Eid ul Fitr

Eid-al-Fitr History

Eid al-Fitr marks a time of communal prayer, feasting, charity, and forgiveness, encapsulating the ethos of brotherhood, compassion, and gratitude that purveys the Islamic faith. The festival comes at the conclusion of Ramadan, a month-long period of reflection, prayer, and fasting from dawn to sunset. Eid al-Fitr translates to 'Festival of Breaking the Fast' in Arabic, and it serves this very purpose.

The roots of Eid al-Fitr can be traced back to the Prophet Muhammad in 624 CE following a victorious battle. Today, in India, this celebration holds great cultural significance for a significant Muslim population. India, renowned for its religious diversity, witnesses a unique blend of traditions during Eid. People engage in religious ceremonies, lively festivities, and extend an arm of charity, known as 'Zakat al-Fitr', to help those in need, reflecting core Islamic values. Eid in India is also a gastronomic delight; traditional Indian dishes like biryani, sewai, haleem, and others are extensively relished.

In India, Eid al-Fitr celebrations commence after the sighting of the moon, which varies from region to region. Typically, it is observed a day after the moon sighting in the Arabian Peninsula. The day begins with an early morning prayer, or the 'Salat al-Eid', in mosques or prayer grounds. Unlike Ramadan, fasting is forbidden on this day. Families dress in their best outfits, exchange gifts, and partake in communal feasts. Charitable acts play a crucial role, as believers are encouraged to donate food or money, thereby promoting a sense of oneness within the community. The fervor and unity displayed during the observance of Eid al-Fitr in India is a testament to the country's vibrant religious tapestry.

Facts about Eid ul Fitr

• Prophet Muhammad asked the Muslims of Madinah about two carnivals that they used to engage in. They replied that before Islam, celebrating by setting up grand carnivals was traditional. It is reported that Muhammad said, Instead of those two days, Allah has appointed two other days which are better, the days of Eid-al-Fitr and Eid-al-Adha. (Book of Hadith).
• In accordance with Islamic tradition, many Muslims wake up extra early on Eid-al-Fitr to take a bath, called ghusl. They also wear the best clothing they own.
• Zakat al-Fitr is a significant practice for Indian Muslims during Eid al-Fitr, in line with Islamic tradition. It's a form of charity given to the poor before the Eid prayer, allowing them to also participate in the celebrations.
• In the southern Indian state of Kerala, the festival is known as "Cheriya Perunnal" and is marked by music, dance and a distinct cuisine.

In the News and Trending in India for Eid ul Fitr

Top things to do in India for Eid-al-Fitr

• In Islamic South Asian communities, sheer khorma is typically made for breakfast. Sheer khorma is a sweet milky dish with broken vermicelli pasta, dried fried dates, and roasted nuts.
• Women often decorate their hands with beautiful henna designs on Eid-al-Fitr. In the United States, many Islamic centers have henna booths set up on the last night of Ramadan.
• Visit Jama Masjid, Delhi: This iconic historic mosque is known for its grand Eid celebrations. Thousands of Muslims gather here to offer prayers, and the area surrounding Jama Masjid becomes a food haven with stalls offering lip-smacking traditional Eid delicacies.
• Attend an Eidgah: A gathering where Muslims get together to perform prayer service, also known as the Salat al-Eid.