| Id ul-Fitr | |
| Official name | Eid, Eid ul-Fitr Arabic: عيد الفطر (meaning Feast of the Breaking of the Fast) |
|---|---|
| Also called | Idul Fitri (Indonesia); Hari Raya Puasa, Hari Lebaran (Malaysia); Shemai Eid (Bangladesh); Ramazan Bayramı (Turki) |
| Observed by | Muslims |
| Type | Religious holiday |
| Significance | Marks the end of Ramadan, the fasting month |
| Date | 1 Shawwal |
| 2007 date | 12 October/13 October |
| 2008 date | 2 October |
| 2009 date | 21 September |
| Celebrations | Prayer, giving gifts and charity, visiting family and friends |
| Observances | Salaat |
| Related to | Ramadan, 29-30 consecutive days of fasting (during daylight) |
|
Part of a series on
|
|
|---|---|
|
Allah · Oneness of God |
|
| Practices |
|
|
Timeline of Muslim history |
|
|
Qur'an · Sunnah · Hadith |
|
| Sunni · Shi'a | |
|
Academics · Animals · Art |
|
| Christianity · Hinduism · Jainism Judaism · Sikhism |
|
|
See also |
|
|
Islam Portal |
|
Eid ul-Fitr or Id-Ul-Fitr (Arabic: عيد الفطر ‘Īdu l-Fiṭr), often abbreviated to Eid, is a Muslim holiday that marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting. Arabic (ar الْعَرَبيّة (informally ar عَرَبيْ) in terms of the number of speakers is the largest living member of the Semitic language The Republic of Indonesia ( (Republik Indonesia is a Country in Southeast Asia. For the biogeographical region see Malesia Malaysia (məˈleɪʒə or /məˈleɪziə/ is a country that consists of thirteen states and ( Bengali: বাংলাদেশ inc-Latn Bangladesh) officially Turki, strictly speaking is an Arabic or Persian adjective formed from the noun "Turk" used by European writers in two rather different A Muslim (مسلم pronounced Muslim, not Muzlim) is an adherent of the Religion Ramadan or Ramazan ( Arabic: رمضان Ramaḍān) is a Muslim religious observance that takes place during the ninth month of the Islamic Shawwal (ar شوّال is the tenth month of the lunar Islamic calendar. Events 539 BC - The army of Cyrus the Great of Persia takes Babylon. Events 54 - Nero ascends to the Roman throne 409 - Vandals and Alans crossed the Pyrenees Events 1187 - Siege of Jerusalem: Saladin captures Jerusalem after 88 years of Crusader rule Events 1217 - The Estonian tribal leader Lembitu of Lehola was killed in a battle against Teutonic Knights. Ṣalāt ( Arabic: صلاة, pl ṣalawāt, Qur'anic Arabic: صلوة ṣalawah) (also munz in Pashto and Ramadan or Ramazan ( Arabic: رمضان Ramaḍān) is a Muslim religious observance that takes place during the ninth month of the Islamic For other meanings including people named 'Islam' see Islam (disambiguation. Aqidah (sometimes spelled Aqeeda, Aqidah or Aqida) (عقيدة is an Islamic term meaning Creed. Allah ( Arabic: الله, ʔalˤːɑːh) is the standard Arabic word for ' In Islam, God is believed to be the only real supreme being all-powerful and all knowing Creator Sustainer Ordainer and Judge of the universe Islam puts a heavy emphasis IMPORTANT PLEASE READ ##### For all questions relating to the addition of (pbuh peace be upon him or other honorifics Muslims regard as Prophets of Islam ( Arabic: نبي) those non-divine humans chosen by Allah as Prophets The Five Pillars of Islam (Arabic أركان الإسلام is the term given to the five duties incumbent on every Muslim. The Shahada ( Arabic: ar الشهادة, from the verb ar شهد "to testify" is the Islamic Creed. Ṣalāt ( Arabic: صلاة, pl ṣalawāt, Qur'anic Arabic: صلوة ṣalawah) (also munz in Pashto and Sawm ( Arabic: صوم is an Arabic word for Fasting regulated by Islamic jurisprudence. This is a sub-article of Islamic economical jurisprudence. Zakaat ( زكاة zækæːh zakaat or zakāh, has the implied The Hajj (حج is a pilgrimage to Mecca (Makkah It is the largest annual pilgrimage in the world Muslim history began in Arabia with the Muhammad 's first recitations of the Qur'an in the 7th century Caliph Caliph is the term or title for the Islamic leader of the Ummah, or community of Islam There is much more to Muslim history than its military and political aspects this particular chronology is almost entirely of military and political nature See also Muhammad's wives Ahl al-Bayt ( Arabic:ar أهل البيت is an Arabic phrase literally meaning People of the House, or family In Islam, the Ṣaḥābah (الصحابة "Companions" were the companions of the Islamic prophet Muḥammad. The Rightly Guided Caliphs or The Righteous Caliphs ( ar الخلفاء الراشدون) is a term used in Sunni Islam to refer to the first Imāmah (إمامة is the Shī‘ah doctrine of religious spiritual and political leadership of the Ummah. Qur'an Text Surahs ** Ayah Commentary/Exegesis Tafsir Sharia ( Arabic: ar شريعة) is the body of Islamic Religious law. The Qur’an ( القرآن, literally "the recitation" also sometimes transliterated as Qur’ān, Koran, Alcoran Sunnah ar (سنة plural سنن Sunan literally means “trodden path” and therefore the sunnah of the prophet means “the way and the manners of the prophet” Hadith ( ar الحديث, pl aḥadīth; lit. "narrative" are oral Traditions relating to the words and deeds of the Islamic Fiqh ( Arabic: فقه, fɪqəh is Islamic Jurisprudence. Fiqh is an expansion of the Sharia Islamic law—based directly on the Sharia ( Arabic: ar شريعة) is the body of Islamic Religious law. Kalām (علم الكلام is the Islamic philosophy of seeking Islamic theological principles through Dialectic. Sufism ( تصوّف - taṣawwuf, Persian: صوفیگری sufigari, Turkish: tasavvuf, Urdu: تصوف Sunni Islam is the largest denomination of Islam. Sunni Islam is also referred to as Ahl as-Sunnah wa’l-Jamā‘h (Arabic Muslim Culture is a term primarily used in Secular Academia to describe all cultural practices common to historically Islamic peoples The term Muslim world (or Islamic world) has several meanings This is a sub-article to Religious