How
is Eid al-Fitr celebrated?
During the month of Ramadan, Muslims observe a strict fast
and participate in pious activities such as charitable giving
and peace-making. It is a time of intense spiritual renewal
for those who observe it. At the end of Ramadan, Muslims
throughout the world observe a joyous three-day celebration
called Eid al-Fitr (the Festival of Fast-Breaking).
A. Eid al-Fitr falls on the first day of Shawwal, the month
which follows Ramadan in the Islamic calendar. It is a time
to give in charity to those in need, and celebrate with
family and friends the completion of a month of blessings
and joy.
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Before
the day of Eid, during the last few days of Ramadan, each Muslim
family gives a determined amount as a donation to the poor.
This donation is of actual food -- rice, barley, dates, rice,
etc. -- to ensure that the needy can have a holiday meal and
participate in the celebration. This donation is known as sadaqah
al-fitr (charity of fast-breaking).
On
the day of Eid, Muslims gather early in the morning in outdoor
locations or mosques to perform the Eid prayer. This consists
of a sermon followed by a short congregational prayer.
After
the Eid prayer, Muslims usually scatter to visit various family
and friends, give gifts (especially to children), and make phone
calls to distant relatives to give well-wishes for the holiday.
These activities traditionally continue for three days. In most
Muslim countries, the entire 3-day period is an official government/school
holiday.
How to
perform Eid Salaah ?
The Eid
salat consists of two Rakats. The salaat should be performed
with Jama'at with an additional 6 Takbeers.
When one
begins salat you should make niyat (intention) like any other
salaat but say this in addition that Eid salat with six additional
Takbeers.
After Subhanakallah
read three Takbirs. The Imam will say Allahu Akbar and will
raise his hands to his ears; you also raise your hands to your
ears three times and then finish first Rakat like normal salaat.
Then do second Rakat as you would any other Rakaat, but before
going to Ruku the Imam will say three Takbirs, raise your hands
to the ears three times and then finish salaat as any other
salaat. After salaam Imam will give the Khutba just like Friday.
Listening to Eid Khutba is Waajib.
Other
Important Points
When you
go to Eid salaat, you take one route and when when you come
back, take a different route. It is Sunnat of our beloved Prophet
(Sall Allahu Alaihi wa Sallam) and if it is possible - go in
the Eid Ghah/Masjid by foot.
You ought
to say this Takhbeer while going and coming back from Eid salaat:
"Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, La Ilaha Illahu Wallahu Akbar
wa Lillahil Hamd."
In this
month many anniversaries and celebrations take place. The first
of this month is Thanksgiving Day for all Muslims. This is called
Eid ul Fitr. And on first day great Wali Hazrat Ibrahim Adham
passed away and his Urs takes place by his devotees. The great
Muslim Sultan Hazrat Mahmood Ghaznvi, who conquered India, passed
away on the 3rd and Hazrat Kazam Ali Khan, grandfather of Imam
Ahmed Raza ***** passed away on the 4th of this month. Hazrat
Khawaja Usman Harooni passed away on the 6th and Shaykh Abdul
Aziz Muhiddith Dehlvi passed away on 12th of this month. Hazrat
Abdul Aziz bin Hazrat Gaus Al-Azam Abdul Qadir on the 25th,
Hazrat Shaykh Sa'idi Shirazi on the 3rd Hazrat Yahya Munari
passed away on the 5th of this month (Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhum
Ajmaeen). These special days are celebrated by all Muslims throughout
the world. May Allah Ta'ala bless us all because of His beloved
Awliya. Ameen!
Sunnatien
And Adaabs of Eid...
The following
are some of the things a person is recommended to do on Eid
day:
1.
Take a hair cut (men only!).
2. Brush ones teeth.
3. Clip ones nails.
4. To take a bath (make Ghusl)
5. To wear new clothes or clean clothes.
6. To apply perfume.
7. To perform Fajr at a local mosque.
8. To be quick in Eid Ghah.
9. To pay Fitra.
10. To eat odd numbers of dates before going to Eid Ghah or
to eat something sweet.
