Eid al-Fitr[b] (Arabic:عيد الفطر,romanized: ʿĪd al-Fiṭr,lit. 'Festival of Breaking the Fast') is the first of the two mainfestivals in Islam, the other being Eid al-Adha. It falls on the first day ofShawwal, the tenth month of theIslamic calendar.[c] Eid al-Fitr is celebrated byMuslims worldwide because it marks the end of the month-long dawn-to-dusk fasting ofRamadan.[3][4] The holiday is known under various other names in different languages and countries around the world.[d]
Eid al-Fitr has a particularsalah that consists of tworakats generally performed in an open field or large hall. It may only be performed in congregation (jamāʿat) and features six additionalTakbirs (raising of the hands to the ears whilst reciting theTakbir, saying "Allāhu ʾAkbar", meaning "God is the greatest"). In theHanafi school ofSunni Islam, there are threeTakbirs at the start of the firstrakat and three just beforerukūʿ in the secondrakat.[7] Other Sunni schools usually have 12Takbirs, similarly split in groups of seven and five. InShia Islam, thesalat has sixTakbirs in the firstrakat at the end ofTilawa, beforerukūʿ, and five in the second.[8] Depending on the juristic opinion of the locality, thissalat is eitherfarḍ (فرض, obligatory) ormustaḥabb (strongly recommended). After thesalat, Muslims celebrate the Eid al-Fitr in various ways withfood being a central theme,[9] which also gives the holiday the nickname "Sweet Eid" or "Sugar Feast".[10][11]
According to Muslim tradition,Muhammad instituted the celebration of Eid al-Fitr.[3] According to a certainhadith, these festivals were initiated inMedina after themigration of Muhammad from Mecca.Anas ibn Malik, acompanion of Muhammad, narrated that when Muhammad arrived in Medina, he found people celebrating two specific days in which they entertained themselves with recreation. Muhammad then remarked thatGod had fixed two mandatory days of festivity: Eid al-Fitr andEid al-Adha.[12]
Eid al-Fitr begins at sunset on the night of the first sighting of the crescent moon. The night on which the moon is sighted is celebrated asChand Raat in countries likeBangladesh. If the moon is not observed immediately after the 29th day of the previous lunar month (either because clouds block its view or because the western sky is still too bright when the moon sets), then the holiday is celebrated the following day.[13] Eid al-Fitr is celebrated for one to three days, depending on the country.[14] It isforbidden to fast on the Day of Eid, and a specific prayer is nominated for this day.[15] As an obligatory act of charity, money is paid to the poor and the needy (zakat al-Fitr) before performing the 'Eid prayer.[16]
ManyMuslims often bring prayer rugs to the mosque on Eid al-Fitr.
The Eid prayer is performed by the congregation in an open area such as a field, community center, or mosque.[14] Nocall to prayer is given for this Eid prayer, and it consists of only tworakaʿāt, with a variable amount oftakbirs and other prayer elements depending on thebranch of Islam observed. The Eid prayer is followed by thekhutbah and then adua asking for God's forgiveness, mercy, peace and blessings for all living beings across the world. The sermon also instructs Muslims as to the performance of rituals of Eid, such as thezakāt.[17] The sermon of Eid takes place after the Eid prayer, unlikeFriday prayer which comes first before prayer. Some imams believe that listening to the sermon at Eid is optional.[18] After the prayers, Muslims visit their relatives, friends, and acquaintances or hold large communal celebrations in homes, community centers, or rented halls.[14]
Recitation ceases when they get to the place of Eid or once the Imam commences activities.[19]
The prayer starts by doingniyyah "intention" for the prayer before the takbir is said by theimam. Next, the takbir al-ihram is performed, by saying takbir three times, raising hands to the ears and dropping them each time, except for the last when the hands are folded. The Imam then readsal-Fatihah, followed by another surah. The congregation performsruku andsujud. This completes the firstrak'ah.[20]
The congregation rises and folds their hands for the second rak'ah, after which the imam recites al-Fatiha followed by another surah. After this, three takbirs are called out just before the ruku, each time raising hands to the ears and dropping them. For the fourth time, the congregation says Allahu Akbar and subsequently goes into the ruku. The rest of the prayer is completed regularly. This completes the Eid prayer. After the prayer, there is akhutbah.[21]
The prayer starts with theNiyyat followed by fiveTakbirs. During everyTakbir of the firstrakat, a specialDua is recited. Then, the Imam recitesSūrat al-Fātiḥah andSurat Al-'A`lá and the congregation performsRuku andSujud as in other prayers. In the secondRakat, the same above steps (fiveTakbeers, Sūrat al-Fātiḥah andSurat Al-'A`lá, Ruku andSujud) are repeated. After the prayer,Khutbah starts.[22]
During the Eid celebration, Muslims greet each other by saying'Eid Mubarak', which is Arabic for "Blessed Eid". As it comes after a month of fasting, sweet dishes and foods are often prepared and consumed during the celebration. Muslims typically decorate their homes, and are also encouraged to forgive each other and seek forgiveness. In countries with large Muslim populations, it is normally a public holiday with most schools and businesses closed for the day. Practices differ by country and region.[23]
