Festival of Breaking Eid ul-Fitr, also known as “Eid al-Fitr” or “Eid,” is a Muslim holiday that marks the end of the month-long fast of Ramadan. Festival of Breaking Eid al-Fitr is usually celebrated with prayers at local mosques, followed by visits with family and friends and gift-giving, especially to children. It is celebrated by Muslims around the world, including in the United States.It is also common for Muslims in the US to exchange gifts and give money to children during Eid. Some Muslims also perform charitable acts like feeding the poor and providing Zakat al Fitra Eid (donation) during Festival of Breaking Eid al-Fitr.
Some people wear new clothes, prepare special meals and sweets, and decorate their homes. Many American Muslim organizations and communities also use the occasion to give back to the wider society by organizing charity events or distributing food to the needy. Festival of Breaking Eid al-Fitr is considered a national holiday in some states.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Festival of Breaking Eid al-Fitr and worldwide could be celebrated differently than usual, with many communities and families choosing to celebrate at home, with smaller gatherings, and following social distancing guidelines.
History and Importance
According to Islam, Prophet Muhammad first revealed the Holy Quran during Ramadan. In this way, Muslims see Ramadan as a holy month, fast from dawn to dusk, and pray to Allah. Festival of Breaking Eid al-Fitr marks the end of this current month. Celebrate the end of Ramadan, and Muslim social occasions offer extravagant food to celebrate this holiday.
Break your fast soon after dawn
As it commends the end of the quick, Muslims in the USA are not permitted to quick on Festival of Breaking Eid al-Fitr. It is recommended to eat before praying. Celebrators follow Prophet Muhammad’s example by breaking their quick on an odd number of days (generally one or three). You are invited to join an Eid supplication, during which Imams hold extraordinary Eid petitions promptly at the beginning of the day, usually in a huge focal mosque, an open field, or an arena.
All Muslims in some districts observe this occasion. In others, the occasion is for men, as it were, while in others, women are energized. As soon as the request is complete, the adherents embrace and wish one another kindness. The Imam concludes the event with a message.
Giving to poor people
The obligation of Muslims to provide for the poor on this day is called Zakat al-Fitra Eid and sadaqah al Fitr. Everyone’s commitment is generally the same as the cost of a feast and can be money, food, or clothing. Praise the rest of the day. Many people eat as a family dinner with meat, potatoes, rice, grains, or any other food they like.
During the early evening, rest to recuperate from a day that started at sunrise. In addition, people go to fairs and events planned for Eid, party around the evening with their friends, or visit the graves of loved ones who have passed away. You can begin early tomorrow morning to discuss Muslim festivals and petitions, as Eid is praised in numerous places north of three days or on various days.
How to Perform Eid ul-fitr Prayer?
- Make ablution (wudu) before the prayer, as with any other prayer.
- Wear clean, modest clothes and apply perfume if desired.
- Gather in an open area or a mosque with other Muslims, either with or without an imam.
- The Imam will recite the opening Takbeer (Allahu Akbar), and followers will recite along. It is called “Takbeerat-ul-ehram.”
- After the opening of Takbeer, the Imam will recite the Fatiha, and followers will recite along.
- The Imam will recite another Takbeer (Allahu Akbar), and followers will recite along, with the Imam raising his hands to his ears each time.
- The Imam will lead the Rakat of the Eid prayer, performing two Rakat. He will recite verses from the Quran and then perform ruku’ and sujud, raising his hands to his ears each time on the takbeer.
- After completing the two Rakat, the Imam will recite the tasleem (Salam), and followers will recite along.
Note: Muslims are encouraged to attend the Eid prayer in the morning, and it is a sunnah to perform this prayer in the congregation. It is not mandatory to attend the Eid prayer in a mosque. It can be performed in open ground or any place in the congregation.
Festival of Breaking Eid al-Fitr takbeer in Arabic
Is the Islamic phrase that translates to “Allah is Great.” The takbeer recited during Festival of Breaking Eid al-Fitr is as follows:
“Allahu Akbar” ( الله أكبر) , Allah is the Greatest.
“Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, La Ilaha Illa Allah, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Wa Lillahil Hamd” ( الله أكبر الله أكبر لا إله إلا الله الله أكبر الله أكبر ولله الحمد )
This takbeer is recited after the completion of the Eid prayer. It translates to: ” Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest, There is no Allah but Allah, Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest, and to Allah belongs all Praise.”
“Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Ash-hadu Allahu Illa Allah, Wa Ash-hadu Anna Muhammad Rasul Allah.” ( الله أكبر الله أكبر الله أكبر الله أكبر الله أكبر أشهد أن لا إله إلا الله وأشهد أن محمد رسول الل
Purpose of Festival of Breaking Eid al-Fitr
- Enjoy feasts
Muslims are forbidden from speeding during Festival of Breaking Eid al-Fitr. The competition begins with a mild breakfast, which traditionally consists of dates and chocolates. After lunch, families, and friends eat kahk, kunafa, and qatayef, among other local cuisines.