11. To go to Eid Ghah one route and come back home another.
The Prophet Sayyedina Muhammad Mustafa (sallallahu ta`ala alaihi
wa aalihi wa`sallam) has stated that the one who on Eid day
recites SUBHANALLAHI WABIHAMDIHI 300 times and gives its blessings
as a gift to the Muslims who have died, then 1,000 blessings
will enter the grave of every Muslim. And when he dies Allah
(Azzawajal) will send 1000 blessings in his grave SUBHANALLAH
AZZAWAJAL!!!.
Eid
- ul - fitr
Eid
ul-Fitr or Id-Ul-Fitr , often abbreviated to Eid, is a Muslim
holiday that marks the end of Ramadan, the month of fasting.
Eid is an Arabic word meaning "festivity", while Fi?r
means "to break the fast" (and can also mean "nature",
from the word "fitrah") and so symbolizes the breaking
of the fasting period.
Eid
ul-Adha lasts 4 days and is called the Greater Eid while Eid
ul-Fitr lasts three and is also called Lesser Eid
On
the day of the celebration, a typical Muslim family awakes very
early, does the first normal everyday prayer, and is required
to eat a little, symbolizing the end of Ramadan. They then attend
special congregational prayers held in mosques, large open areas,
stadiums and arenas. The prayer is generally short and is followed
by a sermon (khu?ba). Worshippers greet and embrace each other
in a spirit of peace and love after the congregational prayer.
After the special prayers, festivities and merriment are commonly
observed with visits to the homes of relatives and friends to
thank God for all blessings.
Eid
ul-Fitr is a joyous occasion with important religious significance,
celebrating the achievement of enhanced piety. It is a day of
forgiveness, moral victory, peace of congregation, fellowship,
brotherhood and unity. Muslims celebrate not only the end of
all that fasting but also thank God for the help and strength
that they believe he gave them through the previous month to
help everyone practice self-control. It is a time of giving
and sharing, and many Muslims dress in holiday attire.
Contents
Timing
Because the day depends on the sighting of the moon, the sighting
can only be possible just after sunset. Many Muslims check with
local mosques or other members of the community to see if the
moon has been sighted by authoritative parties such as knowledgeable
scholars. Although many Muslims believe the Quran says that
the sighting of the moon determines the start of Eid, this is
written in other books. Due to the sensitive nature of this
opinion, please see below for further research on this dispute.
Common
greetings during this holiday are the Arabic greeting EId mubarak
("Blessed Eid") or Id said ("Happy
Eid"). In addition, many countries have their own greetings
based on local language and traditions.
Muslims
are encouraged to dress in their best clothes (new if possible)
and to attend a special Eid prayer that is performed in congregation
at mosques or open areas like fields, squares etc. When Muslims
finish their fast at the last day (29th or 30th Ramadan), they
recite Takbir (Arabic audio clip with English meaning).
Allahu
akbar, Allahu akbar, Allahu akbar la ilaha illa Allah Allahu
akbar,
Allahu akbar wa li-illahi al-hamd
Allah
is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest
There is no deity but Allah
Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest
and to Allah goes all praise
The Takbir is recited after confirmation that the moon of Shawwal
is sighted on the eve of the last day of Ramadan. It continues
until the start of the Eid prayer. Before the Eid prayer begins
every Muslim, if possible(man, woman or child), must pay Zakat
al Fitr, an alms for the month of Ramadan. This equates to about
2 kg of a basic foodstuff (wheat, barley, dates, raisins, etc.),
or its cash equivalent, and is typically collected at the mosque.
This is distributed to needy local Muslims prior to the start
of the Eid prayer. It can be given at any time during the month
of Ramadan and is often given early, so the recipient can utilize
it for Eid purchases. This is distinct from Zakat based on wealth,
which must be paid to a worthy charity.
Eid ul-Fitr 2005 at Dublin Mosque, Ireland.The Eid prayer (salah)
is followed by the khutba (sermon) and then a prayer (dua')
asking for forgiveness, mercy and help for the plight of Muslims
across the world. It is then customary to embrace the persons
sitting on either side of oneself as well as ones relatives,
friends and acquaintances.
Muslims
spend the day thanking the Creator for all their blessings,
as well as simply having fun and enjoying themselves. Children
are normally given sweets or money. Women (particularly relations)
are normally given special gifts by their loved ones. Eid is
also the time for reconciliations. Feuds or disputes, especially
between family members, are often settled on Eid.