In theArab states of the Persian Gulf countries, men would typically buy newThobe (traditional white long robe) or dye their existingThobes withwalnut oil. Women would wear special clothes for the occasion along with special perfumes and braids. Mostmajlises would offer fruits,dates, tea or coffee to visitors. Those who live in rural areas tend to celebrate more modestly.[24] Buildings, shops, roads and houses in UAE cities get decorated in bright festive lights.[25] Many shows such as theatres would also occur.[26]
InBahrain, families often celebrate the festival with an eid dinner consisting ofquzi ormachboos rice dishes, while popular sweets includehalwa or khanfroosh (seeBahraini cuisine). Men typically wearthawbs and women wearabayas, the latter also paintinghenna on their hands or feet.[27]
Saudis decorate their homes and prepare sumptuous meals for family and friends. They prepare new clothes and shoes for the festival. Eid festivities in Saudi Arabia may vary culturally depending on the region, but one common thread in all celebrations is generosity and hospitality. It is a common Saudi tradition for families to gather at the patriarchal home after the Eid prayers. Before the special Eid meal is served, young children will line up in front of each adult family member, who dispense money as gifts to the children.[28]
Omanis would typically eat foods such as shuwa (slow-cooked lamb) with coffee (seeOmani cuisine). In some places such asIbri, folklore songs and traditional dancing are often performed.[29]
In Yemen,Bint al-sahn is the preferred snack during Eid celebrations.[11]
In modern times, supermarkets, corporates, and malls compete to attract children during this time via advertising in newspapers and on TV, and by offering special promotions and arranging closedGargee'an events to market themselves.[30]
After the Eid al-Fitr prayer, the people ofJerusalem will decorate the courtyards of theal-Aqsa Mosque with toys for children who come from all Palestinian areas to participate in the Eid al-Fitr prayer rituals. Many Palestinians go out to visit the families ofPalestinian prisoners in Israel, visit the prisons themselves, and visit graves to lay wreaths on them.[31]
Palestinians and Jordanians decorate their homes and prepare sumptuous meals for family and friends. They prepare new clothes and shoes for the festival. Eid festivities in Palestine and Jordan may vary culturally depending on the region, but one common thread in all celebrations is generosity and hospitality. It is a common Palestinian Jordanian tradition for families to gather at the patriarchal home after the Eid prayers. Before the special Eid meal is served, young children will line up in front of each adult family member, who dispense money as gifts to the children. Jordanians also hangfanous or "Eid lanterns".[23]
InLebanon, many concerts take place during Eid al-Fitr by Lebanese and other Arab superstars. Musicians also perform on the Beirut waterfront. Other activities include art exhibitions.[32]
Ma'amoul andKahk are popular cookie treats baked and consumed during Eid in Palestine, Jordan, Syria and Lebanon.[33]
In Iraq,kleicha (the traditional snack)[11] and lamb are popular foods.[34]
TheIraqi Kurds tend to visit cemeteries to remember their lost ones one day before the festival. After the prayers, Iraqi Kurdish families would gather together for large breakfasts of rice and stew, as well as candies, nuts and caffeinated beverages.[35]
A girl withhenna on her hand, during the Eid prayer
InIran, where the occasion is known asEid-e-Fitr (Persian:عید فطر), several groups of experts representing the office ofAyatollah Khamenei go to the different zones of the country at the last days of Ramadan to determine the date of Eid.[36] Iranian Muslims take part in the Eid al-Fitr prayer and pay theZakat al-Fitr.[37] The Eid al-Fitr prayer, and the following sermon, has been led by Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei,Supreme Leader of Iran, atTehran'sGrand Mosalla mosque of Tehran (Mossalla).[38] The celebration is typically marked by a one- or two-day national holiday.[39]
Colorful Ramadan lanterns (fanous) at asouk in Egypt
Egyptians spend the first day of Eid al-Fitr to gather all family members and celebrate the Eid at public gardens. It is customary for children to also receive anEidi, a small sum of money to be spent on activities throughout the Eid.[40] Egyptians like to celebrate with others, so the streets are always crowded during the days and nights of Eid.[41]
Eid is popularly known as Small Sallah inNigeria. During the day, people generally greet each other by saying Barka Da Sallah, which when translated means "Greetings on Sallah" in theHausa language. The celebrations last as long as three days.[42]
Tunisia celebrates Eid for three days (with preparations starting several days earlier), two of which are national holidays. Special Sweets and biscuits, includingBaklava and several kinds of "ka'ak",marzipan,cookies are made or bought to give to friends and relatives on the day.[43] kids receive gifts from parents and elderly relatives, usually money or even toys. They also invite close friends and relatives for the Eid dinner. After Eid dinner people love to sing and dance.