education, Academic discipline, and Islam. This article is about Animals in Islamic thought The Qur'an assigns an inferior status to animals in comparison with humans and has a tendency towards Islamic art encompasses the arts produced from the 7th century onwards by people (not necessarily Muslim) who lived within the territory that was inhabited by culturally The Islamic calendar or Muslim calendar ( Arabic: التقويم الهجري at-taqwīm al-hijrī; Persian: تقویم هجری قمری The topic of Islam and children includes the rights of children in Islam children's duties towards their parents and parent's rights over their children both males and females Listing of Muslims by country Important note Population counts by religious affiliation like most demographic characteristics of a Population Muslim holidays are mostly based around the life of the Islamic prophet Muhammad, especially the events surrounding the first hearing of the Qur'an. A "mosque" in English refers to all types of buildings dedicated for Islamic worship although there is a distinction in Arabic between the smaller privately owned mosque and the larger Islamic philosophy is a branch of Islamic studies, and is a longstanding attempt to create harmony between Philosophy ( Reason) and the religious teachings See also Modern Islamic philosophy, Islamism, Islamic terrorism Political aspects of Islam are derived from the Quran, the Sunna Over the centuries of Islamic history, Muslim rulers Islamic scholars, and ordinary Muslims have held many different attitudes towards other religions The historical interaction between Christianity and Islam, in the field of Comparative religion, connects fundamental ideas in Christianity with similar ones in Islam Hinduism and Islam, from the of arrival of the Arabs as far back as the eighth century AD has had a checkered history Islam and Jainism came in close contact with each other following the Islamic conquest from Central Asia and Persia in the seventh The historical interaction of Judaism and Islam started in the 7th century CE with the origin and spread of Islam in the Arabian peninsula. In Islam, Muhammad is the last and final Prophet of God Islam views Jews Christians and Muslims as " People of the Book Arguments critical to religion in general or specific to monotheism such as the Existence of God, are not dealt with here Islamophobia is a Neologism that refers to Prejudice or Discrimination against Islam or Muslims The term itself dates back to the The following list consists of Concepts that are derived from both Islamic and Arab tradition which are expressed as words in the Arabic language. Arabic (ar الْعَرَبيّة (informally ar عَرَبيْ) in terms of the number of speakers is the largest living member of the Semitic language A Muslim (مسلم pronounced Muslim, not Muzlim) is an adherent of the Religion Lists of holidays The words holiday or vacation have related meanings in different English-speaking countries and continents but will usually refer to one of Ramadan or Ramazan ( Arabic: رمضان Ramaḍān) is a Muslim religious observance that takes place during the ninth month of the Islamic Eid is an Arabic word meaning "festivity", while Fiṭr means "to break the fast" (and can also mean "nature", from the word "fitrah") and so symbolizes the breaking of the fasting period.
Eid ul-Fitr starts the day after Ramadan ends, and is verified by the sighting of the new moon. Muslims give money to the poor and wear their best clothes. Eid ul-Fitr lasts three days and is called "The Lesser Eid" (Arabic: العيد الصغير al-‘īdu ṣ-ṣaghīr) compared with the Eid ul-Adha that lasts four days and is called "The Greater Eid" (Arabic: العيد الكبير al-‘īdu l-kabīr). Arabic (ar الْعَرَبيّة (informally ar عَرَبيْ) in terms of the number of speakers is the largest living member of the Semitic language Eid al-Adha ( Arabic: عيد الأضحى ‘Īd ul-’Aḍḥā, Urdu: بقرعید or the Festival of Sacrifice is a religious festival celebrated Arabic (ar الْعَرَبيّة (informally ar عَرَبيْ) in terms of the number of speakers is the largest living member of the Semitic language
On the day of the celebration, a typical Muslim family awakes very early, does the first everyday prayer, and is required to eat a little, symbolizing the end of Ramadan. They then attend special congregational prayers held in mosques, large open areas, stadiums and arenas. A "mosque" in English refers to all types of buildings dedicated for Islamic worship although there is a distinction in Arabic between the smaller privately owned mosque and the larger A modern stadium (plural stadiums or stadia in English is a place or venue for (mostly outdoor Sports Concerts or other events consisting The prayer is generally short and is followed by a sermon (khuṭba). Khutbah ( Arabic: (خطبة khuṭbah) serves as the primary formal occasion for public preaching in the Islamic tradition Worshippers greet and embrace each other with hugs in a spirit of peace and love after the congregational prayer. After the special prayers, festivities and merriment are commonly observed with visits to the homes of relatives and friends to thank God for all blessings. In Islam, God is believed to be the only real supreme being all-powerful and all knowing Creator Sustainer Ordainer and Judge of the universe Islam puts a heavy emphasis
Eid ul-Fitr is a joyous occasion with important religious significance, celebrating the achievement of enhanced piety. It is a day of forgiveness, moral victory, peace of congregation, fellowship, brotherhood and unity. Muslims celebrate not only the end of fasting but also thank God for the self control and strength that Muslims believe God gave them. It is a time of giving and sharing, and many Muslims dress in holiday attire.
