. Eid means “festivity” while Fitr refers to charity or nature. This religious festival is an entire day of celebration for Muslims. It is often called the “Smaller Eid” since the “Greater Eid” lasts for four days. During this festival Muslims are required to complete their fasting on the last day of Ramadan in accordance to their Holy Book, the Quran. The “Takbir” is also recited by Muslims all throughout the Eid period.
The common greetings during the Eid ul Fitar festival are the Arabic terms of “Id sa id” or “Happy Eid”, and “Id Mubarak” or “Blessed Eid”. Apparently, most Muslim countries have their own greetings based on their local traditions and language.
At the start of the Eid ul Fitar festival, Muslims wake up early and have a small breakfast before attending a special Eid prayer called a “salah”. Salah is performed in groups at mosques or open places such as squares and fields. Muslims usually wear their best clothes for the occasion. The Eid prayer is followed by a sermon known as “khutbah” and a plea asking for help, mercy, and forgiveness for all living things in the world. The sermon instructs the Muslims to do rituals of Eid, such as the “zakat”. After the prayers, Muslims visit their acquaintances, friends, and relatives as well as the graveyards of their loved ones who have died.