In Somalia and other Islamic parts of theHorn region, Eid al-Fitr is observed by the Muslim communities. Celebrations marking the event are typically accompanied by elaborate banquets, where special dishes such asxalwo (halwo) and buskut (buskuit) are served.[44]
Muslims inTanzania celebrate Eid al-Fitr, when they normally dress in fine clothes and decorate their homes with lights. Special foods are prepared and shared with family and visitors, while children receive gifts.[45] InZanzibar it is popular for locals to buy new clothing, while women would shop for handbags, necklaces and other clothing. For some youngsters Eid nights involve dancing at a club. Children would receive coins of money from locals.[46]
InCape Town, hundreds of Muslims—each with something to share with others at the time of the breaking of the fast—gather atGreen Point in the evening of the last day of Ramadan for the sighting of the moon. TheMaghrib (sunset) prayer is then performed in congregation and the formal moon-sighting results are announced thereafter.[47]
Eid es-Seghir is the name of Eid al-Fitr amongMoroccans. Many families have a tradition of buying new clothes for their children during the holiday. Common food choices for eid dinner includecouscous, lamb or beefbrochettes and others.[48] In the north, musicians playAndalusian music accompanied by fast clapping.[49]
InSudan, where 97% of the population is Muslim,[51] preparations for Eid begin the last few days of Ramadan. For days,ka'ak (sugar powdered cookies),bettifour (dry baked goods including dainty biscuits, baked meringues and macaroons—whose name are derived from the Frenchpetit four), and popcorn are baked in large batches to serve to guests and to give to family and friends; dressy Eid clothes are either shopped for or sewn; girls and women decorate their hands and feet withhenna; and parts of the house may even be painted. The night before Eid, the whole household partakes in cleaning the house and yard and setting out the finest bedsheets, table cloths, and decorations. On the day of Eid, men and boys (and occasionally women and girls) will attend the Eid prayer. For the next 3 days, families will then visit each other, extended family, neighbors, and close friends. In these short visits, the baked goods, chocolates, and sweets are served, and often large lunches are prepared for the visiting well-wishers. Children are given gifts, either in the form of toys or money.[52]
The holiday is widely calledKorité inSenegal and elsewhere acrossWest Africa. It is a national holiday, celebrated for three days, with families normally having new clothes made for the holiday. Gifts and donations are normally exchanged.[53]
InKyrgyzstan the day is known asOrozo Ait (Kyrgyz:Орозо айт). The local population celebrate in various ways such as by partying, eating and singing. Festivals often feature long distancehorse racing and other horse-based sports. People would tend to wear fancy and bright clothes, while people would sing Jaramazan tunes and receive cooked bread, candy or cash in return.[57][58]
Ramazon Hayit orRoʻza hayiti is a public holiday inUzbekistan and widely celebrated. Traditional pastry such as kush-tili,plov andchak-chak are prepared by Uzbek families the day before Eid al-Fitr for consumption. Businesses tend to sell a high range of candies and children's toys during this period.[42]
Known asOraza Ait (Ораза айт)Kazakh Muslims tend to visit each other during the celebration and handing out fried doughnuts such asbaursaki to others. However mutton, soup, tea andkymyz (horse milk) are also popular food and drinks during the holiday.[59]
An Afghan child eating a piece of candy received as a gift on Eid al-Fitr
In the predominantlySunni Muslim culture ofAfghanistan, Eid al-Fitr holds significant importance and is celebrated widely for three days. It popularly involves special festivities for children and the youngest members of families.[60] The most common greeting isAkhtar mo Mubarak sha (Eid Mubarak) in thePashto-speaking community. Afghans start preparing for the Eid al-Fitr festival up to ten days prior by cleaning their homes (calledKhana Takani inDari).[61] Afghans visit their local bazaars to buy new clothes, sweets, and snacks includingJalebi,Shor-Nakhod (made with chickpeas),Cake wa Kolcha (a simple cake, similar to pound cake). The traditionalBolani (vegetarian flatbreads) is a popular meal during Eid al-Fitr in Afghanistan.[60]
On the day of Eid al-Fitr, Afghans will first offer their Eid prayers and then gather in their homes with their families, greeting one another by saying "Eid Mubarak" and usually adding "Eidet Mobarak Roza wa Namazet Qabool Dakhel Hajiha wa Ghaziha," which means "Happy Eid to you; may your fasting and prayers be accepted by God, and may you be counted among those who will go to the Hajj-pilgrimage." Family elders will give money and gifts to children. It is also common practice to visit families and friends, which may be difficult to do at other times of the year. Children walk from home to home saying "Khala Eidet Mubarak" ("aunt happy Eid"), and they receive cookies orPala. Young girls and women apply henna "tattoo"s on their hands and feet. The older women while applying it too, don't do very complicated designs. The boys and young men in some communities might apply it as well but, with very simple designs like a circle in their palms or just coloring the fingertips. The older men might do those simple designs as well, but it is not that common. Henna is a "woman's" thing in Afghanistan when it comes to doing designs on their hands and feet. At night, multiple campfires are set around houses, sometimes to the point that entire valleys may initially appear to be engulfed in flame. Celebratory fire with automatic rifles, particularly tracer rounds, can also be expected in high density.[62]