Several dishes are considered incomplete at a ceremonial dinner, including Haleem, biryani, kebabs, nihari, and sewayin, the traditional dessert. After acting their Eid prayers, Muslims gather with their friends, family, and acquaintances. They frequently hold large celebrations at homes, network centers, or rented halls.
- Pay zakat al-Fitr and do charity
Aside from showing gratitude to Allah, Muslims also pay Zakat al-Fitr, a mandatory donation to charity. Eid-ul-Fitr is also regarded as an afternoon of charity. Many Muslims volunteer at soup kitchens and meal banks, helping the less fortunate. As Muslims reflect on their actions and determine whether or not they have contributed to the health of the less fortunate on Festival of Breaking Eid al-Fitr, they also spend an afternoon of introspection.
- Exchange presents and greetings
As part of Eid celebrations, people exchange gifts, greetings, and wishes. During Eid, Muslims wear new clothes, distribute chocolates, and exchange greetings by saying “Eid Mubarak,” which means “have a blessed Eid.” Elders also give children presents, and cash, referred to as Eidi.
Candy treats like dates and cookies are exchanged between friends, neighbors, colleagues, cherished ones, and strangers. Family members purchase affords for each other. The youngest members of the household are usually given the maximum afford, and Muslims also decorate their homes and places of work in colorful settings.
During Festival of Breaking Eid al-Fitr, people finish a month of fasting, praying, and abstaining from all wrongdoing. Muslims worldwide honor this auspicious day by thanking Allah for giving them the strength, will, and staying power they needed to complete Ramadan and follow His commands. They pray to Allah to assist them in living on the proper course and seek benefits for accurate deeds completed during the holy month.
- Custom
Families gather to supplicate on Eid-ul-Fitr. Muslims visit mosques to pray outside. It is common in the USA to wear new clothing on Festival of Breaking Eid al-Fitr. Families also give gifts to their friends and family. While children tend to stand out enough to be noticed, gifts are always given unreservedly to their loved ones.
How many Takbeer in Eid ul-fitr prayer?
During Festival of Breaking Eid al-Fitr, also known as Salat al-Eid, Muslims recite a specific number of “takbeer,” Islamic phrases that translate to “God is Great.” Although the exact number of takbeer recited during the Festival of Breaking Eid al-Fitr prayer varies from person to person, it usually includes the following:
- Followers will recite along with the Imam as he recites the opening Takbeer (Allahu Akbar).
- Following Takbeer, the Imam will recite the Fatiha, and followers will follow.
- Each time the Imam raises his hands to his ears, followers recite another Takbeer (Allahu Akbar).
- As part of the Eid prayer, the Imam will perform two Rakats, recite some verses from the Quran, and raise his hands again to the ears of each takbeer.
- The Imam will recite the tasleem (Salam) after completing the prayer.
- Following the prayer, the Imam will lead the followers in reciting the Takbeerat. This time, people will raise their hands.
This takbeerat is recited loudly and in unison, creating a festive and joyous atmosphere. The takbeerat is recited specifically in Eid prayers. They are not recited in any other Salah/ prayer.
When the Festival of Breaking Eid al-Fitr is celebrated?
Each year Ramadan and EIDAL-FITR occur on different Gregorian dates due to the Muslim calendar’s reliance on satellite cycles. Unlike the Gregorian calendar, founded on a star cycle, new months begin and end when the moon changes phases, i.e., every 29.53 days. Consequently, the lunar months are usually slightly shorter than those in the Gregorian calendar, ranging from 30 to 31 days long. It implies that annually, Ramadan will take place around ten days sooner than the one before it–relative to the Gregorian calendar.
Festival of Breaking Eid al-Fitr generally lasts for 3 days
The competition historically lasts for three days, however counting on however it falls on the calendar, the parties and festivities might last a lot of longer. For example, if the three days fall mid-week, Muslims can seemingly still be celebrating over the weekend.
Festival of Breaking Eid al-Fitr Symbols
Some common symbols and traditions associated with Festival of Breaking Eid al-Fitr include:
- New clothes:As a symbol of starting fresh and renewing oneself, many Muslims purchase new clothes for Eid.
- Eid prayers:As a symbol of devotion and gratitude, Muslims will attend Salat al-Eid on the morning of Eid.
- Giving Zakat al-Fitr: Before the Eid prayer, Muslims give a charitable donation, called Zakat al-Fitr, to help the less fortunate.
- Greeting each other:Muslim friends and family will exchange Eid greetings, such as “Eid Mubarak,” which means “blessed Eid.”
