Observed by
Type Significance Date 2021 date Celebrations/Observances |
Muslims around the world
Islamic Reward by ALLAH at the end of Ramadan 1 Shawwal Wednesday, May 12, 2021 (Expected) Family meals, eating sweet foods, wearing new clothes, giving gifts or money to children, Congregational prayer, giving to charity (Zakat Al-fitr) |
Eid ul-Fitr also spell as Eid Al-Fitr, Id Ul-Fitr, or Id Al-Fitr (Arabic: عيد الفطر) often abbreviated to Eid, is a three-day Muslim holiday that marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting (Sawm). Eid is an Arabic word meaning "Festivity," while Fitr means "Original nature," implying the restoration of one's best human composition. The holiday celebrates the conclusion of the thirty days of dawn-to-sunset fasting during the entire month of Ramadan. The first day of Eid, therefore, falls on the first day of the month Shawwal.
Eid-ul-Fitr Salat (Namaz in Urdu/Persian) is a Wajib (Strongly recommended, just short of obligatory) or mandoob (Preferable) depending on which juristic opinion is followed Islamic prayer consisting of two raka'ah (Units) which is generally offered in an open field or large hall called an Eed-gah. This salaat or prayer, can only be performed with Jama’at (i.e., in congregation) and has an additional extra six Takbirs (Raising of the hands to the ears while saying Allahu Akbar (ALLAH is Great), three of them in the beginning of the first raka'ah and three of them just before ruku in the second rakaah in the Hanafi school.Eid ul-Fitr is sometimes also known as the "Smaller Eid" (Arabic: العيد الصغير) as compared to the Eid al-Adha, which lasts four days following the Hajj and is casually referred to as the "Greater Eid" (Arabic: العيد الكبير). However, in Southeast Asian countries, Eid-ul-Fitr is considered "Greater" than Eid al-Adha and is the most important feast for Muslims there. Muslims are commanded by ALLAH in the Qur'an to complete their fast until the last day of Ramadan.
Eid-ul-Fitr Salat (Namaz in Urdu/Persian) is a Wajib (Strongly recommended, just short of obligatory) or mandoob (Preferable) depending on which juristic opinion is followed Islamic prayer consisting of two raka'ah (Units) which is generally offered in an open field or large hall called an Eed-gah. This salaat or prayer, can only be performed with Jama’at (i.e., in congregation) and has an additional extra six Takbirs (Raising of the hands to the ears while saying Allahu Akbar (ALLAH is Great), three of them in the beginning of the first raka'ah and three of them just before ruku in the second rakaah in the Hanafi school.Eid ul-Fitr is sometimes also known as the "Smaller Eid" (Arabic: العيد الصغير) as compared to the Eid al-Adha, which lasts four days following the Hajj and is casually referred to as the "Greater Eid" (Arabic: العيد الكبير). However, in Southeast Asian countries, Eid-ul-Fitr is considered "Greater" than Eid al-Adha and is the most important feast for Muslims there. Muslims are commanded by ALLAH in the Qur'an to complete their fast until the last day of Ramadan.
Other Name Of Event
TermIdul Fitri
عيد الفطر عید فطر Choti Eid Ramazan bayramı Ramazanski bajram Id Al-Fitr Eid ul-Fitr Aïd el-Fitr Hari Raya Puasa, Hari Lebaran, Aidilfitri Eid-e Sa'eed-e Fitr |
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Event In The View Of Hadith
Anas (ALLAH Bless With Him), a companion of Prophet Mohammad (Peace Be Upon Him) reported that,"When the Prophet Mohammad (Peace Be Upon Him) migrated from Makkah to Madinah, the people of Madinah used to have two festivals. On those two days they had carnivals and festivity. Prophet Mohammad (Peace Be Upon Him) asked the Ansaar (The Muslims of Madinah) about it. They replied that before Islam they used to have carnivals on those two joyous days. The Prophet Mohammad (Peace Be Upon Him) told them,"Instead of those two days, ALLAH has appointed two other days which are better, the days of Eid-al-Fitr and Eid-al-Adha".
This is related by Ash-Shaafi’ee and Al-Baghawee Ibn Al-Qayyim (ALLAH Bless With All) writes,“The Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) used to wear his most beautiful clothes for them and he had a special cloak that he would wear on the two Eids and Jumu’ah.”
(Sharhus Sunnah)
Anas (ALLAH Bless With Him) reports, “The Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) would not go out on the festival of breaking the fast until he had eaten an odd number of dates.”