Eid is a public holiday inIndia. The holiday begins after the sighting of the new moon onChand Raat. On that evening, people head to markets to finish their shopping for Eid, for clothing and gifts, and begin preparing their food for the next day. Traditional Eid food often includesbiriyani,sheer khurma, andsivayyan, a dish of fine, toasted sweetvermicelli noodles with milk and dried fruit, among other regionally-specific dishes.[63][64] Women and girls also puthenna on each others' hands. In the following morning, Muslims go to their local mosque orEidgah for Eid Namaz and give Eidzakat before returning home. Afterwards, children are givenEidi (cash gifts) and friends and relatives visit each other's homes to eat and celebrate.[65]
InPakistan, Eid al-Fitr is also referred to as 'the Lesser Eid' (Urdu:چھوٹی عید,chhoṭī īd,Punjabi:نکی عید,nikkī īd) or 'Sweet Eid' (Urdu:میٹھی عید,mīṭhī īd,Punjabi:مٹھی عید,miṭṭhī īd).[5] People are supposed to give obligatory charity on behalf of each of their family members to the needy or poor before Eid day or, at most, before the Eid prayer, allowing for all to share in the joy of Eid. At home, family members enjoy a special Eid breakfast with various types of sweets and desserts, includingKheer and the traditional dessertSheer Khurma, which is made of vermicelli, milk, butter, dry fruits, and dates. Eid is especially enjoyed by the kids, as they receive money in cash called "Eidi" as gift from their relatives and elders.[66] People tend to get fresh currency notes issued byState Bank of Pakistan with which they give to the children.[67]
In Bangladesh Eid is celebrated with great pomp and festivities. The preparation for Eid inBangladesh starts from the last quarter of the holy month ofRamadan. The markets and shopping malls become overwhelmed with people. Those who live away from their families for their job or livelihood, they return to their home towns and villages to celebrate the festival with family members and relatives. In theChaand Raat children gather at the open field to see theHilal (crescent moon) of the month ofShawwal. In the occasion of Chand Raat, Bangladesh Television plays the popular Bengali Eid song,O Mon Romzaner Oi Rozar Sheshe. Children make and exchange Eid cards. Girls decorate their hands withMehndi. The Bengali sweet dish,Shemai (Vermicelli) are served withRoti orParatha orLuchi as breakfast inBangladesh. Then people attend the Eid prayer inEidgah. Children do "Salam" by touching the feet of the elderly members of the family. And elders give them a small amount of money which is known as "Salami" or "Eidi", which is a major part of Eid happiness for children.Bengali dishes which are rich in flavor likeBiryani,Polao,Pitha,Kabab,Korma,Chingri Malaikari,Shorshe Ilish,Payesh,Shirni,Halwa etc. are served by the women. In rural Bengal, unmarried Bengali girls would draw butterflies on the pithas, which has long been recognised by the Bengalis as a symbol of marriage.[69] Wealthy Muslims inBangladesh also distributeZakat alms to the poor people. People visit the house of relatives, neighbour, and friends and greet each other saying "Eid Mubarak" (Happy Eid).[70]People visits Eid fairs to enjoy the occasion. The fairs are arranged on the bank of a river or under a big banyan tree near the local bazaar. The tradition of Eid procession can be traced back to the Mughal era of Old Dhaka.[71] Bangladesh has the biggest Eidgah, theGor-E-Shahid Eidgah Maidan. TheDhanmondi Shahi Eidgah is a listed archaeological site of the Department of Archaeology and has historical, architectural and heritage values.Sholakia holds the record of the largest Eid congregation in the world. On the second day of Eid, the longest running magazine showItyadi airs in Bangladesh Television. The show celebrates the richBengali culture and brings education into light.[72] In rural Bengal, folk sports competitions are organised on this occasion of Eid to create festive atmosphere.[73]
Eid is a national holiday in Nepal.Nepalese Muslims often consume the popular Nepalese dessertsewai (vermicelli pudding) to mark the occasion. It is commemorated throughout the country with large prayers, dinners and social celebrations.[74]
Pawai Obor or Torch festival in the eve of Eid inMajene Regency,West Sulawesi, Indonesia. Mass exodus, locally known asmudik, is well-known Eid culture in Indonesia as many people homecoming from urban and big cities to rural areas to celebrate the Eid.
