Eid Elfiter is the feast of breaking fast for Muslims around the world, and it is celebrated on1st of the new month called Shawwal after the completion of the month of compulsory fasting in Ramadan.
The celebration of Eid Elfitr last for 3 days with different routines across Muslim countries. However, they share the feeling of happiness and joy on this day. In this concern let’s discuss the Eid Elfitr routine and how Muslims spend these joyful days.
What does Eid Elfitr mean for Muslims?
In the beginning, we shall know that the word Eid celebration activities means “festival” or “feast”. Muslims celebrate Eid Elfitr and Eid Al Adha every year with different worship and significance for Muslims.
Eid Al-Fitr comes first and marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan and the breaking of the fast. It is one of the most important religious holidays that all Muslims wait to start the Eid Elfitr routine and celebration. It is very important because Muslims feel they have accomplished a lot during this month.
The event is Islamically only for one day but usually continues for several days as people want to greet all their family and friends and congratulate them for their Ramadan.
Why the date of Eid Elfitr changes every year?
Ramadan is a lunar month, it could be 30 days in some years and it could be 29 days in other years, so to judge whether the 29th day of Ramadan is the last day of the month or not; Muslims watch for the infant crescent to be “born”.
Once a bunch of them see it they head for the judge to testify and the judge proclaims that “ Tomorrow is the start of the next month ( called Shawwal)”, so it is a farewell to Ramadan of this year.
But if Muslims fail to see the crescent based on the sky being cloudy, hazy, or simply because the month of Ramadan is not over yet, the judge proclaims that “ Tomorrow is complementary of Ramadan, so Eid Elfitr will be the day after tomorrow and so on.
Once the crescent is seen, All masjids call for the end of the holy month of Ramadan and the beginning of the first days of the Eid Elfitr routine which we will discuss later in the next section.
Eid Elfitr routine and celebrations
Eid Elfitr routine is different from a normal social gathering, as it is a time when Muslims show gratitude to Allah S.W.T by thanking and dua.
They also give Zakat Al Fitr or charity to the poor and needy before the end of Ramadan, so they can help the needy celebrate and spend the Eid El Fitr routine with ease. By saying that, charity is compulsory for Muslims as long as they have the means and the ability to do so.
Now let’s discuss how Eid Elfitr is celebrated, and learn how you can have the best Eid Elfitr routine with your family and friends.
1- Advanced Preparation for Eid El Fitr
The members of the Muslim family meet shortly before the fast, in order to plan the feast, receive it, celebrate Eid ul-Fitr, and prepare its supplies.
They also prepare for a better Eid Elfitr routine by preparing clothes and gifts, preparing the requirements of each individual, and setting appropriate times to visit neighbors and relatives, to achieve harmony and love between the children of the same family.
On other hand parents should also teach their sons and daughters how to receive the holiday through the following:
- Involving the child in distributing Sadaqat al-Fitr, and explaining its form and importance to them.
- Taking the children to the Eid prayer listening to Eid takbeers and Quran.
- Clarifying the importance of kinship ties; By taking them to visit relatives and neighbors, and congratulating them on the holiday.
- Teaching them the importance of tolerance, forgiveness, and smiling when seeing others.
- Children participate in playing and having fun with their friends.
- Teaching them to Remember the duty of Muslims towards the poor, needy, widows, and orphans, as well as the sick people.
2- Involve Sunnah in Eid Elfitr routine
All Muslims must observe the Eid Elfitr routine by getting acquainted with the sunnah of Eid as follows:
- Take a bath before going to the Eid Salat.
- Eat some food before going out for the Eid al-Fitr prayer, and eat after the Eid al-Adha prayer.
- Takbeer and Tahleel on the day of Eid, which is one of the greatest Sunnahs of Eid.
- Congratulating people with the usual congratulatory phrases on Eid, such as: May God accept from us and you, Eid Mubarak, and so on.
- Wearing the best clothes; the man must wear the most beautiful clothes that he has before going to the eid namaz, and the children also wear new, clean, and beautiful clothes.
3- Make special Eid snacks
One of the best parts about the Eid Elfitr routine is that you can eat in the middle of the day which makes it more special after the end of Ramadan.
It is a time of celebration and feasting, and many families enjoy preparing and sharing special dishes to mark the occasion. Here are some popular Eid special recipes from different regions around the world:
- Pudding:
A sweet and creamy dessert made with milk, and sugar, and flavored with cardamom, saffron, or rose water. - Sheer Khurma:
A sweet milk pudding made with vermicelli, dates, and nuts, often served for breakfast or as a dessert during Eid al-Fitr. - Haleem:”
A hearty stew made with wheat, barley, meat, and spices that is a traditional Eid dish in many countries, especially in the Middle East.
These are just a few examples of the many delicious and traditional dishes that are enjoyed during the Eid ElFitr routine. The specific recipes and dishes can vary greatly from one region to another, reflecting the diverse cultural traditions and cuisines of different countries and communities.
Finally, you have to remember to involve everyone in your Eid Elfitr routine, not just your family and your friends but also the ones in need. So make it a habit to give back and help the poor all the time.