Contents |
Timing
Because the day depends on the sighting of the moon, the sighting can only be possible just after sunset. Many Muslims check with local mosques or other members of the community to see if the moon has been sighted by authoritative parties such as knowledgeable scholars. Although many Muslims believe the Quran says that the sighting of the moon determines the start of Eid, this is written in other books. The Qur’an ( القرآن, literally "the recitation" also sometimes transliterated as Qur’ān, Koran, Alcoran See below for further research on this dispute.
General rituals
Common greetings during this holiday are the Arabic greeting EĪd mubārak ("Blessed Eid") or ‘Īd sa‘īd ("Happy Eid"). Arabic (ar الْعَرَبيّة (informally ar عَرَبيْ) in terms of the number of speakers is the largest living member of the Semitic language In addition, many countries have their own greetings based on local language and traditions.
Muslims are encouraged to dress in their best clothes (new if possible) and to attend a special Eid prayer that is performed in congregation at mosques or open areas like fields, squares etc. The Eid prayer ( salatu'l-`idayn) was prescribed in the first year after the hijra. A "mosque" in English refers to all types of buildings dedicated for Islamic worship although there is a distinction in Arabic between the smaller privately owned mosque and the larger When Muslims finish their fast at the last day (29th or 30th Ramadan), they recite Takbir (Arabic audio clip with English meaning). The takbīr or takbeer (ar تَكْبِير is the act of saying the phrase, ar الله أكبر
-
Allahu akbar, Allahu akbar, Allahu akbar الله أكبر الله أكبر الله أكبر la ilaha illa Allah لا إله إلا الله Allahu akbar, Allahu akbar الله أكبر الله أكبر wa li-illahi al-hamd ولله الحمد
- Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest
- There is no deity but Allah
- Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest
- and to Allah goes all praise
The Takbir is recited after confirmation that the moon of Shawwal is sighted on the eve of the last day of Ramadan. Shawwal (ar شوّال is the tenth month of the lunar Islamic calendar. It continues until the start of the Eid prayer. Before the Eid prayer begins every Muslim, if possible (man, woman or child), must pay Zakat al-fitr,[1] an alms for the month of Ramadan. Zakaat al-Fitr is charity given to the Poor at the end of the Fasting in the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. Alms or almsgiving exists in a number of religions In general it involves giving materially to another as an act of religious virtue This equates to about 2 kg of a basic foodstuff (wheat, barley, dates, raisins, etc. ), or its cash equivalent, and is typically collected at the mosque. A "mosque" in English refers to all types of buildings dedicated for Islamic worship although there is a distinction in Arabic between the smaller privately owned mosque and the larger This is distributed to needy local Muslims prior to the start of the Eid prayer. It can be given at any time during the month of Ramadan and is often given early, so the recipient can utilize it for Eid purchases. Ramadan or Ramazan ( Arabic: رمضان Ramaḍān) is a Muslim religious observance that takes place during the ninth month of the Islamic This is distinct from Zakat based on wealth, which must be paid to a worthy charity. This is a sub-article of Islamic economical jurisprudence. Zakaat ( زكاة zækæːh zakaat or zakāh, has the implied
The Eid prayer (salah) is followed by the khutba (sermon) and then a prayer (dua') asking for forgiveness, mercy and help for the plight of Muslims across the world. The Eid prayer ( salatu'l-`idayn) was prescribed in the first year after the hijra. Khutbah ( Arabic: (خطبة khuṭbah) serves as the primary formal occasion for public preaching in the Islamic tradition A sermon is an oration by a Prophet or member of the Clergy. Sermons address a Biblical, theological, or religious topic The khutba also instructs Muslims as to the rituals of Eid, such as the zakat (if they have not already given it). This is a sub-article of Islamic economical jurisprudence. Zakaat ( زكاة zækæːh zakaat or zakāh, has the implied [2] It is then customary to embrace the persons sitting on either side of oneself. People will also visit their relatives, friends and acquaintances. [3]
After the prayers, some people will pay visit to the graveyards (ziyarat al-qubur). [3]
Muslims spend the day thanking the Creator for all their blessings, as well as simply having fun and enjoying themselves. Children are normally given sweets or money. Women (particularly relations) are normally given special gifts by their loved ones. Eid is also the time for reconciliations. Feuds or disputes, especially between family members, are often settled on Eid.
Islamic tradition
Eid al-Fitr marks the end of the fasting of Ramadan. Ramadan or Ramazan ( Arabic: رمضان Ramaḍān) is a Muslim religious observance that takes place during the ninth month of the Islamic Ramadan is the sacred month par excellence. This has to do with the communal aspects of the fast, which expresses many of the basic values of the Muslim community. Ummah (أمة is an Arabic word meaning Community or Nation. It is commonly used to mean either the collective nation of states, or (in the Fasting is believed by some scholars to extol fundamental distinctions, lauding the power of the spiritual realm, while acknowledging the subordination of the physical realm. [3]
The Islamic tradition also associates events with the occasion. For example, on Eid al-Fitr, the angel Gabriel descended with white clothes for each of prophet Muhammad's grandsons. Angels in Islam are light-based creatures created from light by God to serve and worship Him Gabriel ( Latin: Gabrielus; Greek:, Gabriēl; Arabic: جبريل Jibrīl or جبرائيل [4]
Practices by country
United Kingdom
There is a Bayan (speech) in which the Imam gives advice to the Muslim community and usually Muslims are encouraged to end any past animosities they may have. He then goes on to the khutbah and then the prayer itself. When the local imam declares Eid ul-Fitr everyone greets and hugs each other.
