Eid is a religious festival celebrated by Muslims worldwide to mark the end of the holy month of Ramadan. Ramadan is a month of fasting, where Muslims abstain from food, drink, and other physical needs from dawn till dusk. Eid marks the breaking of the fast and is a time of celebration and joy for Muslims.
In this post, we will explain five critical aspects of celebrating Eid.
1. Fasting
Fasting during Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, a significant aspect of Muslim religious practice. Fasting is not just about abstaining from food and drink but also about controlling one’s thoughts and actions, being empathetic towards others, and increasing one’s devotion to Allah. Fasting is mandatory for all healthy and adult Muslims who are not travelling or have other valid reasons.
On the day of Eid, fasting is not allowed as it is a time of celebration. Muslims are encouraged to eat a small breakfast before attending the Eid prayer, which marks the end of the month-long fast.
2. Praying
Eid prayer is an essential part of the Eid celebration and mandatory for all adult Muslims. The prayer is performed early in the morning, usually in large outdoor gatherings, mosques, or parks. Muslims gather in rows, led by an imam, and recite the Eid prayer in a congregation.
The prayer is a way to express gratitude to Allah for the blessings of the month of Ramadan and to seek His mercy, forgiveness, and guidance. After the prayer, Muslims greet each other with “Eid Mubarak” or “Happy Eid” and hug each other to show their love and affection.
3. Spending Time With Family and Relatives
Eid is a time for Muslims to spend quality time with their families and loved ones. It is a time to reunite with family members and friends and to strengthen familial bonds. Muslims usually gather for an enormous feast, which includes traditional dishes and desserts. The feast is an essential aspect of the Eid celebration and a way to express gratitude to Allah for His blessings.
Muslims also exchange gifts and engage in fun activities, such as playing games or going out. It is also a time to forgive, forget past grudges, and strengthen familial bonds.
4. Decorating the Home
Decorating the home with Eid-themed decorations is a common practice among Muslims. Muslims put up banners, balloons, and lights with the words “Eid Mubarak” written on them. The decorations create a festive atmosphere and symbolize the joy and happiness associated with the Eid celebration. Muslims also decorate their homes with flowers and colourful fabrics to create an ambience of celebration and happiness.
Decorating the home is also a way to show gratitude to Allah for His blessings. Ramadan calendars are also an ideal choice considering the month duration of Ramadan and can come in the form of an advent calendar for children to also enjoy.
5. Giving to Charity
A crucial element of the Eid celebration, promoted in Islam, is charitable giving. Muslims are urged to convey joy and happiness by making charitable contributions or giving presents to less fortunate people. Contributing to charity is a way to thank Allah for His gifts and to demonstrate compassion for others. Muslims also believe charitable giving can help atone for sins and boost rewards in the Afterlife. The compassion and generosity at the heart of the Eid celebration can be conveyed via charitable giving.
Muslims gather to celebrate Eid, which marks the conclusion of the fasting month of Ramadan. It is a time for prayer, fasting, quality time with loved ones, home decoration, and charitable giving. The Muslim community benefits from these customs, which also serve to strengthen the virtues of charity, empathy, and compassion.
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