Eid al-Fitr is the holy festival that marks the end of Ramadan and allows Muslims to break the routine of fasting everyday from sunrise to sunset. As the Islamic calendar is based on the lunar cycle, the date of Eid al-Fitr is set when a new moon is sighted. On the evening marking the beginning of Eid al-Fitr Muslims will gather at the Mosque for the evening prayer, Salat, and afterwards begin their celebrations with family, friends and food. Eid al-Fitr translates to “festival of breaking of the fast” and it signals the start of Shawwal, the ninth month in the Muslim calendar. Eid al-Fitr was originated by the Islamic prophet Muhammad and is a time where Muslims give their thanks to Allah and donate money to the poor.
In Islamic history, the month of Ramadan saw the Quran or Koran, the religion’s holy book, revealed to the Prophet Muhammad by Allah (God). Ramadan is the holiest month in the Muslim calendar and is marked by a period of obligatory fasting between sunrise and sunset. All adult Muslims are required to fast unless they are suffering from an illness, travelling, elderly, pregnant or breastfeeding.
This is a joyous times as it is an opportunity for Muslims to thank Allah for the strength he gave to aid their self-control and have been forgiven of their sins. In addition, many Muslims wear traditional clothing, participate in colourful parades, and display their thanks by donating to charity and giving gifts.