(Sahih Al-Bukhari)
Jabir (ALLAH Bless With Him) reports,“On the days of Eid, the Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) would take different routes.”
(Sahih Al-Bukhari)
Abdullaah ibn Abbaas (ALLAH Bless With Him) said,” The Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) offered a two Rak’aat prayer on the day of Eid-ul-Fitr and he did not pray before or after it.”
(Sahih Al-Bukhari)
Aishah (ALLAH Bless With Her) said,"The Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) would say the takbeer seven times in the first rakaah and five times in the second rakaah on the day of the breaking of the fast and on the day of sacrifice on the occasion of both the Eid prayers, the two festivals".
(Sunan Abu Dawud)
The Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) ordered (Muslims) to give one Sa' of dates or one Sa' of barley as Zakat-ul-Fitr. The people rewarded two Mudds of wheat as equal to that.
(Bukhari)
Narrated Ibn Umar (ALLAH Bless With Him),ALLAH's Apostle (Peace Be Upon Him) has made Sadaqatul-Fitr obligatory, (And it was), either one Sa' of barley or one Sa' of dates (And its payment was obligatory) on young and old people, and on free men as well as on slaves.
(Bukhari and Muslim)
The Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) ordered the people to pay Zakat-ul-Fitr before going to the Eid prayer.
(Bukhari)
This is related by Ash-Shaafi’ee and Al-Baghawee Ibn Al-Qayyim (ALLAH Bless With All) writes,“The Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) used to wear his most beautiful clothes for them and he had a special cloak that he would wear on the two Eids and Jumu’ah.”
(Sharhus Sunnah)
Anas (ALLAH Bless With Him) reports, “The Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) would not go out on the festival of breaking the fast until he had eaten an odd number of dates.”
(Sahih Al-Bukhari)
Jabir (ALLAH Bless With Him) reports,“On the days of Eid, the Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) would take different routes.”
(Sahih Al-Bukhari)
Abdullaah ibn Abbaas (ALLAH Bless With Him) said,” The Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) offered a two Rak’aat prayer on the day of Eid-ul-Fitr and he did not pray before or after it.”
(Sahih Al-Bukhari)
Aishah (ALLAH Bless With Her) said,"The Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) would say the takbeer seven times in the first rakaah and five times in the second rakaah on the day of the breaking of the fast and on the day of sacrifice on the occasion of both the Eid prayers, the two festivals".
(Sunan Abu Dawud)
The Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) ordered (Muslims) to give one Sa' of dates or one Sa' of barley as Zakat-ul-Fitr. The people rewarded two Mudds of wheat as equal to that.
(Bukhari)
Narrated Ibn Umar (ALLAH Bless With Him),ALLAH's Apostle (Peace Be Upon Him) has made Sadaqatul-Fitr obligatory, (And it was), either one Sa' of barley or one Sa' of dates (And its payment was obligatory) on young and old people, and on free men as well as on slaves.
(Bukhari and Muslim)
The Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) ordered the people to pay Zakat-ul-Fitr before going to the Eid prayer.
(Bukhari)
Sunnah of Eid
- Cutting hair (Cut your hair according to Sunnah and not according to the English styles).
- Cutting Nails.
- Having a bath (Gusal).
- Doing Miswaak (Cleaning of teeth with a Miswaak, this is apart from Miswaak done during ablution).
- Wear nice clothes, if new wear them, otherwise wear washed ones.
- To put ittar on (men only) .
- Wearing a ring (Whenever you wear a ring keep in mind that it should be not more than 4 grams, in weight of silver and wear only one ring. There should be only one stone in this ring. Don’t wear a ring without a stone. There is no limit for the weight of the stone. A ring made of any other metal another ring cannot be worn).
- Offer Salaah-tul-Fajr in the Masjid in your area.
- Before going to Eid-ul-Fitr Salaah, eating some dates 3, 5, 7 or any amount. But they should be eaten in odd numbers. If dates are not available then eat something sweet. Even if nothing is eaten before the Salaah, it is not a sin but if nothing is eaten till Salaah-tul-Isha then he will be reprimanded.
- To offer Eid prayer in Eid Gah.
- To go walking to the Eid Gah.
- There is no harm in going on any sort of transport, but it is better to walk and there is no harm in coming back on any sort of transport.
- When going for Eid Salaah choose one path and when coming back come on from another path.
- Giving Sadqa-e-Fitr (Charity) before Eid Salaah (It is better to give it before Eid Salaah but if that’s not possible then give it after the Salaah).
- Showing happiness.
- Giving a lot of charity.
- To go to the Eid Gah relaxed and dignified, with eyes kept down.
- Congratulating each other.