As Eid ul-Fitr is not a recognised public holiday in the United Kingdom, Muslims are obliged to attend the morning prayer. In a large ethnically Muslim area, normally schools and local businesses give exemptions to the Muslim community to take 1 day off. In the rest of the UK it is not recognised as it is not on a fixed date as it is decided by the sighting of the moon on the night before.
North America
North American Muslims typically celebrate the day in a quiet way. Because the day depends on the sighting of the moon, often families are not aware that the next day will be Eid until the night before. Most check with members of the community to see if the moon has been sighted by anyone. Different methods for determining the end of Ramadan and the beginning of Shawwal are used in each particular community. Because the day is determined by the natural phenomenon of sighting the crescent moon, North Americans on the eastern coast of the continent may celebrate Eid on a different day than those on the western coast.
The crescent moon can be sighted directly, but cannot be determined based on scientific calculations. Muhammad stated that Muslims should fast when they sight the moon and break fast when they sight the moon, which means Eid. Calculations can't but have been used in the past, to verify or reject alleged moon sightings. For example, sightings that occur in areas, in which sightings could not have occurred based on calculations, are typically refuted or rejected when presented without additional evidence. Typically, the end of Ramadan is announced via e-mail, postings on websites, or chain phone calls to all members of a Muslim community. Working persons usually attempt to make arrangements for a lighter work day on the days that may possibly be the Eid day, but many North American Muslims are often noted to not be able to take the entire day off.
Typically, a Muslim family in the West will wake up very early in the morning and have a small breakfast. Everyone is encouraged to dress in new and formal clothing. Many families wear traditional clothing from their respective home countries. Next the family will go to the nearest congregational prayer group to pray. The prayer may be held at the local mosque, a hotel ballroom, local arena or stadium. The Eid prayer is very important, and Muslims are encouraged to pray in a large gathering because of the rewards. After the prayer there is a Khutba (speech) in which the Imam gives some sort of advice to the Muslim community and usually Muslims are encouraged to end any past animosities they may have. After the prayer and Khutba people hug and wish each other a Happy Eid.
After the Eid prayer many people call friends and family from all over the world wishing them a Happy Eid or Eid Mubarak. The rest of Eid is spent with close family and friends. Depending on their community some Muslims have open-house parties during the day in which people exchange gifts, and wish family friends a blessed Eid. Because North American Muslims come from all parts of the world, one particular type of food cannot be identified as served on this day. Many Muslim North American families visit the homes of others to congregate on a day of celebration. Since many North American Muslims are immigrants, traditions described below may be celebrated by immigrants of these countries in their respective homes in North America.
New York's iconic Empire State Building was lit in green in honor of Eid-al-Fitr from October 12-14, 2007. [1]
Turkey
In the Republic of Turkey, where Ramadan celebrations are infused with more national traditions, and where country-wide celebrations, religious and secular alike, are altogether referred to as Bayram, it is customary for people to greet one another with "Bayramınız Kutlu Olsun" ("May Your Bayram Be Celebrated"), "Mutlu Bayramlar" ("Happy Bayram"), or the more quaint "Bayramınız Mübarek Olsun" (May Your Bayram Be Holy", i. For the mountain formation see Minarets (California. Minarets ( Arabic manara (lighthouse منارة but more usually مئذنة Istanbul (historically Byzantium and later Constantinople; see the other Names of Istanbul) is the largest city of Turkey Turkey (Türkiye known officially as the Republic of Turkey ( is a Eurasian Country that stretches Turkey (Türkiye known officially as the Republic of Turkey ( is a Eurasian Country that stretches Ramadan or Ramazan ( Arabic: رمضان Ramaḍān) is a Muslim religious observance that takes place during the ninth month of the Islamic This article is about Turkish Festivals For other uses see also Bayram (disambiguation. e. "Holy Bayram Upon You"), while enjoying a number of local customs.
It is a time for people to attend services, put on their best clothes (referred to as "Bayramlık", often purchased just for the occasion) and to visit all their loved ones (such as friends, relatives and neighbors) and pay their respects to the deceased with organized visits to cemeteries, where large, temporary bazaars of flowers, water (for watering the plants adorning a grave), and prayer books are set up for the three-day occasion. A flower, also known as a bloom or Blossom, is the reproductive structure found in Flowering plants (plants of the division Magnoliophyta, also Water is a common Chemical substance that is essential for the survival of all known forms of Life.
It is regarded as especially important to honor elderly citizens by kissing their right hand and placing it on one's forehead while wishing them Bayram greetings. It is also customary for young children to go around their neighborhood, door to door, and wish everyone a happy Bayram, for which they are awarded candy, chocolates, traditional sweets such as Baklava and Turkish Delight, or a small amount of money at every door, almost in a Halloween-like fashion. This article is about Turkish Festivals For other uses see also Bayram (disambiguation. Candy, specifically sugar candy, is a confection made from a concentrated solution of sugar in water to which a variety of flavorings and colorants is added Chocolate ( pronounced or /-ˈələt/ comprises a number of raw and processed foods that are produced from the seed of the tropical Cacao tree Baklava is a rich sweet Pastry featured in many Cuisines of the former Ottoman, Arab, and Iranian countries Turkish Delight, lokum, or loukoum is a confection made from Starch and Sugar. Money is anything that is generally accepted as Payment for Goods and services and repayment of Debts. Halloween, or Hallowe’en, is a Holiday celebrated on the night of October 31.
