Eid al-Fitr: A Day of Joy, Gratitude, and Togetherness

The recent moon of the Shawwal month of the Islamic lunar calendar was not sighted a day before, as the weather was overcast and it could not be seen. For that reason, we continued our fast for the 30th day of Ramadan. And since every month can be either 29 or 30 days, today turned out to be the first day of Shawwal. That is actually celebrated as Eid al-Fitr, one of the important Islamic festivals. It marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month in which Muslims fast from dawn to dusk. During this time, they embrace patience and also feel the hardships that those without means go through, and it instills a feeling that we must care about everyone around us.

Anyway, this day started with the Eid Salah, which is the Eid prayer, specially offered only on Eid days. Before that, we need to give charity so that the poor can also celebrate this day. It is an obligation for all Muslims to pay Zakat al-Fitr before the Eid prayers, as it is more rewarding. If given after the prayer, it does not hold the same value and may not even be considered proper Zakat al-Fitr.

It is a day when fasting is prohibited, and we should start it by eating something sweet, like dates. People wear new clothes, and the most excited are the children, who are not even obliged to offer the prayers. They start their day even before the elders and seem to be more excited about this day—and why not? It is one of the most important festivals for Muslims all across the world. Children receive money and gifts from elders, which adds to their excitement.

Children buy toys and firecrackers and enjoy the day to its fullest. They enjoy the day by offering prayers and consider it to be the day of reward for the long duration of fasting throughout the month of Ramadan.

As far as food is concerned, sweets and other items like biscuits are preferred for breakfast. People here also consume meat on these days, and one of the most typical dishes prepared is wazwan. It is also a day when relatives visit each other and spend time together, making it one of those days in the year when we can strengthen our relationships.