- Dates:One of the symbols of Eid is eating dates, a traditional food for breaking a fast.
- Sweets and Treats:Many families will prepare traditional sweets such as Baklava, Jalebi, and Gajar ka halwa.
- Decorations:Many people decorate their homes for Eid with lights, stars, crescent moons, and Eid banners.
These are some common symbols associated with Festival of Breaking Eid al-Fitr, although celebrations and customs can vary depending on the region and community.
Fasting Before Eid al-Fitr
As Festival of Breaking Eid al-Fitr approaches, excitement and anticipation may build as the fast nears completion and preparation for the joyous celebration begins. Ramadan marks the end of the fast, bringing a sense of accomplishment, and the community gathers to celebrate with family and friends. Chand Raat, the night before Festival of Breaking Eid al-Fitr, is an exciting and festive time for many Muslims in the United States.
It is a time of preparation and anticipation for the Eid celebrations that will take place the next day. There is a sense of excitement and joy in the air as people finish their last day of fasting and prepare to celebrate. Many Muslims visit family and friends and do last-minute shopping for clothes, gifts, and traditional sweets to mark the occasion. There is a sense of community and togetherness as people come together to enjoy the night and celebrate the end of the fasting period. Overall, the feelings during chand Raat before Eid-al-Fitr tends to be joyful, celebratory, and festive.
It’s additionally called “THE LESSER Festival of Breaking Eid al-Fitr
‘Happy Festival of Breaking Eid al-Fitr is one of 2 vital Eid celebrations within the Muslim faith. The opposite is ‘Eid al-Adha, the Feast of Sacrifice or “Greater Eid.” ‘Eid al-Adha commemorates the sacrifice Abraham was willing to make for God. Eid al-Adha takes place each year at a specific time on the Gregorian calendar, just as it does Eid-ul-Fitr.
The act of fasting from light to dark during Ramadan is one of the five mainstays of Islam. Eidal-Fitr is called the “Celebration of Breaking the Quick.” According to Muslims, the Qur’an text was uncovered by the Prophet Muhammad during the long stretch of Ramadan.
Muslims observe the happy Festival of Breaking Eid al-Fitr in America by praying “Salat Al Eid,” which does not require vocal recitation. Muslims gather in mosques or outside spaces and perform two units of prayer – “Rakat.” The prayers are followed by a sermon asking for forgiveness and peace for everyone around the globe. It is customary to wear new clothes and, en route to the mosque, eat something sweet like a date and recite a short prayer called a takbeer.
Giving Zakat al-Fitr is a key part of the Eid festivities. This sum to be given depends on one’s assets. Additionally, sending greetings of good cheer and sharing meals with the family are all part of the commemorative period. For American Muslims, this holiday is a chance to show gratitude to Allah for their strength and perseverance during Ramadan, when they demonstrated their commitment through fasting. The customary greeting used by many Muslims on this day is “Eid Mubarak” (which translates to ‘blissful celebration’), and the usual response is “Khair Mubarak,” wishing goodness upon the one who sent it.
In 624 CE, Prophet Muhammad and his companions celebrated the main occasion of Eid al-Fitr after their victory in the battle of Jang-e-Badar, a defining moment that marked the start of Islam. Idul Fitri is also known as ‘Blowout of the Lesser Bairam,’ a Turkic word for this celebration. It may be odd to refer to it as ‘Lesser’ despite its renown. The rationale is that the other Islamic festival, Eidal-Adha, is regarded as more sacred and therefore referred to as ‘Greater Bairam.’
Eid ul-fitr Quotes from Quran
- “For every action, there is a consequence.” ( Quran: Al-Isra, 17:84)
- “O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous” ( Quran: Al-Baqarah, 2:183)
- “Indeed, We have granted you, [O Muhammad], al-Kawthar. So pray to your Lord and sacrifice [to Him alone].” (Quran: Al-Kawthar, 108:1-2)
- “And establish prayer and give zakah, and whatever good you put forward for yourselves – you will find it with Allah. Indeed, Allah of what you do, is Seeing.” ( Quran: Al-Baqarah, 2:110)
- “So whoever sighted the month [of Ramadan] should fast it, and whoever is ill or on a journey – then an equal number of other days. Allah intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship and [wants] for you to complete the period and to glorify Allah for that [to] which He has guided you; and perhaps you will be grateful.” ( Quran: Al-Baqarah, 2:185)
Eidal-Fitr Customs in Pakistan
A unique treat related with this celebration in Pakistan is Sheer Korma, which is pasta cooked in milk and sugar, and sprinkled with almonds, pistachios, and dates. This dish is served on the morning of idul Fitri after the Eid petitioning heaven as breakfast, and over the course of the day to any meeting visitors.