- After Eid Salaah shaking hands. It is better to embrace one another, like the usual custom of the Muslims, since it shows affection.
- It is mustahabb to recite following Takbeer from sunset on the last day of Ramadaan until the imam comes to lead the prayer for Salat-e-Eid ul-Fitr, loudly for men and quietly for women. On the way, home to Mosque for Salaat-al-Eid and vice versa, the beginning of Salaat-al-Eid and after Salaat-al-Eid.
”ALLAH is most great. ALLAH is most great. There is no one else worth Worshipping except for ALLAH and ALLAH is most great. ALLAH is most Great and all the praise is for ALLAH.”
Eid-ul-Fitr by Country
Saudi Arabia
Saudi princes pray at the Imam Turki bin Abdullah mosque during Eid al-Fitr morning prayers in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Islam is the official religion in Saudi Arabia, the birthplace of the Prophet Mohammad (Peace Be Upon Him). Thus, the important Islamic festivals are very popular in Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia is also called the 'Land of the Two Mosques', because the holy cities of Makkah (Mecca) and Madinah (Medina) are situated there.
Eid ul-Fitr is celebrated with great pomp in Saudi Arabia. Saudis will decorate their homes and prepare sumptuous meals for family and friends. The whole country engages in untainted revelry during Eid. The innumerable Saudi Arabia festivals & events include the Eid ul-Fitr and Eid ul-Adha festivals, and also the Al-Jenadriyah Heritage & Cultural Festival.
Eid festivities in Saudi Arabia may vary culturally depending on the region, but one common thread in all celebrations is that the generosity and hospitable traditions of the Saudi people become quite apparent during Eid. First, it is common Saudi tradition for families to gather at the patriarchal home after the Eid prayers. Before the special Eid meal is served, young children will line up in front of each adult family member who dispenses Riyals (Saudi currency) to the children. Family members will also typically have a time where they will pass out gift bags to the children. These bags are often beautifully decorated and contain candies and toys.
Even many shopkeepers will show their generosity at Eid providing free Eid gifts with each purchase. For example, during Eid, many of the chocolate shops will give each customer who buys a selection of candies a free crystal candy dish with their purchase.
In the spirit of Eid, many Saudis go out of their way to show their kindness and generosity. It is not uncommon for even complete strangers to greet one another at random, even by occupants of vehicles waiting at stop lights. Sometimes even toys and gifts will be given to children by complete strangers.
It is also traditional in some areas for Saudi men to go and buy large quantities of rice and other staples and then leave them anonymously at the doors of those who are less-fortunate.
Eid ul-Fitr is celebrated with great pomp in Saudi Arabia. Saudis will decorate their homes and prepare sumptuous meals for family and friends. The whole country engages in untainted revelry during Eid. The innumerable Saudi Arabia festivals & events include the Eid ul-Fitr and Eid ul-Adha festivals, and also the Al-Jenadriyah Heritage & Cultural Festival.
Eid festivities in Saudi Arabia may vary culturally depending on the region, but one common thread in all celebrations is that the generosity and hospitable traditions of the Saudi people become quite apparent during Eid. First, it is common Saudi tradition for families to gather at the patriarchal home after the Eid prayers. Before the special Eid meal is served, young children will line up in front of each adult family member who dispenses Riyals (Saudi currency) to the children. Family members will also typically have a time where they will pass out gift bags to the children. These bags are often beautifully decorated and contain candies and toys.
Even many shopkeepers will show their generosity at Eid providing free Eid gifts with each purchase. For example, during Eid, many of the chocolate shops will give each customer who buys a selection of candies a free crystal candy dish with their purchase.
In the spirit of Eid, many Saudis go out of their way to show their kindness and generosity. It is not uncommon for even complete strangers to greet one another at random, even by occupants of vehicles waiting at stop lights. Sometimes even toys and gifts will be given to children by complete strangers.
It is also traditional in some areas for Saudi men to go and buy large quantities of rice and other staples and then leave them anonymously at the doors of those who are less-fortunate.
South Asia
Thousands Pray in Pakistan for Eid-ul-fitr
In Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Nepal, the night before Eid is called Chaand Raat, which means, "Night of the Moon". Muslims in these countries will often visit bazaars and shopping malls with their families for Eid shopping. Women, especially younger girls, will often apply the traditional Mehndi, or henna, on their hands and feet and wear colourful bangles.
The traditional Eid greeting is Eid Mubarak, and it is frequently followed by a formal embrace. Gifts are frequently given new clothes are part of the tradition and it is also common for children to be given small sums of money (Eidi) by their elders. It is common for children to offer salam to parents and adult relatives.After the Eid prayers, it is common for some families to visit graveyards and pray for the salvation of departed family members.