In North America
North American Muslims typically celebrate the day in a quiet
way. Because the day depends on the sighting of the moon, often
families are not aware that the next day will be Eid until the
night before. Most check with members of the community to see
if the moon has been sighted by anyone. Different methods for
determining the end of Ramadan and the beginning of Shawwal
are used in each particular community. Because the day is determined
by the natural phenomenon of sighting the crescent moon, North
Americans on the eastern coast of the continent may celebrate
Eid on a different day than those on the western coast.
The
crescent moon can be sighted directly, but cannot be determined
based on scientific calculations. The Prophet (Peace Be Upon
Him) stated that the Muslims should fast when they sight the
moon and break fast when they sight the moon, which means Eid.
Calculations can't but have been used in the past, to verify
or reject alleged moon sightings. For example, sightings that
occur in areas, in which sightings could not have occurred based
on calculations, are typically refuted or rejected when presented
without additional evidence. Typically, the end of Ramadan is
announced via e-mail, postings on websites, or chain phone calls
to all members of a Muslim community. Working persons usually
attempt to make arrangements for a lighter work day on the days
that may possibly be the Eid day, but many North American Muslims
are often noted to not be able to take the entire day off.
Typically,
a Muslim family in the West will wake up very early in the morning
and have a small breakfast. Everyone is encouraged to dress
in new and formal clothing. Many families wear traditional clothing
from their respective home countries. Next the family will go
to the nearest congregational prayer group to pray. The prayer
may be held at the local mosque, a hotel ballroom, local arena
or stadium. The Eid prayer is very important, and Muslims are
encouraged to pray in a large gathering because of the rewards.
After the prayer there is a Khutba (speech) in which the Imam
gives some sort of advice to the Muslim community and usually
Muslims are encouraged to end any past animosities they may
have. After the prayer and Khutba people hug and wish each other
a Happy Eid.
After
the Eid prayer many people call friends and family from all
over the world wishing them a Happy Eid or Eid Mubarak. The
rest of Eid is spent with close family and friends. Depending
on their community some Muslims have open-house parties during
the day in which people exchange gifts, and wish family friends
a blessed Eid. Because North American Muslims come from all
parts of the world, one particular type of food cannot be identified
as served on this day. Many Muslim North American families visit
the homes of others to congregate on a day of celebration. Since
many North American Muslims are immigrants, traditions described
below may be celebrated by immigrants of these countries in
their respective homes in North America.
New
York's iconic Empire State Building was lit in green in honor
of Eid-al-Fitr from October 12-14, 2007.
In Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei
In Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei, Eid is also commonly known
as Hari Raya Aidilfitri or Hari Raya Puasa. Hari Raya literally
means 'Grand Day' i.e. 'The Day'. Muslims in Malaysia and Singapore
celebrate Eid like other Muslims throughout the world. It is
the biggest holiday in Malaysia and is the most awaited one.
Shopping malls and bazaars are filled with people days ahead
of Hari Raya, causing a distinctive festive atmosphere throughout
the country. Many banks, government and private offices are
closed for this holiday, which usually lasts a week.
The
night before Eid is with the takbir which is held in the mosques
or musallas. In many parts of Malaysia, especially in rural
areas, pelita or panjut (oil lamps) are lit up in house compounds.
Eid also witnesses a huge migratory pattern of Muslims, from
big metropolitan cities to rural areas. This is known as balik
kampung literally going back to home town to celebrate
Eid with one's parents. Special dishes like ketupat, dodol,
lemang (a type of glutinous rice cake cooked in bamboo) and
other Malay delicacies are served during this day.
It
is common to greet people with "Selamat Hari Raya"
or "Salam Aidilfitri" which means "Happy Eid".
Muslims also greet one another with "maaf zahir dan batin"
which means "Forgive my physical and emotional (wrongdoings)",
due to the fact that Eid ul-Fitr is not only for celebrations
but also the time for Muslims to cleanse their sins and strengthen
their ties with relatives and friends.
It
is customary for Malays to wear traditional Malay cultural outfit
on the Eid. The outfit for men is called baju melayu which is
worn together with kain samping (made out of songket) and songkok
(a dark coloured headgear) while the women's are known as baju
kurung and baju kebaya. It is also common to see non-Malay Muslims
wear costumes of their culture.
