Eid Mubarak!
Eid is around the corner. And all Muslim brothers and sisters are going to greet their family members, relatives, and friends by saying “Eid Mubarak”.
It means wishing someone a “Happy Eid”.
It’s a religious festival and all Muslims across the world celebrate it to break the fast of Ramadan.
Do you know how people celebrate Eid?
Let’s dive in.
What does Eid mean?
Eid is a holy festival celebrated by all Muslim communities. There’re two Eids. One is Eid-ul-Fitr which is celebrated to break the one-month fast of Ramadan.
The other one is Eid-ul-Adha celebrated the next day after the completion of the annual Hajj pilgrimage.
Why do Muslims celebrate Eid?
Muslims celebrate Eid-ul-Adha to mark the day of sacrifice. This festival is celebrated for four days.
It is celebrated to give respect to the prophet Ibrahim who was ready to sacrifice his son as per the commands of “Allah”. However, on the day of sacrifice, Allah produced a lamb before him to sacrifice instead.
To remember this day an animal is sacrificed.
They celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr to end their month-long fast of Ramadan. On the next day of the completion of Ramadan Muslims perform their Eid prayer. Then they have a grand food party to satisfy their taste buds after a month away from luscious foods.
What is Eid al-Fitr?
Eid al-Fitr is a three-day celebration immediately after the end of Ramadan. It is celebrated to break the fast of Ramadan. Eid falls when the first new moon appears. Muslim community celebrates it to give thanks to Allah for giving them the strength to keep fast during Ramadan.
They break their fast on Eid with a large delicious meal. On this occasion, people give charity to needy people. Family members and friends greet each other and join the big celebration with gifts and love for each other.
What is Ramadan?
Ramadan is observed on the ninth month of the Islam calendar, a holy month for fasting, prayer, reflection, and understanding each other.
It is celebrated for twenty-nine to thirty days, from one sighting of the crescent moon to the next.
All Muslim people who are in good health fast from dawn to dusk. Sick, older people, pregnant, and nursing ladies are exempt from fasting.
During Ramadan, people break their whole day’s fast after the evening prayer with a meal known as Iftar.
During this holy month, Muslims refrain from tobacco products, sexual relations, negative thoughts, food, and drinks.
They engage themselves in prayer, reading Quran, wishing good for all, and helping poor and needy people.
Why is Eid So Special?
Eid is so special because it is the day when all Muslim people pray to Allah to express their gratitude for enabling them to hold fast during the period of Ramadan.
It is special because on this day people break their 30-day fast with a big meal, wear new dresses, distribute gifts and greet family members as well as friends.
What is Eid for Non-Muslims?
Non-Muslims can participate in the Eid celebration. They are invited and welcomed to visit the homes of Muslim families. They can taste different foods served during Eid.
How is Eid Celebrated?
Eid celebrations are the same all over the world. There are four traditions that are followed during Eid.
The Night Before Eid
The night before Eid, Muslim families do shopping. Women and girls decorate their hands and feet with Mehndi or henna.
Zakat Al Fitr
Zakat Al Fitr is a charity contribution by all Muslims who can afford to donate. They donate food to poor people so that everybody can join the celebration.
Eid Prayer
After the Zakat Al Fitr, Muslim people congregate in mosques or in large areas to offer their prayers. They thank God for giving them the strength and willpower to complete the fast of Ramadan.
- The Eid prayer starts with intention.
- Say takbeer “Allahu Akbar ” with the imam. While saying Allahu Akbar, you need to raise your hands to your ears and then drop them. And when the words are uttered for the last time, everyone folds their hands.
- Listen to the Imam reading the Surah-e-Fatiha and an additional surah
- Move to ruku, i.e. bowing position with the imam while saying Allahu Akbar and this completes the first Rakah.
- In the second rakah, the imam recites Surah al-Fatihah and another surah.
- Do three more takbeer with the imam. Then do the ruku again by placing your hands to your sides.
- Say “Allahu Akbar” with the imam moving into the bowing position and then complete the prayer.
Family Celebration
After the morning prayer, people usually pay a visit to their family and relatives to exchange gifts and wish them well. They also visit the graves of their forefathers and bow down there.
People wear new clothes to look their best.
They sit with their family members in a large meal with varieties of food starting from Sheer Khurma to Kibbeh.
How to Greet Friends and Relatives?
Muslim people greet friends and relatives by saying “Eid Mubarak”. They pray for each other’s well-being and prosperity.
What do Muslims Eat on Eid?
They eat rich and delicious foods including Sheer Khurma, Saviyaan, Ras malai, Kibbeh, Biryani, and Anjeer ka halwa on the special occasion of Eid.
What to Wear on Eid?
Men especially on Eid wear kurta pajamas, Mojari, and Taqiyah. Whereas women wear a Salwar Kameez, Lehenga Choli, Sharara Suit, and a floor-length Anarkali Suit.
Floor-length Anarkali suits are perfectly designed for Eid celebrations. Embellished with different craft work like cording work, thread work, and mirror work, this dress gives you a royal look.
Salwar Kameez is the most preferred dress among Muslim women. Its vibrant color, attractive designs, and quality fabric give a stunning look plus a comfortable feeling.
Lehenga Choli provides a trendy look. During Eid, especially young women prefer to wear this dress. Accessorize with a dangle earring, necklace, and a maang tikka to add a glamorous look when you wear it.
Sharara Suits are the trendiest one. Its flared style attracts everyone. These dresses are available in different fabrics like cotton, muslin, and georgette. These suits are ideal for big celebrations like Eid.
Bottomline
Eid is not just a festival, it lifts all the negativities from people and spreads love among them. People all over the world enjoy this festival with lots of love and good wishes for each other. They forget all bitterness and light the candle of love and affection in everyone’s heart.
Like every year, this year Eid may bring lots of happiness and prosperity for all of you.
Eid Mubarak!