Mehndi is the application of henna as a temporary form of skin decoration, commonly applied during Eid ul-Fitr.
Special celebratory dishes in Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh include sivayyan, a dish of fine, toasted sweet vermicelli noodles with milk and dried fruit.In Bangladesh, the dish is called shemai ( bengali: সেমাই ).Many people also avail themselves of this opportunity to distribute zakat, an Islamic obligatory alms tax of 2.5% of one's annual savings, to the needy.
In Bangladesh, Sholakia (Bengali: শোলাকিয়া) is a locality famous for its Eidgah where the largest congregation of Eid prayer of the country is held on the occasion of Eid ul-Fitr, the day of celebration after the fasting month of Ramadan.Around 300,000 people from all over Bangladesh join the prayer on every Eid.
In India, some popular places for Muslims to congregate to celebrate Eid at this time include the Jama Masjid in New Delhi, Aishbagh Idgah in Lucknow; in Kolkata there is a prayer held on Red Road. Muslims turn out in the thousands, as there is a lot of excitement surrounding the celebration of this festival. Eid is a public holiday and is celebrated all over India. It is common for non-Muslims to visit their Muslim friends and neighbours on Eid to convey their good wishes.South Asians celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr for three days.
The traditional Eid greeting is Eid Mubarak, and it is frequently followed by a formal embrace. Gifts are frequently given new clothes are part of the tradition and it is also common for children to be given small sums of money (Eidi) by their elders. It is common for children to offer salam to parents and adult relatives.After the Eid prayers, it is common for some families to visit graveyards and pray for the salvation of departed family members.
Mehndi is the application of henna as a temporary form of skin decoration, commonly applied during Eid ul-Fitr.
Special celebratory dishes in Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh include sivayyan, a dish of fine, toasted sweet vermicelli noodles with milk and dried fruit.In Bangladesh, the dish is called shemai ( bengali: সেমাই ).Many people also avail themselves of this opportunity to distribute zakat, an Islamic obligatory alms tax of 2.5% of one's annual savings, to the needy.
In Bangladesh, Sholakia (Bengali: শোলাকিয়া) is a locality famous for its Eidgah where the largest congregation of Eid prayer of the country is held on the occasion of Eid ul-Fitr, the day of celebration after the fasting month of Ramadan.Around 300,000 people from all over Bangladesh join the prayer on every Eid.
In India, some popular places for Muslims to congregate to celebrate Eid at this time include the Jama Masjid in New Delhi, Aishbagh Idgah in Lucknow; in Kolkata there is a prayer held on Red Road. Muslims turn out in the thousands, as there is a lot of excitement surrounding the celebration of this festival. Eid is a public holiday and is celebrated all over India. It is common for non-Muslims to visit their Muslim friends and neighbours on Eid to convey their good wishes.South Asians celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr for three days.
Nigeria
A group of Muslim drummers celebrate during Eid ul-Fitr.
Nigeria is officially a secular country populated by large numbers of Muslims and Christians. Therefore, as Muslims celebrate the Eid festival, many Christians also participate. Eid is popularly known as "Small Sallah" in Nigeria and people generally greet each other with the traditional greeting: "Barka Da Sallah," which means "Greetings on Sallah" in the Hausa language. Muslims observe their Eid prayers at designated praying grounds before heading home to partake in festive meals, generally prepared by the women of the household. The Federal holiday typically lasts for two days in Nigeria. If Eid falls on a weekend, or is continuous with a weekend, Nigerians of every religious persuasion will travel to their respective hometowns to visit with family and relatives.
Turkey
Traditional Bayram wishes from the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, stating "Let us love, Let us be loved", Blue Mosque
In Turkey, nation-wide celebrated holidays are referred to as bayram, and Eid ul-Fitr is referred to as both Şeker Bayramı ("Bayram of Sweets") and Ramazan Bayramı ("Ramadan Bayram"). It is a public holiday, where schools and government offices are generally closed for the entire three-day period of the celebrations.
The celebrations of this Bayram are infused with national traditions. It is customary for people to greet one another with Bayramınız kutlu olsun ("May your Bayram be blessed") or Bayramınız mübarek olsun (May your Bayram be blessed). Mutlu Bayramlar ("Happy Bayram") is an alternative phrase for celebrating this Bayram. It is a time for people to attend prayer services, put on their best clothes (Referred to as Bayramlık, often purchased just for the occasion, visit all their loved ones such as relatives, neighbours, and friends), 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. The first day of the Bayram is generally regarded as the most important, with all members of the family waking up early, and the men going to their neighbourhood mosques for the special Bayram prayer.