Eid is known in Indonesia asHari Raya Idul Fitri, or more popularly asLebaran, and is anational holiday.[76] People return to their home town or city (an exodus known asmudik) to celebrate with their families and to ask forgiveness from parents, in-laws, and other elders.[77] Festivities start the night before with chanting theTakbir and lighting lamps. On the day itself, beforeEid prayer in the morning,zakat alms for the poor are distributed in the mosques. People gather with family and neighbors in traditional clothing and have a special Lebaran meal. Children are given money in colourful envelopes.[78] Later, it is common for Muslims in Indonesia to visit the graves of relatives to ritually clean the grave. Muslims also visit the living in a special ritual calledHalal bihalal sometime during or several days after Idul Fitri.[79]
In Indonesia, special dishes includeketupat,rendang,opor ayam andgulai are served with gathering with other people and give somemoney to their relatives.
Lebaran continues with drumming and street parades.[49]
InMalaysia,Singapore, andBrunei, Eid is more commonly known asHari Raya Aidilfitri (Jawi: هاري راي عيدالفطري),Hari Raya Idul Fitri,Hari Raya Puasa,Hari Raya Fitrah,Hari Lebaran and sometimes Aidilfitri.Hari Raya means 'Great Day'.[80]
It is customary for workers in the city to return to their home town to celebrate with their families and to ask forgiveness from parents, in-laws, and other elders. Forgiveness is often requested without citing any specific error to avoid arguments. This is known in Malaysia asbalik kampung (homecoming).[81]
The night before Hari Raya is filled with the sounds of takbir in the mosques or musallahs. In many parts of Malaysia, especially in the rural areas,pelita orpanjut orlampu colok (as known byMalay-Singaporeans) (oil lamps, similar to tiki torches) are lit up and placed outside and around homes, whiletiki torches themselves are also a popular decoration for that holiday. Special dishes likeketupat,rendang,lemang (a type ofglutinous rice cooked in bamboo) and Malay delicacies such as variouskuih-muih are served during this day. It is common to greet people with "Salam Aidilfitri" or "Selamat Hari Raya" which means "Happy Eid". Muslims also greet one another with "maaf zahir dan batin", which means "Forgive my physical and emotional (wrongdoings)".[82]
It is customary forMuslim-Malaysians to wear a traditional cultural clothing on Hari Raya. TheMalay variant (worn in Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei andSouthern Thailand) is known as theBaju Melayu, shirt worn with asarong known askain samping or songket and a headwear known assongkok. Malaysian women's clothing is referred to asBaju Kurung andbaju kebaya. It is a common practice however for the Malays in Singapore and Johor, Malaysia to refer to thebaju kurung in reference to the type of outfit, worn by both men and women.[83]
InMalaysia, especially in the major cities, people take turns to set aside a time foropen house when they stay at home to receive and entertain neighbours, family and other visitors. It is common to see non-Muslims made welcome during Eid at theseopen houses. They also celebrate by lighting traditionalbamboo cannonfirecrackers known asmeriam buluh, usingkerosene in large hollowbamboo tubes or Chinese imported crackers. The traditional bamboo cannon,meriam buloh, and fireworks are notoriously loud and can be very dangerous to operator, bystander and even nearby buildings. These are usually bamboo tubes 5–10 cm (2.0–3.9 in) in diameter and 4–7 m (13–23 ft) long, filled with either: water and several hundred grams ofcalcium carbide, or heated kerosene, then ignited by match.[citation needed]
In Malaysia, children are given token sums of money, also known as "duit raya", from their parents or elders.[84][85]
In Brunei, a special centrepiece is made to coming guests by young ladies of the family called thekepala meja ('head of the table') where a decorated cake is presented so any man who wished to propose and take her in marriage would cut the cake in response. Here is also where special dishes unique to this country are served, such askelupis with prawn or tahai (smokedsardinella) sambal and curry.[86]
There are almost 3 millionMuslims in Thailand. In the southernmost provinces, wearing gold on Eid is a popular practice there along with neighbouring Myanmar. In some parts of the country, Muslim residences would open their homes with food specialities to visitors.[87]
TheMuslims ofCambodia often open their homes to friends and neighbours to share food together.[88] Men, women and children dress in fine attire, while the preferred dress colour is white, symbolising the purity of the soul after a month of Ramadan.[89] It is customary during Eid for Cambodian Muslims to donate 3 kilograms of rice to the poor or disabled.[90]
Eid is also celebrated by the much smaller Muslim community ofVietnam, which makes up less than 0.1% of the population. The Muslim community in Vietnam are mostly of the same ethnic as theCham people.[91]
