Why Eid al-Fitr is Celebrated
Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, the Muslim holy month of fasting, and is celebrated during the first three days of Shawwal, the 10th month of the Islamic calendar (though the Muslim use of a lunar calendar means that it may fall in any season of the year). As in Islam’s other holy festival, Eid al-Adha, it is distinguished by the performance of communal prayer (ṣalāt) at daybreak on its first day.
Eid al-Fitr is a time of:
- Holding official receptions.
- Coming together for social visits with friends, families, and neighbors.
- Giving and sharing presents.
- Wearing new clothes.
- And visiting the graves of our relatives and loved ones.
Eid al-Fitr Traditions
During Eid al-Fitr, Muslims take part in special morning prayers, greet each other with formal embraces, and offer greetings of “Eid Mubarak,” or “Have a blessed Eid.” They gather with family and friends, give children sweets and gifts, and then they come together over meals, where different sweet dishes are included like; baklava or Turkish delight in Turkey, date-filled pastries and cookies in Saudi Arabia and Iraq, and bint al sahn (honey cake) in Yemen.
Eid al-Fitr Gifts for Children
In order to reward their children for their patience during fasting and to make them feel special on this joyous occasion, many Muslim parents shower them with gifts.
And there are many things that you can do to make Eid al Fitr memorable for your children.
- Eid al-Fitr prayer cards.
- Eid al-Fitr coloring books.
- Eid al-Fitr toys and games.
- Eid al-Fitr storybooks.
Clothing, Toys, and Sweets at Eid al Fitr
During this time, Muslims wear new clothes and share sweets with family and friends. The clothing worn at Eid al Fitr can be different from what one would wear during the rest of the year. Both women and men often wear their best clothes for this occasion.
The festival is often celebrated by eating special foods such as dates and baklava. It is also common to send Eid cards to friends and family members who are not celebrating in person.
Children love to receive gifts on Eid al-Fitr. The toys and sweets given to children at Eid al-Fitr symbolize happiness and joy. In some countries, such as Egypt, Jordan, and Syria, children are given money along with their gifts.
Eid Present Makes Difference
One of the blessings of Eid al-Fitr is that it strengthens the ties of kinship and brings the whole community together through praying together, eating together, and giving gifts. Giving gifts to each other is from the Sunnah, and Eid al-Fitr is the perfect time to bring a smile to your loved one’s face with a meaningful gift.
Exchanging gifts is a powerful action: not only does it increase our love for each other, but if our intentions are sincere, it will also hopefully increase Allah’s love for us.
One of the qualities which beautify our love for each other is when we love for Allah’s sake. Spending on each other becomes more blessed and rewardable when we have a mutual desire to please Allah by loving each other and wanting good for each other.
Eid al-Fitr is usually the perfect time to spend with our friends and family out of sincere love and the desire to please Allah.
Eid presents make a difference in the happiness of the children. They are not only a symbol of love and affection but also a token of appreciation for all the hard work they have done throughout the year.
Read More:
- Aqiqah Rules In Islam
- Education And Constantly Crisis In Palestine
- Things You Can Do Till The Sunset Of Ramadan Days
- The Impact Of War On Children
Give Your Zakat Al Fitr to a Children
Zakat al-Fitr is a compulsory charity that is given to the poor. It can be given to anyone who is in need of it, but giving it to children is considered more rewarding because they are not able to earn money for themselves and are dependent on others.
The Zakat al-Fitr is a compulsory charity that Muslims give as an act of worship, and it should be given in the form of food, clothes, or cash.
FAQ
Who Celebrates Eid al-Fitr?
The followers of Islam, Muslims, are the ones who celebrate Eid al-Fitr.
What is Eid Al Fitr Holiday?
Eid Al Fitr Holiday is the festival that Muslims celebrate their Fast-breaking, an important religious holiday celebrated by Muslims worldwide that marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting.
How did Eid al-Fitr Start?
Eid Al Fitr was started by Islamic Prophet Muhammad. It is believed that Prophet Muhammad got the first revelation of the Holy Quran during the month of Ramadan.
Is Eid al-Fitr Three Days?
Eid al-Fitr lasts for just one day, which is the first day of Shawwaal. With regard to the commonly-held belief among people that Eid al-Fitr lasts for three days, this is merely a custom that is known among the people and has nothing to do with any sharia rulings.