10 Facts about Eid al Fitr
10 Facts about Eid al Fitr
Eid al Fitr is also known as ‘The Festival of Breaking of the Fast' as it marks the end of Ramadan.
The festival usually lasts for three days and begins when the first new moon is seen after the fast.
On Eid morning Muslims wash themselves in a ritual called ‘ghusl'. Many Muslims will wear new clothes and women will decorate their hands with henna. Some Muslins also decorate their homes.
Muslims usually visit the Mosque for morning prayer. After prayer some visit the graves of loved ones. Muslims often celebrate together at the Mosque.
Eid greetings are shared. A common greeting is ‘Eid Mubarak’ which means ‘Have a blessed Eid'
Eid is time of abundance for Muslims and this is not just about food. Gifts are given to children. These gifts are called Eidi.
Eid al Fitr is the less important of two key festivals for Muslims. The other festival is called ‘Eid al Adha' and celebrates the sacrifice that Ibrahim was willing to make to Allah. They can be known as the Lesser Eid and Greater Eid.
Eid is time for meeting up with family and friends and sharing a celebratory meal together to mark the end of fasting.
There are often street processions as part of the celebration.
It is a duty of Muslims give to the poor and needy at Eid.