During Ramadan, in small towns and big villages with significant Muslim populations, Burmese Muslim youth organize singing teams called Jago (meaning "wake up"). Jago teams usually do not use musical instruments apart from the occasional use of harmonica mouth organs.[92] The roving groups of singers will take the tunes of popular Hindi movie songs, replaced with Burmese lyrics and invocations about fasting, the principles of Islam, and the benefits of Salat.[93]
Its beginning is decided by the sighting of the crescent moon (hilal), followed by morning prayers in mosques or public plazas.[100] When this occurs can sometimes differ depending on the regional government. In some places it is based on the physical sighting of thehilal; while in others it is determined by theRegional Darul Ifta' of Bangsamoro (RDI-BARMM) or theNational Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF), especially during cloudy days.[94][101][102]
The sighting of thehilal is traditionally marked by the beating of drums in some regions. In modern times, this has evolved into a noise barrage known as "Mobile Takbir", where celebrants, especially youths, rev their motorcycles or honk their horns while driving through the streets. Guns are also sometimes fired. These practices have been discouraged by theGrand Mufti ofBangsamoro and local government officials as not being in accordance with Islamic teachings as well as being dangerous and causing accidents in the past.[102][103][104]
Hariraya is characterized by the giving of gifts (known asEid), food sharing (salu-salo), and visiting the elderly and the sick.[104][105] Food, alms, and basic necessities are also donated to the poor, a practice known asFitrana orZakat al-Fitr. This is usually done a day before Eid al-Fitr.[97][106] Various traditional sweet delicacies of the different Muslim Filipino ethnic groups are served for breakfast, includingdaral,dodol,browas,tinagtag,panyalam,jampok, and so on.[107] Various activities also mark the celebrations, including dancing, boat races, horse races, andcarabao fighting in cities and towns with significant Muslim populations. InMetro Manila, the celebrations are usually held at theManila Golden Mosque and theQuirino Grandstand.[100] The celebration lasts for three days.[101]
An ethnicHui family celebrating Eid al-Fitr inNingxia
Inmainland China, out of 56 officially recognized ethnic groups, Eid al-Fitr is celebrated by at least 10 ethnic groups that are predominantly Muslim. These groups are said to total 18 million according to official statistics, but some observers say the actual number may be much higher. It is also apublic holiday in China in certain regions, including two Province Prefecture Level regions,Ningxia andXinjiang. All residents in these areas, regardless of religion, are entitled to either a one-day or three-day official holiday. Outside the Muslim-majority regions, only Muslims are entitled to a one-day holiday. In Xinjiang province, Eid al-Fitr is even celebrated by theHan Chinese population. During the holiday, supplies of mutton, lamb and beef are distributed to households as part of a welfare program funded by government agencies, public and private institutions, and businesses. InYunnan, Muslim populations are spread throughout the region. On Eid al-Fitr, however, some devotees may travel toSayyid 'Ajjal's grave after their communal prayers. There, they will conduct readings from the Quran and clean the tomb, reminiscent of the historic annual Chinese Qingming festival, in which people go to their ancestors' graves, sweep and clean the area, and make food offerings. Finally the accomplishments of the Sayyid 'Ajall will be related in story form, concluded by a special prayer service to honour the hundreds of thousands of Muslims killed during thePanthay Rebellion, and the hundreds killed during theShadian incident.[108][109][110]
The Eid al-Fitr prayer and celebration inTaiwan draws much attention from local media. Special features of the event are regularly carried out in the newspapers and aired on televisions. These phenomena gives a boost to the Islamic activities in Taiwan.[111][112] Muslims, mostlyIndonesian blue collar men and women, typically gather atTaipei Main Station to perform the prayer.[113]
TraditionalBayram wishes from the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, stating "Let us love, Let us be loved", in the form ofmahya lights stretched across theminarets of theBlue Mosque inIstanbul
InTurkey, nationwide celebrated holidays are referred to asbayram, and Eid al-Fitr is referred to as bothRamazan Bayramı ("RamadanBayram") andŞeker Bayramı ("Bayram of Sweets/Sugar"). It is a time for people to attend prayer services, put on their best clothes (referred to asbayramlık, often purchased just for the occasion), visit all their loved ones (such as relatives, neighbors, and friends), and pay their respects to the deceased with organised visits to cemeteries. It is also customary for young children to go around their neighborhood, door to door, and wish everyone a "HappyBayram", for which they are awarded candy, chocolates, traditional sweets such asbaklava andTurkish delight, or a small amount of money at every door.[114]