Municipalities all around the country organize fundraising events for the poor, in addition to public shows such as concerts or more traditional forms of entertainment such as the Karagöz and Hacivat shadow-theatre and even performances by the Mehter - the Janissary Band that was founded during the days of the Ottoman Empire. A municipality is an administrative entity composed of a clearly defined territory and its population and commonly denotes a City, Town, or Village, or Karagöz (meaning blackeye in Turkish) and Hacivat (also written Hacivad) are the lead characters of the traditional Turkish Karagöz (meaning blackeye in Turkish) and Hacivat (also written Hacivad) are the lead characters of the traditional Turkish Ottoman military bands are thought to be the oldest variety of military Marching band in the world The Janissaries (derived from Ottoman Turkish ينيچرى ( yeniçeri) meaning "new soldier" comprised Infantry units that formed The Ottoman Empire (1299–1923 ( Old Ottoman Turkish: دولتْ علیّه عثمانیّه Devlet-i Âliye-yi Osmâniyye, Late Ottoman and Modern Turkish
Helping the less fortunate, ending past animosities and making up, organizing breakfasts and dinners for loved ones and putting together neighborhood celebrations are all part of the joyous occasion, where homes and streets are decorated and lit up for the celebrations, and television and radio channels continuously broadcast a variety of special Bayram programs, which include movie specials, musical programming and celebratory addresses from celebrities and politicians alike. This article is about Turkish Festivals For other uses see also Bayram (disambiguation.
Iran
In the predominantly Shia culture of Iran, Eid is a highly personal event, and celebrations are often more muted. For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Iran topics. Called Eyde Fetr by most Iranians, charity is important on that day. Public Eid prayers are held in every Mosque and in public places. Visiting the elderly and gathering with families and friends is also very common. Typically, each Muslim family gives food to those in need. Payment of fitra or fetriye is obligatory for each Muslim.
Often meat or Kurbani (literally translated as sacrifice, for it is usually a young lamb or calf that is sacrificed for the occasion), which is an expensive food item in Iran, will be given by those in wealthier families to those who have less. The offering of meat is generally a part of the Eid-ul-Azha celebrations and sacrifices (Kurbani) are generally not given during the Eid-ul-fitr celebrations.
South Asia
At the end of the Holy month of Ramadan, in which the Muslims are asked to observe fasting from dawn to dusk and do extra prayers and observe religious values rigidly, the Muslims celebrate the sighting of the new moon (start of the new Muslim month). In Bangladesh, India and Pakistan, the night before Eid is called Chand Raat, or night of the moon. Chaand Raat ( Hindi: चाँद रात; Urdu: چاند رات; literally Night of the Moon) is the name for the celebration People visit bazaars and shopping malls, with their families and children, for last minute Eid shopping. Women, especially young girls, often paint each others' hands with traditional "henna" and wear colourful bangles. Mehndi is the application of Henna as a temporary form of Skin decoration, in South Asia, the Middle East, North Africa and Somalia
The popular way of greeting in South Asia during celebration of this festival is to say Eid Mubarak to others. Children are encouraged to greet the elders. In exchange of this they also expect to obtain some cash money, called Eidi, from the elders.
On the morning of Eid ul-Fitr, after taking a fresh bath, every Muslim is encouraged to wear new clothes, if they can afford so. Alternatively, they may wear clean washed clothes. Men and boys go to mosque or open fields called Eidgah for special Eid prayers, thanking God for enabling a Muslim to observe the holy month meaningfully. The Muslims are ordained to pay Zakat al-Fitr (special charity money) or Fitra to the poor and needy before the Eid prayer, so that they can also join others to celebrate the Eid.
After the prayers, the congregation is dispersed and the Muslims meet and greet each other including family members, children, elders, friends and neighbours.
Some Muslims especially go to graveyards to pray for the salvation of the departed soul. Usually, children visit elder relatives and neighbours to pay respects and greetings.
One of the special dishes in India, Pakistan and Fiji is sivayyan, a dish of fine, toasted vermicelli noodles. India, officially the Republic of India (भारत गणराज्य inc-Latn Bhārat Gaṇarājya; see also other Indian languages) is a country Pakistan () officially the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, is a country located in South Asia, Southwest Asia, Middle East and Fiji (Matanitu ko Viti फ़िजी officially the Republic of the Fiji Islands (Matanitu Tu-Vaka-i-koya ko Viti फ़िजी द्वीप समूह गणराज्य Vermicelli (ˌvɜrmɪˈtʃɛli in English, Arabic: شعريه from Italian /veɾmiˈtʃɛlːi/ lit [5] In Bangladesh, sivayyan is called shemai, and is an integral item of Eid dishes.
After meeting the friends and relatives, many people go for attending parties, feasts, special carnivals and festivities in the parks (with picnics, fireworks, etc. ). In Bangladesh, India and Pakistan, many bazaars, malls, and restaurants witness huge crowd & high attendance during this principal Muslim festival.
Some people also avail this opportunity to distribute Zakat, the Islamic obligatory alms tax on one's wealth, to the needy. This is a sub-article of Islamic economical jurisprudence. Zakaat ( زكاة zækæːh zakaat or zakāh, has the implied
In this way, the Muslims of South Asia celebrate their Eid ul-Fitr in a festive mood by thanking the Almighty and bringing their families, friends and the poor and needy people closer in an egalitarian manner.
