Eid in the Square celebrations, Trafalgar Square, London 2006
Photo: Ahmed J Versi/Muslim News)
Aishah Ali
The joyous occasion of Eid al-Fitr will take place towards the end of June this year. It is celebrated by millions of Muslims around the globe. Eid ul Fitr means the ‘festival of breaking the fast’ which marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan. Muslims are thankful to God for allowing them to observe the holy month of Ramadan and giving them the strength to fast and engage in worship and good work.
This is the first of two annual Eid occasions observed by Muslims. It marks the first day of the tenth month on the Islamic calendar, Shawwal. Muslims are required to give an amount of charity to the needy, known as Zakat al-Fitr, enabling them to also join in the happiness of Eid al-Fitr.
Firdaws Ali, Wolverhampton, said, “Eid is a time for families and friends to come together to celebrate the occasion. We are thankful to God for allowing us to observe the holy month of Ramadan and giving them the strength to fast and engage in worship and good work.”
Sofia Khan, 27, from Walsall, said on this day “we are encouraged to give thanks to Allah for giving us the strength to get through the month of Ramadan as well as forgiveness, self-reflection, and undertaking peaceful contemplation. We are also required to give to charity which is to be paid prior to the Eid al-Fitr day. The Eid day starts early with all of us congregating & performing Eid prayers at our local mosque. We then wish each other a peaceful and prosperous Eid Mubarak before sharing, with family and friends, the food they have prepared.”
Sana Begum, 25, from Birmingham, said they “perform Eid prayer at the masjid where we meet our community and wish them Eid Mubarak. After the prayer, we usually go home to visit family and give gifts, especially to children. I usually give money to all the youngsters in my family. Delicious food is prepared, which is shared with family, friends and neighbours.”
Raheela Ali from Wolverhampton said Eid is a “very special occasion” for Muslims all over the world. “It’s a time for families to get together, and for children to take part in the Eid salah, enjoy gifts and sweets. We are also mindful of thanking Allah for the blessing of Ramadan.”
