Abdul Adil

Eid al-Fitr [the festival of breaking the fast] marks the end of Ramadan. It is celebrated by Muslims around the world during the first three days of Shawwāl, the tenth month of the Muslim lunar calendar.

On Eid al-Fitr, the first of Islam’s two official holidays (the other being Eid al-Adha), Muslims thank Allah for providing them with health and endurance during Ramadan. They reflect on their actions and assess whether they have helped those less fortunate.

On Eid al-Fitr, a specific prayer is performed in an open field or large mosque hall. It is only permitted in a congregation (jamāʿat). The Eid prayer is followed by a sermon and a supplication to Allah for forgiveness, mercy, peace, and blessings.

Following the Eid prayer, Muslims celebrate in a variety of ways, with food as a central theme. Muslims also visit relatives, friends, and acquaintances or hold large communal celebrations.

Eid al-Fitr is also a charitable holiday. Every financially capable Muslim pays Zakat al-Fitr, an obligatory charitable payment (preferably before Eid prayer), to ensure those less fortunate can also enjoy the joyous holiday.

For Shafia Begum, 46, a homemaker and Muslimah Sports Association volunteer, Eid al-Fitr “is a time of celebration and an opportunity to meet with family and friends.” She adds, “We celebrate by attending Eid prayers, greeting other Muslim brothers and sisters, and exchanging gifts. It is a joyous occasion that allows us to remember how great the month of Ramadan was and to thank Allah for getting us through it.”

Shahanara Begum, 48, said, “Every year during Eid, we attend our local Eid prayer in the park. It’s a lovely experience to be able to pray outdoors with hundreds of other people. I love seeing the colours of hijabs and the mainly white thobes [garments] of men.

Muslims from different communities attend the Eid prayer in the park. Afterwards, we often travel to my mother’s (or my brother’s) house for lunch and eat a hearty meal that usually consists of meat biryani, korma, and samosas.”

Begum, a trainer and doctoral student, said Eid presents a “fantastic time to get together with family to spend time together, eat, and enjoy each other’s company. It’s a time for gratitude, food, and happiness.”

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