Mosques, minarets and public fountains tend to be lighted up for the occasion, and popular events such asSufi music concerts,dervish dancing ceremonies, andshadow puppet shows are held in the nights.[49]
late 19th or early 20th century Ottomon Eid card
Ramadan in the Ottoman era was passed with great happiness due to the existence of various kinds of entertainment. The streets would be filled with performances by musicians, magicians and other talented people that suitable for all ages, so children could enjoyed it. Poetry had a huge influence on Ottoman classical music, in fact served as basis. At iftar, they had popular song to be played that called fasil music along with some instruments such as tambourine and flute. Next, mahya illuminantions represents gratitude towards God with lamps of olive oil, barb, and ropes which would form certain sentences or images as desired. This decoration lightened up the darkness of the night with the beauty of its light.[115]
During Ramadan, many restaurants and cafes may have limited operating hours during the day and may be closed during fasting hours. In the middle of the night drummers circulate through towns and villages to wake sleepers so they can prepare Sahur, the big early-morning meal to be eaten before the fast begins again at sunrise. They tend to make their noise around 02:30 and 03:00 am, and they make sure everyone hears them.[116] Turkish people invites anyone to break the fast together in the order of inviting older relatives first, other relatives, neighbors who are quite close, and some areas that have village's leaders, teachers, and caretakers where the order has been determined by tradition.[117]
Pomaks dancing during Ramazan Bayram in a village centre inBulgaria
Albanian Muslims generally celebrate the day as with most other countries. The day is known as Fitër Bajrami or Bajrami i Madh in Albania. Worshipers attend a dawn prayer and a sermon, after which people visit each other, plan gatherings and give gifts to children.[118]Magiritsa (Greek Easter soup) andbaklava are popularly consumed.[42]
InBosnia and Herzegovina, Eid al-Fitr is locally known as Ramazanski bajram. It is a three-day public holiday. Like Albanians, worshipers attend a dawn prayer and a sermon, after which people visit each other, give gifts to children, and popularly consumebaklava.[119][120]
Eid al-Fitr (i.e. Seker Bayram, Sugar Feast) (Greek:Σεκέρ Μπαϊράμ or Ιντ αλ-φιτρ) is celebrated in Greece mainly in theWestern Thrace region from the localMuslim minority (Turks,Pomaks andRoma), along with the other two major celebrations,Kurban Bayram (Sacrifice Feast) (Greek:Κουρμπάν Μπαϊράμ or Ιντ αλ-αντχά) andHıdırellez. On the day of the Bayram, family gathers together, wear their best clothes, and celebrate with a common meal, after attending the morning prayer. The women prepare and offer sweets to family and visitors, while small children go around and pay their respects to the elderly by kissing their hands. The elder in turn reward them with candies, sweets, and small amounts of money.[121][122] Local Muslim shopkeepers close their shops this day, whileMuslim minority schools have a 5-day holiday for the feast.[122]
Russian Muslims go to festive worships at mosques in the morning of Eid al-Fitr, after which they often visit older relatives as a sign of respect. In the North Caucasian republics, children popularly go past various houses with a bag to get it filled withcandy, specially stored by locals for the celebration. In Dagestan, eggs with bright stickers is a popular traditional dish served there during Eid al-Fitr. People generally dress more during this day – women choose bright dresses withbeads while older people would wearpapakhas.[126] In many places in the country master classes are also hosted where families take part in activities such asembroidery andclay making.[126]
Although Eid al-Fitr is not a recognized public holiday in the United Kingdom,[129] many schools, businesses, and organisations allow for at least a day's leave to be taken for religious celebrations.[130][131]
In the United Kingdom, individuals take part in prayers and play games for Eid al-Fitr.[132]Blackburn Rovers F.C. had an Eid prayer on their pitch in 2022.[133]
InNew York City, alternate side parking (street cleaning) regulations are suspended on Eid. Beginning in 2016, New York City public schools also remain closed on Eid.[134] Other school districts close on Eid, including Irvington New Jersey's school district and Vermont's Burlington School District.[135]
TheUnited States Postal Service (USPS) has issued several Eid postage stamps, across several years—starting in 2001—honoring "two of the most important festivals in the Islamic calendar: Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha." Eid stamps were released in 2001–2002, 2006–2009, 2011, and 2013. They are also being issued asForever Stamps. All Eid stamps to date show the work ofMohamed Zakariya.[136][137][138][139][140]
