Eid al-Fitr: The End of Ramadan
Ramadan always goes by so fast. And the end is always marked by a special holiday, known as Eid al-Fitr.
Many non-Muslims in the US are familiar with Ramadan, the month-long fast, but probably not as many know about Eid al-Fitr. It's a shame, as growing up in the US meant that many Muslims may not have celebrated Eid in the same way as other countries such as Egypt, Turkey, and Pakistan. For instance, because many schools and workplaces don’t observe the holiday, celebrations are put off till later in the day. However, Muslims still go all out.
What is Eid al-Fitr?
As stated before, Eid al-Fitr, or “Festival of Breaking the Fast” marks the end of Ramadan. It typically is celebrated during the first three days of Shawwal, the 10th month of the Islamic calendar. So, like Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr is held on different Gregorian dates. For example, this year, Eid al-Fitr is May 13th while last year it was on May 23rd. Additionally, because Eid al-Fitr is based on the lunar cycles, Muslims may not know right away when Eid will begin, until the night before. Muslims know it’s Eid al-Fitr because there is a new moon for the new month.
Eid al-Fitr is often celebrated to pay respects to Allah for providing Muslims the strength and endurance to fast during Ramadan. It is also another reminder for Muslims to appreciate the things they have after Ramadan, the month of reflection. Eid al-Fitr is also celebrated because it is believed that Prophet Muhammed had been given the Quran during Ramadan.
Additionally, this festival is believed to reenact the time when Prophet Muhammed first came from Mecca to Medina; it is said when he arrived in Medina, the people celebrated for two days. These two days become Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. Eid al-Fitr is known as the “Lesser Eid” while Eid al-Adha is known as the “Greater Eid”.
How is it Different from the Other Eid?
Eid al-Adha or “Feast of the Sacrifice” commemorates the day when Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) was willing to sacrifice his son Ismael (Ishmael) in the name of Allah. Seeing his obedience, Allah provided Ibrahim a lamb as sacrifice instead. In honor of that day, it is tradition to slaughter a lamb, giving about one-third of its meat to eat for a family and the rest being given to the poor.
Eid al-Adha is considered the “Greater Eid” because it lasts for four days. It usually falls on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah (the last month of the Islamic lunar calendar).
Eid al-Fitr is simply different from Eid al-Adha for what it commemorates. Additionally, Eid al-Adha usually coincides with Haji, a pilgrimage to Mecca; Muslims, if they are able, are expected to travel to Mecca and visit the Kaaba, the most sacred Islamic site. Haji is one of the five pillars of Islam and its very time-consuming, which is why it’s only around Eid al-Adha rather than Ramadan & Eid al-Fitr.
Eid al-Fitr focuses on one of the other five pillars, Zakat. Zakat is another word for charity. It’s obligatory for all Muslims to give to the poor and needy. After all, during Ramadan, one of the reasons Muslims fast is to stand in the shoes of the hungry, appreciating what they have and understanding the hardships some must face. You can do Zakat anytime of year, but during Eid al-Fitr, it’s important to engage in Zakat al-Fitr.
What Eid al-Fitr Looks Like
As mentioned before, during Eid, it’s important to give. Usually, as customary for Zakat al-Fitr, Muslims give about 2.5% of their surplus wealth to others. For instance, every family will give about 12 dollars per household member. And speaking of spreading the wealth, it is also tradition for families to give money to the children, so that the kids can go out and spend their new money on toys and such throughout the Festival. Although, sometimes families will give presents instead. It is also customary to give sweets such as cookies and dates amongst your family, friends and neighbors. And usually, lights, lanterns and other decorations are put up ahead of time.
Additionally, on the morning of Eid, there are special prayers. Usually, after dawn prayer (Fajr) with family, families will dress in new clothes and attend the local mosque for Eid prayer. But Eid prayer is hardly ever inside. In fact, prayer is conducted right outside the mosque. And at the mosque, as everyone is welcomed, Muslims will greet one another with an “Eid Mubarak” before prayer begins. After Eid prayer, it is sometimes followed by a sermon and then a humble plea to Allah, asking him for forgiveness to all.
After Eid prayer, celebrations begin. Sometimes, celebrations are held at the mosque. Sometimes in community centers and parks. Sometimes at home. Overall, Muslim families and friends will gather and visit one another after. And it’s usually around this time that the children will collect Eidi (gift).
How it’s Celebrated Around the World
Muslims across the globe celebrate Eid al-Fitr in similar, but different ways. There are, of course, the traditions I’ve mentioned before, but each country will have their own special treats and meals shared for instance. For example, Turkey will often eat baklava and Turkish delights while India will enjoy sheer khurma, a vermicelli pudding.
Each Muslim-heavy country such as Sudan and Bagladesh, might prepare extensively for Eid during the last few days, and decorate their hands with henna and Mehndi respectively, where other countries may only prepare the night before or the day of.
Some countries such as Jordan, gather at the patriarchal home after Eid prayers to celebrate, whereas countries such as Egypt, will gather with others in the streets, zoos and public gardens. And in Turkey, they flock to the beaches. Additionally, countries such as the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia will take the opportunity to hold firework displays, allowing everyone to spend quality time together in unison.
In some countries such as the UK, while Eid al-Fitr is not recognized, it is allowed for many schools, businesses, and organizations to take at least a day's leave for religious celebrations. In the US, while most states do not acknowledge Eid al-Fitr, some like New York and Texas do, due to the large Muslim population. Fun fact, the White House held its first Eid al-Fitr dinner in 1996. The First Lady Hillary Clinton hosted the Ramadan Eid celebration dinner and the tradition was continued. George W. Bush and Barack Obama upheld it in years to come, to help acknowledge the Muslim Americans in this country. Unfortunately, in 2017, Donald Trump broke the tradition, not recognizing Eid al-Fitr. (But frankly, that isn’t surprising given his anti-Muslim rhetoric). Hopefully, current President Biden will bring back the tradition.
I cannot touch upon every country and their Eid al-Fitr traditions. And even then, each Muslim family has their own way of celebrating. This was just a taste, a look into what Eid al-Fitr looks like.
But of course, this article serves as another reminder to be kind and respectful to your Muslim friends. If you are not Muslim, but are curious and supportive, don’t be afraid to ask questions. Feel free to greet them with an “Eid Mubarak” or a “Happy Eid”. Try participating in Zakat, and supporting Muslim Organizations. And overall, if you’re invited over to an Eid dinner, just have fun!
Header Photo: Gradikaa Aggi / Unsplash
By Farah Sallam