Once
the prayer is completed, it is also common for Muslims in Malaysia
to visit the graves of loved ones. During this visit, they clean
the grave, recite Ya-Seen, a chapter (surah) from the Qur'an
and also perform the tahlil ceremony. All these are done to
ask for God to forgive the dead and also those who are living.
The
rest of the day is spent visiting relatives or serving visitors.
Eid ul-Fitr is a very joyous day for children for on this day
adults are especially generous. Children will be given token
sums of money, also known as "duit raya," from their
parents or elders .
In Indonesia
Ketupat is traditionally eaten on Eid ul-Fitr in Indonesia.In
Indonesia the feast is named Hari Raya Idul Fitri or informally,
Lebaran. Hari Raya literally means The Great Day of (Celebration)
. Sometimes, there are different statements on when the day
falls, especially between Muhammadiyah and Nahdlatul Ulama,
because people use different techniques to determine it. Almost
all of the people follow the government of Indonesia's statement
and such differences do not get in the way of people celebrating.
This event is recognized as a national holiday, starts a few
days before Eid ul-Fitr, and lasts until days after it. Schools
also have different schedules for the holiday as many Islamic
schools usually make it a longer holiday.
Muslims
in Indonesia usually ask forgiveness from their relatives and
friends after the special prayer. Another interesting Eid ul-Fitr
tradition in Indonesia is mudik that usually applies to urbanites
who came to Jakarta from the other provinces of Java or other
islands in Indonesia. Before Eid ul-Fitr comes, people will
go back to their hometowns where their relatives, sometimes
including their parents, reside. This event often causes crowding
in airports, seaports, and bus stations while some who are traveling
by car are trapped in the traffic jam for hours. For little
children, gifts ofmoney as well as forgiveness from relatives
is common to motivate them. Many, especially in the cities,
also use the term angpau for the money just like Chinese people
do.
It
is common to greet people with "Selamat Hari Raya"
(Indonesian) or "Salam Aidilfitri" (Malay) which means
"Happy Eid". Muslims also greet one another with "Mohon
maaf lahir dan batin" which means "Forgive my physical
and emotional (wrongdoings)", due to the fact that Eid
ul-Fitr is not only for celebrations, but also the time for
Muslims to cleanse their sins and strengthen their silaturrahim
with relatives and friends. The term "fitr" in Eid
ul Fitr, coincides with the word "fitrah" of the Indonesian
language which means the purity of birth, just as babies are
pure when they were born. Many Indonesian Muslims acknowledge
that on the day of Eid when they forgive each other, their sins
with each other are cleansed and they are without sin just as
they were at birth. Another term in addition to "Mohon
maaf lahir dan batin" mentioned earlier, is "minal
aidin wal faidzin" The origin of this phrase is suspectedly
Arabic and has loosed meaning of "may you be part of the
people who return to purity and part of the people who are granted
glory"[3]. The latter phrase is usually used in conjunction
of the former; thusly, "Minal aidin wal faidzin, mohon
maaf lahir dan batin."
At
the night of the last day of Ramadan, Indonesians usually do
'Takbiran'. Takbiran is a big celebration where people, from
little children to old men, recite the takbir with a microphone
in a parade. They travel around the town and usually they hit
'beduk', a large drum, as a background music of the takbir.
In India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka
At the end of the Holy month of Ramadan, in which the Muslims
are asked to observe fasting from dawn to dusk and do extra
prayers and observe religious values rigidly, the Muslims celebrate
the sighting of the new moon (start of the new Muslim month).
In Bangladesh, India and Pakistan, the night before Eid is called
Chand Raat, or night of the moon. People visit bazaars and shopping
malls, with their families and children, for last minute Eid
shopping. Women, especially young girls, often paint each others'
hands with traditional "henna" and wear colourful
bangles.
The
popular way of greeting in Bangladesh, India & Pakistan
during celebration of this festival is to say Eid Mubarak to
others. Children are encouraged to greet the elders. In exchange
of this they also expect to obtain some cash money, called Eidi,
from the elders.
