EID AL FITR- The festival of breaking of the fast

Their reward at their Lord is the gardens of Eden with flowing streams, wherein they abide forever. GOD is pleased with them, and they are pleased with Him. Such is the reward for those who reverence their Lord.

The Holy Quran

Muslims around the world are close to completing the fasting month of Ramadan and are preparing to celebrate with one of Islam’s most important festivals.

The end of Ramadan is marked by Eid al-Fitr, also known as the Festival of Breaking the Fast.

During Ramadan, Muslims do not eat or drink during daylight hours, as a means of celebrating and reflecting on their faith.

It is one of the five pillars of Islam – the fundamental rules all Muslims follow – along with the Shahadah (declaration of faith), Salat (prayer), Zakat (charity) and the Hajj pilgrimage.

Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan and was originated by the prophet Muhammad. It is one of two global festivals celebrated by Muslims every year, the other being Eid al-Adha, which falls later in the summer and honours Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son to Allah.

Eid al-Fitr is celebrated for one to three days, depending on the country. Fasting is forbidden on the Day of Eid, in contrast to the 30 days that came before.

Traditionally, Ramadan begins the day after the sighting of the crescent moon, which generally appears one night after the new moon, meaning the start date cannot be precisely predicted.

Eid al-Fitr works in exactly the same way, with the sighting of the new crescent moon marking the end of Ramadan and the onset of the month of Shawwal, the 10th of the Islamic Hijri calendar.

The first year of the Islamic calendar began in 622 CE when the prophet Muhammad and his followers migrated from Mecca to Medina to establish the first Muslim community. This migration is called the “Hijrah.”

Eid celebrations will begin with prayers at dawn, which usually take place at a mosque. The festival has its own special prayer, which is designed to be performed in a congregation.

This is followed by the sermon and then a supplication asking for Allah’s forgiveness, mercy, peace and blessings for all living beings across the world. The day is heavily focused on family and friends, with loved ones feasting and reflecting together.

Muslims also perform the zakat, which is the act of giving to the poor and needy.

Although the celebrations would be curbed yet again this year due to the Coronavirus pandemic, however what shouldn’t be curbed is the spirit of brotherhood and togetherness, as the Quran states “You will not attain righteousness till you spend in charity of the things you love.”

 by Hetika Kathuria

Thank you so much

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