It is regarded as especially important to honour elderly citizens by kissing their right hand and placing it on one's forehead while wishing them Bayram greetings. It is also customary for young children to go around their neighbourhood, door to door, and wish everyone a happy Bayram, for which they are awarded candy, chocolates, traditional sweets such as baklava and Turkish Delight, or a small amount of money at every door, similar to the Halloween custom in the United States.
Municipalities all around the country organize fund-raising 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 performances by the Mehter a Janissary Band founded during the days of the Ottoman Empire.
The celebrations of this Bayram are infused with national traditions. It is customary for people to greet one another with Bayramınız kutlu olsun ("May your Bayram be blessed") or Bayramınız mübarek olsun (May your Bayram be blessed). Mutlu Bayramlar ("Happy Bayram") is an alternative phrase for celebrating this Bayram. It is a time for people to attend prayer services, put on their best clothes (Referred to as Bayramlık, often purchased just for the occasion, visit all their loved ones such as relatives, neighbours, and friends), 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. The first day of the Bayram is generally regarded as the most important, with all members of the family waking up early, and the men going to their neighbourhood mosques for the special Bayram prayer.
It is regarded as especially important to honour elderly citizens by kissing their right hand and placing it on one's forehead while wishing them Bayram greetings. It is also customary for young children to go around their neighbourhood, door to door, and wish everyone a happy Bayram, for which they are awarded candy, chocolates, traditional sweets such as baklava and Turkish Delight, or a small amount of money at every door, similar to the Halloween custom in the United States.
Municipalities all around the country organize fund-raising 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 performances by the Mehter a Janissary Band founded during the days of the Ottoman Empire.
Egypt
Egyptians on swings, at a public park in front of a mosque in Cairo, Egypt
Eid ul-Fitr is a three-day feast and an official holiday in Egypt with vacations for schools, universities and government offices. Some stores and restaurants are also closed during Eid.
The Eid day starts with a small snack followed by Eid prayers in congregation attended by men, women and children in which the Islamic people remind Egyptians of the virtues and good deeds they should do unto others, even strangers, during Eid and throughout the year.
Afterwards, neighbours, friends and relatives start greeting one another. The most common greeting is "Eid Mubarak" (Blessed Eid). Family visits are considered a must on the first day of the Eid, so they have the other two days to enjoy by going to parks, cinemas, theatres or the beaches. Some like to go on tours or a Nile cruise, but Sharm El Sheikh is also considered a favorite spot for spending holidays in Egypt.
Children are normally given new clothes to wear throughout the Eid. Also, women (particularly mothers, wives, sisters and daughters) are commonly given special gifts by their loved ones. It is customary for children to also receive a Eid-ey-yah from their adult relatives. This is a small sum of money that the children receive and is used to spend on all their activities throughout the Eid. Children will wear their new clothes and go out to amusement parks, gardens or public courtyards based on how much their Eidyah affords. The amusement parks can range from the huge ones on the outskirts of Cairo-Nile, Felucca Nile rides is one common feature of Eid celebration in Egyptian villages, towns and cities.
The families gatherings involve cooking and eating all kinds of Egyptian food like Fata, but the item most associated with Eid al-Fitr are Kahk (singular = Kahka), which are cookies filled with nuts and covered with powdered sugar. Egyptians either bake it at home or buy it in the bakery. Thus, a bakery crowded in the last few days of Ramadan with Kahk buyers is a common scene. TV in Egypt celebrates Eid too, with a continuous marathon of movies as well as programs featuring live interviews from all over Egypt of both public figures and everyday citizens, sharing their Eid celebrations.
For a lot of families from working neighborhoods, the Eid celebration also means small mobile neighborhood rides, much like a neighborhood carnival. In a lot of neighborhood courtyards, kids also gather around a storyteller, a puppeteer or a magician mesmerized by Egyptian folktales or by a grownup’s sleight of hand. It is also customary for kids to rent decorated bikes to ride around town.
Egyptians like to celebrate with others so the streets are always crowded during the days and nights of Eid.
The Eid day starts with a small snack followed by Eid prayers in congregation attended by men, women and children in which the Islamic people remind Egyptians of the virtues and good deeds they should do unto others, even strangers, during Eid and throughout the year.
