Every year, Eid al-Fitr is celebrated on the first day of the 10th month in the Islamic calendar. This euphoric 3-day long festival takes place directly after Ramadan, the period when many Muslims fast from dawn to sunset. In fact, Eid al-Fitr literally means “the feast of breaking the fast” in Arabic! During Eid al-Fitr, people decorate their homes, exchange gifts, and enjoy delicious food with their friends and family. Spiritually, Eid al-Fitr is viewed as a celebration of Allah’s strength and endurance. In today’s post, we’re excited to delve into the history and traditions of this notable Islamic celebration, as well as provide ideas for observing the occasion at home or in your workspace.
The Origins Of Eid al-Fitr
Did you know that there’s actually two Eid festivals every year? Eid al-Fitr, the shorter Eid, occurs first, depending on the sighting of the new moon, and lasts up to three days. Eid al-Adha occurs later on in the year, can be up to four days long, and is also dependent on the lunar calendar. Historically, Eid al-Fitr was first established by the Prophet Muhammad in 624 CE, originally marking the end of the first month of fasting during Ramadan.
When Does Eid al-Fitr Take Place?
The exact date Eid al-Fitr begins can vary each year, as the dates in the Islamic calendar are based on lunar phases. In certain countries, Eid al-Fitr is considered a public holiday, with offices, schools, and businesses closing to allow people to celebrate at home with loved ones.
How Is Eid al-Fitr Celebrated?
There are numerous different traditions associated with Eid al-Fitr! Above all else, the premise of Eid al-Fitr is about appreciating your blessings, spending time with those close to you, and helping out the less fortunate.
Feasting with Loved Ones
One of the most important aspects of Eid al-Fitr is the breaking of the month-long fasting period that takes place during Ramadan. To mark this transition, people often gather together to share wonderful meals, snacks, and treats. Some of the most popular dishes served during Eid al-Fitr include biryani, tagine, and kofta, with baklava or stuffed dates for dessert. Why not observe the holiday by trying out one of these traditional recipes yourself?
Worship
Eid al-Fitr is also a time of worship. People focus on prayer and reflection during this holiday, and it provides a time for participants to joyfully honor their faith. Eid-specific prayers are said in communal places like mosques or other outdoor spaces to facilitate big groups. However, many people opt to simply worship from their homes instead.
Exchanging Gifts
Another popular aspect of Eid al-Fitr is the exchanging of gifts. Some families only give gifts to children, while others share gifts with people of all ages. Eid al-Fitr gifts can range in extravagance, from small tokens of appreciation to much larger gifts! Some examples of traditional Eid al-Fitr gifts include fresh flowers, jewelry, new clothes, perfumes, or chocolate.
Making Donations
During Eid al-Fitr, people are encouraged to give back by donating what they can to those in need. Usually, this donation comes in the form of surplus food, which is officially known as Fitrana. These donations are a major component of this holiday, as they serve as a way to honor Allah.
Decorations
Making your home or work space look warm, festive, and inviting is another key component of Eid al-Fitr! Participants embrace the holiday by decorating their homes with colorful lights, traditional lanterns, banners, garlands, and artwork featuring Islamic calligraphy.
Rest
Finally, Eid al-Fitr is a time of rest, relaxation, and rejuvenation. After Ramadan has come to an end, Eid al-Fitr provides a much-needed opportunity to enjoy some downtime.
We hope you have a beautiful Eid al-Fitr filled with love, light, and connection! If you have any other suggestions or traditions for observing this holiday, please share them with us in the comments below this post!
Ella is a content specialist from Cork, Ireland. Her passions include spending time with her two energetic dogs, fashion, photography, and trying new vegan food!