On
the morning of Eid ul-Fitr, after taking a fresh bath, every
Muslim is encouraged to wear new clothes, if they can afford
so. Alternatively, they may wear clean washed clothes.Men and
boys go to mosque or open fields called Eidgah for special Eid
prayers, thanking God for enabling a Muslim to observe the holy
month meaningfully. The Muslims are ordained to pay Zakat al-Fitr
(special charity money) or fitra to the poor and needy before
the Eid prayer, so that they can also join others to celebrate
the Eid.
After
the prayers, the congregation is dispersed and the Muslims meet
and greet each other including family members, children, elders,
friends and neighbours.
Some
Muslims especially go to graveyards to pray for the salvation
of the departed soul. Usually, children visit elder relatives
and neighbours to pay respects and greetings.
One
of the special dishes in India, Pakistan and Fiji is sivayyan,
a dish of fine, toasted vermicelli noodles. In Bangladesh, sivayyan
is called shemai, and is an integral item of Eid dishes.
After
meeting the friends and relatives, many people go for attending
parties, feasts, special carnivals and festivities in the parks
(with picnics, fireworks, etc.). In Bangladesh and Pakistan,
many bazaars, malls, and restaurants witness huge crowd &
high attendance during this principal muslim festival.
Some
people also avail this opportunity to distribute Zakat, the
Islamic obligatory alms tax on one's wealth, to the needy.
In
this way, the Muslims of South Asia celebrate their Eid ul-Fitr
in a festive mood by thanking the Almighty and bringing their
families, friends and the poor and needy people closer in a
praiseworthy,[citation needed] egalitarian manner.
In Iran
In the predominantly Shia culture of Iran, Eid is a highly personal
event, and celebrations are often more muted. Called Eyde Fetr
by most Iranians, charity is important on that day. Public Eid
prayers are held in every Mosque and in public places. Visiting
the elderly and gathering with families and friends is also
very common. Typically, each Muslim family gives food to those
in need. Often meat or ghorbani (literally translated as sacrifice,
for it is usually a young lamb or calf that is sacrificed for
the occasion), which is an expensive food item in Iran, will
be given by those in wealthier families to those who have less.
Payment of fitra or fetriye is obligatory for each Muslim.
In Turkey
In Turkey, where Ramadan is infused with more national traditions
(and where country-wide celebrations, religious and secular
alike, are altogether referred to as Bayram), it is customary
for people to greet one another with "Bayraminiz Kutlu
Olsun" ("May Your Bayram Be Celebrated"), "Mutlu
Bayramlar" ("Happy Bayram"), or the more quaint
"Bayraminiz Mübarek Olsun" (May Your Bayram Be
Holi", i.e. "Holy Bayram Upon You").
It
is a time for people to attend services, put on their best clothes
(referred to as "Bayramlik", often purchased just
for the occasion) and to visit all their loved ones (such as
friends, relatives and neighbors) and pay their respects to
the deceased with organized visits to cemeteries, where large,
temporary bazaars of flowers, water (for watering the plants
adorning a grave), and prayer books are set up for the three-day
occasion.
It
is regarded as especially important to honor elderly citizens
by kissing their right hand and placing it on one's forehead
while wishing them Bayram greetings. It is also customary for
children to go around the neighborhood, door to door, and wish
everyone a happy "Bayram", for which they are awarded
candy, chocolates, traditional sweets such as Baklava and Lokum
(Turkish delight), or a small amount of money at every door,
almost in a Halloween-like fashion.
Municipalities
all around the country organize fundraising events for the poor,
in addition to public shows such as concerts or more traditional
forms of entertainment such as the Karagöz and Hacivat
shadow-theatre and even performences by the Mehter, the Janissary
Band that was founded during the days of the Ottoman Empire.
Helping
the poor, ending past animosities and making up, organizing
breakfasts and dinners for loved ones and putting together neighborhood
celebrations are all part of the joyous occasion, where homes
and streets are decorated and lit up for the celebrations, and
television and radio channels broadcast special Bayram programs.
In the Philippines
Philippines, with a majority Christian population, has recognized
Eid ul-Fitr as a regular holiday by virtue of Republic Act No.
9177 and signed on November 13, 2002. The law was enacted in
deference to the Filipino Muslim community and to promote peace
among major religions in the Philippines. The first public holiday
was set on December 6, 2002. Many non-Muslim Filipinos are still
unfamiliar to the new holiday, and many calendars in the Philippines
don't have this holiday listed.
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