Afterwards, neighbours, friends and relatives start greeting one another. The most common greeting is "Eid Mubarak" (Blessed Eid). Family visits are considered a must on the first day of the Eid, so they have the other two days to enjoy by going to parks, cinemas, theatres or the beaches. Some like to go on tours or a Nile cruise, but Sharm El Sheikh is also considered a favorite spot for spending holidays in Egypt.
Children are normally given new clothes to wear throughout the Eid. Also, women (particularly mothers, wives, sisters and daughters) are commonly given special gifts by their loved ones. It is customary for children to also receive a Eid-ey-yah from their adult relatives. This is a small sum of money that the children receive and is used to spend on all their activities throughout the Eid. Children will wear their new clothes and go out to amusement parks, gardens or public courtyards based on how much their Eidyah affords. The amusement parks can range from the huge ones on the outskirts of Cairo-Nile, Felucca Nile rides is one common feature of Eid celebration in Egyptian villages, towns and cities.
The families gatherings involve cooking and eating all kinds of Egyptian food like Fata, but the item most associated with Eid al-Fitr are Kahk (singular = Kahka), which are cookies filled with nuts and covered with powdered sugar. Egyptians either bake it at home or buy it in the bakery. Thus, a bakery crowded in the last few days of Ramadan with Kahk buyers is a common scene. TV in Egypt celebrates Eid too, with a continuous marathon of movies as well as programs featuring live interviews from all over Egypt of both public figures and everyday citizens, sharing their Eid celebrations.
For a lot of families from working neighborhoods, the Eid celebration also means small mobile neighborhood rides, much like a neighborhood carnival. In a lot of neighborhood courtyards, kids also gather around a storyteller, a puppeteer or a magician mesmerized by Egyptian folktales or by a grownup’s sleight of hand. It is also customary for kids to rent decorated bikes to ride around town.
Egyptians like to celebrate with others so the streets are always crowded during the days and nights of Eid.
Afghanistan
Afghans congratulates the Eid festival after prayers at the Eid Gah mosque in Kabul, Afghanistan
In Afghanistan, Eid ul-Fitr holds significant importance and is celebrated widely for three days. The most common greeting is "Eid Mubarak" (Blessed Eid). This Eid among the Pashto-speaking community is called "Kochnai Akhtar."
In Afghanistan, the Eid ul-Fitr festival holds such special importance that Afghans start preparing for it up to ten days prior by cleaning up their homes. This act is known among the Persian-speaking community as Khana Takani. Many will also go to their local bazaars to buy new clothes, sweets and other snacks such as semyan, shor nakhod, and cake wa kolcha to serve their guests during the festivities.
On the day of Eid ul-Fitr, Afghans will first offer their Eid prayers and then gather in their homes with their families, greeting one another by saying "Eid Mubarak" and usually adding "Eidet Mobarak Roza wa Namazet Qabool Dakhel Hajiha wa Ghaziha", which means "Happy Eid to you; may your fasting and prayers be accepted by God, and may you be counted among those who will go to the Hajj-pilgrimage." Family elders will give money and gifts to children. It is also common practice to visit families and friends, which may be difficult to do at other times of the year.
In Afghanistan, the Eid ul-Fitr festival holds such special importance that Afghans start preparing for it up to ten days prior by cleaning up their homes. This act is known among the Persian-speaking community as Khana Takani. Many will also go to their local bazaars to buy new clothes, sweets and other snacks such as semyan, shor nakhod, and cake wa kolcha to serve their guests during the festivities.
On the day of Eid ul-Fitr, Afghans will first offer their Eid prayers and then gather in their homes with their families, greeting one another by saying "Eid Mubarak" and usually adding "Eidet Mobarak Roza wa Namazet Qabool Dakhel Hajiha wa Ghaziha", which means "Happy Eid to you; may your fasting and prayers be accepted by God, and may you be counted among those who will go to the Hajj-pilgrimage." Family elders will give money and gifts to children. It is also common practice to visit families and friends, which may be difficult to do at other times of the year.
United States of America (USA)
Worshipers leave Masjid Darul Quran in Bay Shore after a service to mark the Muslim holy day of Eid al Fitr
Most Muslims in the United States take a day off from work and go to prayer in big-city Islamic centers, convention halls or open parks. Muslims from different cultures with multi-national customs get together for prayers and celebrations. In some cities, prayers are done at multiple times to accommodate the large number of attendees. Generally, Muslims visit each other's homes on Eid or hold large feasts in mosques or community halls.
