The joyous festival of Eid ul Fitr is known as the “Festival of Breaking the Fast” or Lesser Eid, or simply Eid that marks the end of the month-long dawn-to-sunset fasting of Ramadan is a blessed celebration. The date for the start of any lunar Hijri month alternates based on when the new moon is sighted by local religious authorities, so the day of celebration varies by locality.
Traditionally, Eid al-Fitr begins at sunset on the night of the first sighting of the crescent moon. If the moon is not seen immediately after the 29th day of the previous lunar month (either because clouds block its view or because the western sky is still too bright when the moon sets), then the holiday is celebrated the following day.
Eid al-Fitr is celebrated for one to three days, depending on the country. It is prohibited to fast on the Day of Eid, and a special prayer is chosen for this day. As an essential act of charity, money is paid to the underprivileged and the needy (Arabic: Zakat-ul-fitr) before performing the ‘Eid prayer.
The Eid prayer is performed in a gathering in open areas like fields, community centers, or mosques. No call to prayer is given for this Eid prayer, and it consists of only two units of prayer with a variable amount of Takbirs and different prayer components depending on the branch of Islam observed.
The Eid prayer is followed by the sermon and then a supplication asking for Allah’s forgiveness, mercy, peace, and blessings for all living beings across the world. The sermon also instructs Muslims as to the performance of rituals of Eid, such as the zakat. The sermon of Eid takes place after the Eid prayer, which differs from the Friday prayer which comes first before prayer. Some imams believe that listening to the sermon at Eid is optional.
After the prayers, Muslims visit their relatives, friends, and acquaintances or hold large communal celebrations in homes, community centers, or rented halls.
Celebrations are joyous and during this time, Muslims greet each other by saying Eid Mubarak, which is Arabic for “Blessed Eid”. They share sweet dishes and delicious foods often prepared and eaten during the celebration. Muslims would beautifully decorate their homes and are also encouraged to forgive each other and seek forgiveness.
In countries with large Muslim populations, it is normally a public holiday with most schools and businesses closed for the day. Practices differ by country and region
Some of the verses from the Holy Quran for Eid ul Fitr are
“It is You we worship, and You we ask for help” –
“Show forgiveness, speak for justice and avoid the ignorant”
”May Allah calm our minds and make the path easier for us.
Eid Mubarak to all of you’