Muslim communities worldwide are preparing to celebrate Eid al-Fitr, which signifies the conclusion of the sacred month of Ramadan.
Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha are two significant festivals in the Islamic calendar. According to the Fiqh Council of North America, Eid al-Fitr is scheduled to be celebrated on April 9, 2024. Expert on global Islam, Ken Chitwood, provides insights into these festivals.
1. What is Eid?
The term “Eid” translates to “festival” or “feast” in Arabic. The Islamic calendar has two major Eids each year – Eid al-Fitr, which occurs earlier, and Eid al-Adha, which takes place later.
Eid al-Fitr lasts for three days and is known as the “Lesser” or “Smaller” Eid compared to Eid al-Adha, which lasts for four days and is known as the “Greater Eid.”
2. Why is Eid celebrated twice a year?
These two Eids commemorate and honor two distinct events that hold great significance in the Islamic narrative.
Eid al-Fitr symbolizes “the feast of breaking the fast.” It marks the end of Ramadan, during which Muslims observe a month of fasting from sunrise to sundown and commemorate the revelation of the Quran to Prophet Muhammad.
3. How do Muslims celebrate Eid al-Fitr?
Eid al-Fitr is celebrated with two to three days of festivities, including special morning prayers. People greet each other with “Eid Mubarak,” meaning “Blessed Eid,” and exchange formal embraces. Sweet dishes are prepared at home, and gifts are given to children and those in need. Additionally, Muslims are encouraged to seek forgiveness and forgive others. Customs and traditions vary across different countries.
In many countries with significant Muslim populations, Eid al-Fitr is observed as a national holiday. Schools, offices, and businesses are closed to allow families, friends, and neighbors to celebrate together. In the United States and the United Kingdom, Muslims may request time off from school or work to travel or celebrate with loved ones.
In countries like Egypt and Pakistan, Muslims decorate their homes with lanterns, twinkling lights, or flowers. Special meals are prepared, and invitations are extended to friends and family for the festivities.
In Jordan, where the majority of the population follows Islam, the days leading up to Eid al-Fitr see a flurry of activities in local malls and unique “Ramadan markets” as people prepare to exchange gifts on the occasion.
In Turkey and in regions that were once part of the Ottoman-Turkish empire, such as Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania, Azerbaijan, and the Caucasus, Eid al-Fitr is also known as the “Lesser Bayram” or “festival” in Turkish.
4. How do Muslims celebrate Eid al-Adha?
The other festival, Eid al-Adha, is commonly referred to as the “Feast of the Sacrifice.” It signifies the culmination of the Hajj pilgrimage, an undertaking by millions of financially capable Muslims to the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia. The Hajj is obligatory once in a lifetime. Eid al-Adha serves as a commemoration of the story of Ibrahim’s test of faith, when God commanded him to sacrifice his son, Ismail. According to the Quran, Ibrahim was tempted by Satan to disobey God’s command, but he remained unwavering. He conveyed this message to Ismail, who willingly accepted his destiny.
Before Ibrahim could offer the sacrifice, however, God intervened and a ram was sacrificed in place of his son. Muslims observe Eid al-Adha by slaughtering an animal, signifying Ibrahim’s sacrifice and serving as a reminder to submit to the will of God.
Eid al-Fitr is celebrated on the first day of the 10th month in the Islamic calendar, while Eid al-Adha is observed on the 10th day of the final month. As the Islamic calendar is based on lunar phases and is shorter than the solar Gregorian calendar, the dates for Ramadan and Eid may vary each year.
Eid al-Fitr is not solely a spiritual celebration of Allah’s provision of strength and endurance after the fasting during Ramadan, but also a time for acts of charity, known as Zakat al-Fitr. Muslims are encouraged to distribute their wealth to the underprivileged during this period. Generous giving is greatly emphasized in Islam, and those who believe and contribute to charity are promised abundant rewards in accordance with the Quran.
News Source:CBSnews.com