Mosques in North America offer Eid prayer. For Eid during theCOVID-19 pandemic in the United States, some mosques required temperature checks and for participants to socially distance. Other mosques gathered at public parks to celebrate. By 2021, some Muslims were returning to mosques to pray for the holiday.[141]
The Muslim population ofTrinidad and Tobago popularly eat sawine/vermicelli, a sweet dessert, to mark the celebration,[142] but the feast also consists of curries,rotis, and chicken andcurry goat.[143] Eid al-Fitr is a public holiday in Trinidad and Tobago, having been declared in 1962.[144]
Australian Muslims celebrate Eid al-Fitr in a variety of ways depending on their specific cultural background. Many local celebrations take place in community centers and mosques.[147]
Conversion of Hijri years 1343 to 1500 to the Gregorian calendar, with first days of al-Muharram (brown), Ramadan (grey) and Shawwal (black) bolded, and Eid al-Adha dotted – inthe SVG file, hover over a spot to show its dates and a line to show the month
Although the date of Eid al-Fitr is always the same in the Islamic calendar, the date in the Gregorian calendar falls approximately 11 days earlier each successive year, since the Islamic calendar islunar and the Gregorian calendar issolar. Hence if the Eid falls in the first ten days of a Gregorian calendar year, there will be a second Eid in the last ten days of the same Gregorian calendar year, as happened in 2000 CE. The Gregorian date may vary between countries depending on the local visibility of the new moon. Some expatriate Muslim communities follow the dates as determined for the nearest Islamic country to their country of residence, while others follow the local dates of their home country.[148]
The following table shows predicted dates and announced dates based on new moon sightings for Saudi Arabia.[1]
Because the Hijri year differs by about 11 days from the AD year, Eid al Fitr can occur twice a year. The next occurrence of this will be in 2033.[155]
British Muslim soldiers and merchant seamen from India, Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Egypt, Sudan, Palestine, Transjordan, Syria, Arabia, Aden and Somaliland, performing the Eid prayers at the East London Mosque in 1941
Muslims in Singapore celebrating Eid al-Fitr
An Indonesian family celebratinglebaran with various culinary dishes specific to this holiday
^This does not always fall on the sameGregorian calendar date, as the start of any lunarHijri month varies based on when the new moon is sighted by local religious authorities.
^The day is also known as theFirst Eid or as theLesser Eid (Arabic:العيد الصغير,romanized: al-ʿĪd al-Ṣaghīr) by some Muslim communities.[5][6]
^abNiazi, M A (9 August 2013)."A 'Lesser Eid'".The Nation.Pakistan:The Nation.Archived from the original on 3 July 2020. Retrieved30 June 2020.In the subcontinent, this Eid, Eid-ul-Fitr, is known as 'Choti Eid', or the 'Lesser Eid'. This immediately sets up a contrast with 'Bari Eid', or the 'Greater Eid', which takes place just two months and a bit later. This distinction is also known in the Arab world, but by calling 'Bari Eid' bari, this Eid is already disadvantaged. It is the 'other Eid'.'Bari Eid', or Eid-ul-Azha, has the advantage of having two major rituals, as both have the prayer, but it alone has a sacrifice. 'Bari Eid' brings all Muslims together in celebrating Hajj, which is itself a reminder of the Abrahamic sacrifice, while 'Choti Eid' commemorates solely the end of the fasting of Ramazan.
^Elias, Jamal J. (1999).Islam. Routledge. p. 75.ISBN0415211654.
^Duling, Kaitlyn; Sheehan, Patricia; Ong, Jacqueline (2019).Côte d'Ivoire. Cavendish Square Publishing, LLC.ISBN9781502647351.Archived from the original on 12 May 2021. Retrieved12 May 2021.
^Blackwell, Amy Hackney (2009).Ramadan. Infobase Publishing.ISBN9781438125749.Archived from the original on 17 December 2021. Retrieved9 May 2021 – via Google Books.
^van Doorn-Harder, Nelly. "Southeast Asian culture and Islam".Encyclopedia of Islam and the Muslim world. p. 649
^"Moslems Hail a 'Great Day'".Oklahoma City Times. 1 January 1968. p. 12.Archived from the original on 20 April 2023. Retrieved20 April 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
^Neikbanzaw magazine, No. 1 & 2, December 1952 & 1953
^Interview by Khin Khin Yie with Haji U Bar Bar @ U Win Maung, composer of Jago songs, 28x81 street Mandalay. Published in Prophet Muhammad's Day Golden Jubilee magazine page 88, column 2 paragraph 2
^abLidasan, Mussolini S. (10 June 2019)."To Eid or not to Eid, again".SunStar Cagayan de Oro.Archived from the original on 15 January 2020. Retrieved15 January 2020.
^Fernandez, Edwin O. (5 June 2019)."BARMM celebrates Eid al-Fitr".Philippine Daily Inquirer.Archived from the original on 15 January 2020. Retrieved15 January 2020.
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