Southeast Asia
In Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei, Eid is also commonly known as Hari Raya Aidilfitri or Hari Raya Puasa. Hari Raya Aidilfitri (also Hari Raya Puasa, literally " Celebration Day of Fasting " is the Malay term for the Muslim Festival For the biogeographical region see Malesia Malaysia (məˈleɪʒə or /məˈleɪziə/ is a country that consists of thirteen states and Singapore Brunei Darussalam, (bruːˈnaɪ in English officially the State of Brunei Abode of Peace (Negara Brunei Darussalam Jawi: برني دارالسلام Hari Raya literally means 'Grand Day' i. Hari Raya Aidilfitri (also Hari Raya Puasa, literally " Celebration Day of Fasting " is the Malay term for the Muslim Festival e. 'The Day'. Muslims in Malaysia and Singapore celebrate Eid like other Muslims throughout the world. It is the biggest holiday in Malaysia and is the most awaited one. Shopping malls and bazaars are filled with people days ahead of Hari Raya, causing a distinctive festive atmosphere throughout the country. Many banks, government and private offices are closed for this holiday, which usually lasts a week.
The night before Eid is with the takbir which is held in the mosques or musallas. The takbīr or takbeer (ar تَكْبِير is the act of saying the phrase, ar الله أكبر In many parts of Malaysia, especially in rural areas, pelita or panjut (oil lamps) are lit up in house compounds. Eid also witnesses a huge migratory pattern of Muslims, from big metropolitan cities to rural areas. This is known as balik kampung — literally going back to home town to celebrate Eid with one's parents. Special dishes like ketupat, dodol, lemang (a type of glutinous rice cake cooked in bamboo) and other Malay delicacies are served during this day. Ketupat (not to be confused with Lontong) is a type of Dumpling from Indonesia, Brunei, Singapore, Malaysia and the Dodol is a toffy-like food delicacy popular in Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, and Sri Lanka. Lemang is a traditional food originating with the Minangkabau people of Indonesia and Malaysia, which is cooked in a hollowed Bamboo stick lined Glutinous rice ( Oryza sativa var glutinosa or Oryza glutinosa; also called sticky rice, sweet rice, waxy rice
It is common to greet people with "Selamat Hari Raya" or "Salam Aidilfitri" which means "Happy Eid". Muslims also greet one another with "maaf zahir dan batin" which means "Forgive my physical and emotional (wrongdoings)", because Eid ul-Fitr is not only for celebrations but also the time for Muslims to cleanse their sins and strengthen their ties with relatives and friends. A Muslim (مسلم pronounced Muslim, not Muzlim) is an adherent of the Religion
It is customary for Malays to wear traditional Malay cultural outfit on the Eid. The outfit for men is called baju melayu which is worn together with kain samping (made out of songket) and songkok (a dark coloured headgear) while the women's are known as baju kurung and baju kebaya. Baju Melayu is a traditional Malay outfit for men It literally translates as 'Malay shirt' and consists of two main parts Songket is a fabric that belongs to the Brocade family of Textiles. A peci is a Cap of Indonesian Muslim origin in the shape of a truncated cone similar to fez but almost always made of black Felt A Kebaya is a traditional blouse worn by women in Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei and Singapore, sometimes made from sheer material and It is also common to see non-Malay Muslims wear costumes of their culture.
Once the prayer is completed, it is also common for Muslims in Malaysia to visit the graves of loved ones. During this visit, they clean the grave, recite Ya-Seen, a chapter (surah) from the Qur'an and also perform the tahlil ceremony. Surah Ya-Seen (سورة يس is the 36th 'chapter' of Qur'an with 83 Ayat, and was revealed in the Islamic holy city of Mecca Sura (sometimes spelt "Surah" ar سورة, plural "Suwar" ar سور is an Arabic term literally meaning "something enclosed or surrounded The Qur’an ( القرآن, literally "the recitation" also sometimes transliterated as Qur’ān, Koran, Alcoran All these are done to ask for God to forgive the dead and also those who are living.
The rest of the day is spent visiting relatives or serving visitors. Eid ul-Fitr is a very joyous day for children for on this day adults are especially generous. Children will be given token sums of money, also known as "duit raya," from their parents or elders. [6][7]
In Indonesia there is a special ritual called halal bi-halal. During this, Indonesians visit their elders, in the family, the neighborhood, or their work, and show respect to them. They will also seek reconciliation (if needed), and preserve or restore harmonious relations. [8]
Philippines
Philippines, with a majority Christian population, has recognized Eid ul-Fitr as a regular holiday by virtue of Republic Act No. The Philippines ( Filipino: Pilipinas, officially known as the Republic of the Philippines (fil ''Republika ng Pilipinas'' RP A Christian is a person who adheres to Christianity, a monotheistic Religion centered on the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth This is a list of Holidays in the Philippines. Observed in entire Philippines Local holiday New Year's Day New Year's This article contains a partial list of Philippine laws. Philippine laws have had various nomenclature designations at different periods in the History of the Philippines 9177 and signed on November 13, 2002. Events 1002 - English king Ethelred orders the killing of all Danes in England, known today as the St See also 2002 (disambiguation Year 2002 ( MMII) was a Common year starting on Tuesday of the Gregorian calendar. The law was enacted in deference to the Filipino Muslim community and to promote peace among major religions in the Philippines. A Muslim (مسلم pronounced Muslim, not Muzlim) is an adherent of the Religion The first public holiday was set on December 6, 2002. Events 1060 - Béla I of Hungary is crowned king of Hungary 1240 - Mongol invasion of Rus: Kiev See also 2002 (disambiguation Year 2002 ( MMII) was a Common year starting on Tuesday of the Gregorian calendar. Many non-Muslim Filipinos are still unfamiliar to the new holiday, and many calendars in the Philippines don't have this holiday listed. A Muslim (مسلم pronounced Muslim, not Muzlim) is an adherent of the Religion
China
- Further information: Islam in China
In China, out of 56 officially recognized ethnic groups, Eid ul-Fitr is celebrated by 10 ethnic groups that practice Islam which amount to 18 million of the total population according to official statistics. China ( Wade-Giles ( Mandarin) Chung¹kuo² is a cultural region, an ancient Civilization, and depending on perspective a National It is also a public holiday in China in certain regions, including two province prefecture level regions, Ningxia and Xinjiang. There are currently seven official Public holidays in the People's Republic of China. Ningxia ( Postal map spelling: Ningsia full name Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region ( is a Hui autonomous region of the People's Republic Xinjiang ( Uyghur: شىنجاڭ Shinjang;; Postal map spelling: Sinkiang; Turkish: Sincan, Sincan Uygur Özerk All residents in these areas are entitled of either a one-day or three-day holiday. Whereas outside the Muslim regions, only Muslims have a one-day holiday. In Xinjiang particularly, Eid ul-Fitr is even celebrated by Han Chinese population during which holiday supply such as mutton and beef is distributed to households as part of welfare scheme by government agencies, public and private institutions or businesses. Han Chinese ( are an Ethnic group native to China and by most modern definitions the largest single Ethnic group in the world.
