Ramadan is one of Allah’s (swt) most precious gifts to Muslims and Muslims should make the effort to reap benefits from this blessed month. Fasting, reading the Holy Quran, giving to charity and attaining the blessings on the Night of Power; these are all gifts of Allah (swt).
The conclusion of Ramadan brings about the festivities of Eid-ul-Fitr. It is one of the two Eids in Islam that is celebrated by Muslims all around the world. The feast of Eid-ul-Fitr marks the end of 30 days of fasting and prayer. On this day, Muslims from across the world gather for prayer celebration, for a three day celebration where families and friends get together, rejoice and share their Ramadan experience. It is a fun and significant occasion; one that people will remember until the next time Ramadan comes around.
Eid-ul-Fitr is also known as the Feast of Fast-Breaking. After thirty days of fasting, prayer, reciting the Quran and carrying out other religious duties such as paying Zakat-ul-Fitr, Muslims worldwide celebrate their efforts on the day of Eid ul-Fitr. Special prayer services are held on this day in large congregation halls or in open fields.
In Muslim countries, there are enormous and majestic mosques that are created for days like this. In other parts of the world, particularly non-Muslim countries, Islamic organisations in charge of their areas rent out halls and green spaces to accommodate the prayers.
Muslims from all walks of life attend the prayers dressed in new clothes, wearing their favourite fragrance. Afterwards, when people gather at home with friends and family, they send gifts to each other such as sweets, cash and garments.
In 1996, first lady Hillary Clinton hosted the first Eid-ul-Fitr dinner at the White House and from then on it became a yearly trend with future presidents also honouring the occasion by hosting celebratory dinner events. One of the most encouraging things to see on this day is non-Muslims getting involved in the same festivities alongside Muslims. In Western and European countries, some churches and synagogues display an Eid Mubarak message on their billboard which to show respect for the occasion.
We look forward to the festivities of Eid-ul-Fitr, but until then Muslim Aid wants to wish everyone a very happy Ramadan!
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