During the weekend of the Eid week, many Muslims join big parties sponsored either by a community mosque or Islamic center or by a wealthy Muslim in the community. Children receive gifts, and all participants enjoy sweet, spicy and other flavorful delicacies. Many Muslims also donate money to those less fortunate. Sometimes, Muslims reserve amusement parks, skating rinks or other activity centers for an entire day of fun.
During the weekend of the Eid week, many Muslims join big parties sponsored either by a community mosque or Islamic center or by a wealthy Muslim in the community. Children receive gifts, and all participants enjoy sweet, spicy and other flavorful delicacies. Many Muslims also donate money to those less fortunate. Sometimes, Muslims reserve amusement parks, skating rinks or other activity centers for an entire day of fun.
Canada
Kids playing in mall
For Eid ul-Fitr, just as in the United States, most Canadian Muslims will take a day off from work and go to prayers held in big-city mosques or Islamic centres, convention halls or sports arenas. Muslims from different cultures with multi-national customs get together for prayers and celebrations. In the larger cities of Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Calgary and Ottawa, congregational prayers may be done at multiple times to accommodate the large number of attendees. Many Muslims will visit each other's homes on the Eid day or the days following to attend designated "open houses" in which everyone is welcome to visit. Children receive gifts or money, and sweets and tasty dishes are served throughout the day. Smaller Muslim communities, particularly in the rural areas, hold other communal gatherings in mosques or rented community halls. Muslims also donate money or contribute to their local food banks on this day for those who are less fortunate.
In many Canadian communities, Muslim organizations and mosques also hold large Eid parties that are open to the entire Muslim community. Some groups may reserve amusement parks or other activity centers for an entire day of fun and celebration, while others may hold public Eid parties in mosques as a means of outreach to the larger non-Muslim society.Students from Canadian schools usually take 2-3 days off, due to the fact that Eid is a major holiday in the Islamic culture.
In many Canadian communities, Muslim organizations and mosques also hold large Eid parties that are open to the entire Muslim community. Some groups may reserve amusement parks or other activity centers for an entire day of fun and celebration, while others may hold public Eid parties in mosques as a means of outreach to the larger non-Muslim society.Students from Canadian schools usually take 2-3 days off, due to the fact that Eid is a major holiday in the Islamic culture.
People's Republic of China
Muslim men at Niu Jie Mosque during Eid-ul- Fitr, Beijing, China
In the People's Republic of China, out of 56 officially recognized ethnic groups, Eid ul-Fitr is celebrated by at least 10 ethnic groups that are predominantly Muslim. These groups are said to total 18 million according to official statistics, but some observers say the actual number may be much higher. It is also a public holiday in China in certain regions, including two Province Prefecture Level regions, Ningxia and Xinjiang. All residents in these areas, regardless of religion, are entitled to either a one-day or three-day official holiday. Outside the Muslim-majority regions, only Muslims are entitled to a one-day holiday. In Xinjiang province, Eid ul-Fitr is even celebrated by Han Chinese population during which holiday supplies of mutton, lamb and beef are distributed to households as part of welfare scheme by government agencies, public and private institutions or businesses.
In Yunnan province, Muslim populations are spread throughout the region. On Eid ul-Fitr, however, some devotees may travel to Sayyid 'Ajjal's grave after their communal prayers. There, they will conduct readings from the Qur'an and clean the tomb, reminiscent of the historic annual Chinese Qingming festival, in which people go their ancestors' graves, sweep and clean the area and make food offerings.
Finally the accomplishments of the Sayyid 'Ajall will be related in story form, concluded by a special prayer service to honor the hundreds of thousands of Muslims killed during the Qing Dynasty, and the hundreds killed during the Cultural Revolution.
In Yunnan province, Muslim populations are spread throughout the region. On Eid ul-Fitr, however, some devotees may travel to Sayyid 'Ajjal's grave after their communal prayers. There, they will conduct readings from the Qur'an and clean the tomb, reminiscent of the historic annual Chinese Qingming festival, in which people go their ancestors' graves, sweep and clean the area and make food offerings.
Finally the accomplishments of the Sayyid 'Ajall will be related in story form, concluded by a special prayer service to honor the hundreds of thousands of Muslims killed during the Qing Dynasty, and the hundreds killed during the Cultural Revolution.
United Kingdom
British Muslims conclude their prayers for Eid ul-Fitr outside London's Central Mosque
Although Eid ul-Fitr is not a recognised public holiday in the United Kingdom, Muslims are obliged to attend the morning prayer. In large ethnically Muslim areas, schools and local businesses often grant exemptions to the Muslim community in consideration of this holiday, allowing them to take days off.