In the Yunnan province Muslims are spread throughout the region. On Eid ul-Fitr, however, they travel to Sayyid 'Ajjal's grave, after their communal prayers. Sayyid Ajjal Shams al-Din Omar (赛典赤·赡思丁 Pinyin: Sàidiǎnchì Zhānsīdīng 1211 - 1279 was Yunnan 's first provincial governor appointed First there are readings from the Qur'an, then the tomb is cleaned (eminiscent of the historic annual Chinese Qingming festival in which people go their ancestors' graves, sweep and clean the area and then make food offerings). Finally the accomplishments of the Sayyid 'Ajall are told. In conclusion, a special service is held to honor the hundreds of thousands of Muslims killed during the Qing dynasty, and the hundreds killed during the Cultural Revolution. Not to be confused with Qin Dynasty, the first dynasty of Imperial China The Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution in the People’s Republic of China was a struggle for power within the Communist Party of China that manifested into [9]
In the Gregorian calendar
- See also: Islamic calendar
Although Eid ul-Fitr is always on the same day of the Islamic calendar, the date on the Gregorian calendar varies from year to year, since the Islamic calendar is a lunar one and the Gregorian calendar is a solar one. The Islamic calendar or Muslim calendar ( Arabic: التقويم الهجري at-taqwīm al-hijrī; Persian: تقویم هجری قمری The Gregorian calendar is the most widely used Calendar in the world today A lunar calendar is a Calendar that is based on cycles of the Moon phase. A solar calendar is a Calendar whose dates indicate the position of the earth on its revolution around the Sun (or equivalently the apparent position of the sun moving This difference in calendars means Eid ul-Fitr moves in the Gregorian calendar approximately 11 days earlier every year. Eid may also vary from country to country depending on whether the moon has been sighted or not. The future dates are estimated at:
- 2008: 2 October/5 October
- 2009: 21 September
- 2010: 10 September
- 2011: 31 August
- 2012: 19 August
- 2013: 8 August
- 2014: 29 July
- 2015: 19 July
Eid ul-Fitr begins the night before each of the above dates, at sunset. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 1187 - Siege of Jerusalem: Saladin captures Jerusalem after 88 years of Crusader rule Events 869 - The Fourth Council of Constantinople is convened to decide about what to do about Patriarch Photius of Constantinople This article is about the year For the film see 2009 Lost Memories. Events 1217 - The Estonian tribal leader Lembitu of Lehola was killed in a battle against Teutonic Knights. For the film see 2010 The Year We Make Contact. For the book see 2010 Odyssey Two. Events 506 - The Bishops of Visigothic Gaul meet in the Council of Agde. 2011 ( MMXI) will be a Common year starting on Saturday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 1056 - Byzantine Empress Theodora becomes ill dying suddenly a few days later without children to succeed the Throne 2012 ( MMXII) will be a Leap year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 43 BC - Octavian, later known as Augustus compels the Roman Senate to elect him Consul. 2013 ( MMXIII) will be a Common year starting on Tuesday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 1220 - Sweden is defeated by Estonian tribes in the Battle of Lihula. 2014 ( MMXIV) will be a Common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 1014 - Byzantine-Bulgarian Wars: Battle of Kleidion: Byzantine emperor Basil II inflicts a decisive defeat 2015 ( MMXV) will be a Common year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 711 - Muslim forces under Tariq ibn Ziyad defeat the Visigoths led by their king Roderic.
Disagreement on date and moonsighting
Some issues, not specified by the Quran, are interpreted differently by different Muslims. One such issue is how to determine the start and end of the holy month and what day to begin the celebration of the holiday.
Fiqh Council interpretation
- For USA: October 13th, 2007 (After a 30 day Ramadan) [2]
Alternate interpretation
- October 12th, 2007 (After a 29 day Ramadan) [3]
The conflict that arises from this disagreement is that different communities may find themselves anticipating different holiday dates, and this may cause confusion, particularly for Muslims living in the western world, for example, who may need to request vacation days in advance for the sake of their holidays only to find their Eid date is pushed back or forward on the last day. The Fiqh Council of North America is an association of Muslims who interpret Islamic law within the continent of North America.
