Eid-ul-Fitr

Eid-ul-Fitr is a Muslim holy day that celebrates the end of Ramadan, the month of fasting in the Islamic belief. To understand it better, the Arabic words ‘Eid’ means ‘festivity’ and ‘Fitr’ implies ‘breaking the fast’. It falls on Shawwal, the tenth month of the Islamic calendar. The day was commenced by Prophet Mohammad. It brings an air of festivity in the Muslim communities, giving them a sense of brotherhood and unity. The day is observed with a salat i.e. Islamic prayer, usually performed in an open ground or a hall. The festival of Eid is an occasion to eulogize Allah and celebrate his ideals.

Eid also brings to light the humanitarian ideas delivered in the Quran. The festival allows the Muslim brothers perform acts of charity and make them empathize with the poor and the needy. The charity (also called Zakat) includes providing the poor with rice, barley, dates, rice etc, so that the poor can have their belly-fill on the holy day. Also, they need to go to Eid on foot and ask Allah for forgiveness; that gives them humility.

The festivity is furthered with sumptuous cuisines such as Murgh musallam, Mrouziya, Nawabi Biryani; and desserts such as Seviyan, Sheer Korma and the like. Eid-Ul-Fitr is called the ‘Sweet Eid’; for its famous for its sweet dishes. Eid-Ul-Fitr marks the climax of Ramadan, and hence fasting on this day is denied to Muslims. So, the Eid food is quite popular among the Muslim kinsmen. The Muslim brothers staying far greet each other with greeting cards and through the medium of social media. Eid can be understood as a thanksgiving to the mighty God. It is like celebrating Allah as a festival, singing His glory and His supremacy.