During the morning, men of South Asian descent usually wear a thawb, jubba and sherwani, and women usually wear a salwar kameez. They will proceed to a local mosque for the Eid prayers, after which people greet each other. Some men may go to a local cemetery after Eid prayers to remember the deceased and pray for them. When they return home they will congratulate family, friends, and other Muslims and visit relatives across the city. They may also cook traditional food and sweets for their relatives. Bengali dishes and Pakistani Dishes such as samosas, Siweya, Rice and Handesh, Noonor Bora, and Fulab are particularly popular within those communities.
During the morning, men of South Asian descent usually wear a thawb, jubba and sherwani, and women usually wear a salwar kameez. They will proceed to a local mosque for the Eid prayers, after which people greet each other. Some men may go to a local cemetery after Eid prayers to remember the deceased and pray for them. When they return home they will congratulate family, friends, and other Muslims and visit relatives across the city. They may also cook traditional food and sweets for their relatives. Bengali dishes and Pakistani Dishes such as samosas, Siweya, Rice and Handesh, Noonor Bora, and Fulab are particularly popular within those communities.
Observance
Eid ul-Fitr meal, Malaysia
Typically, Muslims wake up relatively early in the morning always before sunrise offer Salatul Fajr (The pre-sunrise prayer), and in keeping with the Sunnah, clean one's teeth with a Miswaak or toothbrush, take a shower (Ghusul) before Fajr prayers, put on new clothes or the best available, and apply perfume.
It is haraam, or forbidden, to fast on the Day of Eid.That is why it is recommended to have a small breakfast as a sign of not being on a fast on that day of sweet dish, preferably the date fruit, before attending the special Eid prayer (Salah). It is a Sunnah (Prophetic tradition) that the Sadaqat-ul-fitr, an obligatory charity, is paid to the poor and the needy before performing the Eid prayer by all those adult Muslims who are required to pay Zakat.Muslims recite the Takbir (Incantation) in the low voice while going to the Eid prayer.Another Sunnah Muslims are recommended to use two separate routes to and from the prayer grounds.
Eid prayer is performed in congregation in open areas like fields, community centers, etc. or at mosques. No adhan (Call to Prayer) or iqama (Call) is to be pronounced for this Eid prayer, and it consists of only two rakaat (Units of prayer) with an additional six Takbirs. The Eid prayer is followed by the khutbah (Sermon) and then a supplication (Dua) asking for God's forgiveness, mercy, peace and blessings for all living beings across the world. The khutbah also instructs Muslims as to the performance of rituals of Eid, such as the zakat.Listening to the khutbah (Sermon) of Eid is a necessary requirement (Wajib) i.e. while the khutbah is being delivered; it is haraam (Prohibited) to talk, walk about or offer prayer while the sermon is being delivered.After the prayers, Muslims visit their relatives, friends and acquaintances or hold large communal celebrations in homes, community centers or rented halls.
Eid gifts called eidi's in some cultures are frequently given to children and immediate relatives; it is also common in some cultures for children to be given small sums of money by adult relatives or friends.
It is haraam, or forbidden, to fast on the Day of Eid.That is why it is recommended to have a small breakfast as a sign of not being on a fast on that day of sweet dish, preferably the date fruit, before attending the special Eid prayer (Salah). It is a Sunnah (Prophetic tradition) that the Sadaqat-ul-fitr, an obligatory charity, is paid to the poor and the needy before performing the Eid prayer by all those adult Muslims who are required to pay Zakat.Muslims recite the Takbir (Incantation) in the low voice while going to the Eid prayer.Another Sunnah Muslims are recommended to use two separate routes to and from the prayer grounds.
Eid prayer is performed in congregation in open areas like fields, community centers, etc. or at mosques. No adhan (Call to Prayer) or iqama (Call) is to be pronounced for this Eid prayer, and it consists of only two rakaat (Units of prayer) with an additional six Takbirs. The Eid prayer is followed by the khutbah (Sermon) and then a supplication (Dua) asking for God's forgiveness, mercy, peace and blessings for all living beings across the world. The khutbah also instructs Muslims as to the performance of rituals of Eid, such as the zakat.Listening to the khutbah (Sermon) of Eid is a necessary requirement (Wajib) i.e. while the khutbah is being delivered; it is haraam (Prohibited) to talk, walk about or offer prayer while the sermon is being delivered.After the prayers, Muslims visit their relatives, friends and acquaintances or hold large communal celebrations in homes, community centers or rented halls.
Eid gifts called eidi's in some cultures are frequently given to children and immediate relatives; it is also common in some cultures for children to be given small sums of money by adult relatives or friends.