Quran's instructions
Festivals and Religious tasks in Islam are based on a lunar calendar, which means the month of Ramadan can be either 29 or 30 days long. In Lunar calendars a lunar month is the time between two identical syzygies ( New moons or Full moons. The calculation for the Lunar year is emphasized in the Quran:
10:5 He is the One who rendered the sun radiant, and the moon a light, and He designed its phases that you may learn to count the years and to calculate. GOD did not create all this, except for a specific purpose. He explains the revelations for people who know. [4]
The calculation for the Solar year is emphasized in the following verse.
17:12 We rendered the night and the day two signs. We made the night dark, and the day lighted, that you may seek provisions from your Lord therein. This also establishes for you a timing system, and the means of calculation. We thus explain everything in detail. [5]
The Quran does not mention a necessity to actually sight the new moon, however, numerous traditions of The Prophet (SAW) imply such. Islamic law is based on both the Quran and Sunnah, as explained by The Prophet (SAW):
I leave behind me two things. Sunnah ar (سنة plural سنن Sunan literally means “trodden path” and therefore the sunnah of the prophet means “the way and the manners of the prophet” You will never go astray if you hold fast to them: The Qur'an and my Sunnah. [6]
Furthermore, it is said in the Quran:
59:7 What the Messenger teaches you, take it, and what he forbids you, avoid doing it. [7]
Fiqh Council interpretation
In North America, one of the best-known group of scholars is the Fiqh Council of North America. It has produced a new formula for determining the start of Ramadan and the start of Eid al-Fitr. This is based on calculating the moon scientifically, then is limited on the first night, the next holy month can start one day later than the scientific start of the new holy calendar. [10]
The Fiqh Council also recognizes their methods are not universally agreed upon:iii
the Fiqh Council does not intend to force its decision on anyone or any Muslim community. You should follow the decision of your Imam and your Masjid.
Alternate interpretation
Alternate independent scholars have disputed the concept of moonsighting. According to alternate views:
God never commanded that the moon be sighted [8] with the naked eyes to know the beginning of the new month. The Quran is very clear that any method of calculation is acceptable. [9]
Humans could calculate the new moon as early as 5 BC — see Meton. Meton of Athens (Μέτων ὁ Ἀθηναῖος was a Greek Mathematician, Astronomer, Geometer, and Engineer who lived in Certainly they could at the time of Muhammad and even Abraham, to whom all religious duties were revealed. IMPORTANT PLEASE READ ##### For all questions relating to the addition of (pbuh peace be upon him or other honorifics Sighting of the new moon is alleged to be a fabrication of scholars. A lunar calendar can be as accurate as an atomic clock for several hundred years. A lunar calendar is a Calendar that is based on cycles of the Moon phase.
The alternate view also argues that since most other aspects of time in Islam, such as prayer times [10], incorporate science and calculation, Ramadan should too. So, these decisions should not be made by groups who hold no Islamic power, as there is no such thing. According to the alternate method:
Ramadan will begin on September 12, 2007 for all of the United States. The last day of Ramadan will be October 11, 2007 for all of the USA. To verify your city's first day of Ramadan, check on the time of the sunset and the time of the birth of the New Moon at the USA Naval observatory. [11]If the new moon is born before the sunset you will fast next morning for the first day of fasting. To convert the Universal time to your local time, please click here. [12]
Because the new moon came out late in the evening on October 10th in the USA, October 11th is the final day of Ramadan according to this view.
Another alternate interpretation
Many scholars also argue that moon sighting must in fact be done with the human eye and that calculations are not to be used to determine the beginning and ending of fasting. Even American Scholars such as Hamza Yusuf of the Zaytuna Institute argue that the strict use of calculations as opposed to physical sighting is a deviation from the traditions of The Prophet (SAW). Hamza Yusuf Hanson is an Islamic scholar who teaches at the Zaytuna Institute in California, U Zaytuna Institute is a non-profit 501(c(3 educational institute located in Hayward California, in the United States. He does, however, agree that the use of calculations is necessary to verify or reject alleged sightings, as was done by past scholars.
Notes
- ^ Weigers, Gerard. "Ibadat". Encyclopedia of Islam and the Muslim world, p. 327
- ^ Gaffney, Patrick D. "Khutba. " Encyclopedia of Islam and the Muslim World. p. 394.
- ^ a b c Wiegers, Gerard. "Ritual". Encyclopedia of Islam and the Muslim world, p. 600
- ^ Fischer, Michael M. J. "Hasan (624-670)". Encyclopedia of Islam and the Muslim world, p. 293
- ^ Food Events - Eid Celebrations. BBC Food Online. Accessed 2 November, 2005.
- ^ "Hari Raya Puasa". Retrieved Nov. 2, 2005.
- ^ Yusof, Mimi Syed & Hafeez, Shahrul (Oct. 30, 2005). "When Raya was a bewildering experience". New Straits Times, p. The New Straits Times is a Malaysian Newspaper. It is Malaysia's oldest newspaper still in print (though not the first having been founded as 8.
- ^ van Doorn-Harder, Nelly. "Southeast Asian culture and Islam". Encyclopedia of Islam and the Muslim world. p. 649
- ^ Armijo, Jacqueline M. "East Asian culture and Islam. " Encyclopedia of Islam and the Muslim world, p. 191
- ^ Fiqh Council of North America
References
- Encyclopedia of Islam and the Muslim World. Edited by Martin, Richard C. Macmillan Reference, 2004. vol. 1
Spelling
Eid ul-Fitr is spelled in a variety of ways in English, due to variation in Arabic pronunciation as well as influence from other languages. The spelling used in this article is commonly found in English texts, and reflects the Arabic pronunciation of Fitr فطر (Arabic: fiṭr, Persian: fetr) and the Arabic pronunciation of Eid عيد (Persian: eyd, Arabic: ‘īd).