The festival of Eid al-Fitr, meaning the Festival of Fast-breaking, is an important religious holiday celebrated by Muslims worldwide that marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting (it is believed that the Quran was first revealed to Prophet Muhammed this month), and signals the beginning of Shawwal (the tenth month in the Islamic lunar calendar).
There are actually two Eid holidays during the year: Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha. Eid-ul-Fitr is in fact, the earlier of the two official holidays celebrated within Islam.
The holiday is known under various other names in different languages and countries around the world. The day is also called Lesser Eid, or simply Eid.
Quick fact! During Eid, one of the most common things people say to one another is “Eid Mubarak!”. Eid Mubarak is an Arabic term directly translating to "Blessed feast/festival”.
How is Eid celebrated around the globe?
Worldwide, Eid is celebrated in different ways. For example, it's a one-day celebration in some countries, while in others it is marked over three days. Eid is a public holiday in many countries, including the UAE, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, Indonesia and Pakistan.
There are also some fundamental parts of Eid al-Fitr that are recognized all over the world. For example, one of the five pillars of Islam is giving to charity, or Zakat. At Eid, there is a specific type of charitable giving called Zakat al-Fitr. Donation can actually be given on any day of Ramadan, and up until the morning of Eid Al Fitr (before the fajr/dawn prayer).
The Eid morning prayer happens just after dawn and is very important and considered compulsory for all those who are able to complete the prayer. Besides, building and maintaining a sense of community is an important and age-old part of Eid al-Fitr.
Eid Mubarak to you all celebrating Eid from the YOKO Team!
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