Ramadan is a religious holiday marking the ninth month in the Islamic calendar. For the whole month of Ramadan, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset. The religious holiday that takes place at the end of the month, Eid al-Fitr, or the “Festival of Breaking the Fast,” is one of two major holidays celebrated by Muslims around the world.
This year’s Eid al-Fitr year began in the United States on April 10th. Determining the date of Eid is based on the moon sighting, so many Muslims usually figure out when to celebrate a few days beforehand. Eid al Fitr is one of the two Eids celebrated; this upcoming Eid is known as the lesser Eid, which originated in Saudi Arabia, Medina, and was a tradition started by the last prophet. As years have gone by, traditions have evolved, and Eid is celebrated in many different ways all around the world.
“On Eid every year, my family and I go to California to visit my family because Eid is about celebrating Ramadan being over and spending time with family and friends, and it’s an important part of the celebrations,” explained senior Aleena Mirza
Many people have a wide range of different traditions for Eid, as this holiday is one of the two major holidays celebrated among Muslims. One crucial part for all Muslims is to pray a special morning prayer. After the prayer is completed, many greet each other with formal embraces and offer each other greetings, such as Eid Mubarak (Blessed Eid) and Eid Saeed (Happy Eid).
“Every Eid, my parents wake me up early in the morning to go to the Mosque to listen to the sermon they give and to pray a specific prayer. Afterward, we usually greet everyone in the mosque, regardless of whether we know them or not, just as a sign of respect and good faith,” explained freshman Hadi Channu.
Muslims also tend to give Zakat to those in need, so many often prepare for Eid by giving money to charity so that less fortunate families can enjoy the festivities as well. Some also tend to gather with family and friends and give out gifts or Eidi (money given on Eid) to children. Special meals are also commonly known to be prepared on this day, especially after the devotion and self-control Muslims have shown throughout the past month.
“Every night for the whole month, each member of my family donated five dollars to the Masjid so that on the day of Eid, a family could enjoy their Eid,” expressed freshman Nanees Eldani.
Eid is a holiday that many Muslims anticipate waiting for all month. Many prepare for Eid weeks ahead of when the holiday takes place while they eagerly wait for the moon sighting to know when the celebrations will begin. Once the date is announced, their weeks of preparation are finally coming together.