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Eid al-Fitr is just around the corner...
There are lots of different words used to describe ‘Eid al-Fitr’ in English. It has various names such as ‘Sweet Festival’, ‘Ramadan feast’, ‘Sugar Feast’ or ‘Eid of happiness’. In Germany, where Barbara Freres flagship store is situated, Eid is known as ‘Ramadanfest’ or ‘Zuckerfest’ in the local language. From these sweet celebratory names, one can understand that Eid al-Fitr is certainly something to be enjoyed. But what is Eid, really? And how can people, especially those from outside Islamic culture, gain an understanding of the festival and its rituals?
What is Eid al-Fitr?
Eid al-Fitr meaning, ‘festival of breaking of the fast’ in Arabic, is celebrated by Muslim people worldwide. It’s a very important religious festival, an occasion for showing gratitude to Allah and remembering Him, and it marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting. This year, Eid al-Fitr will begin in the evening of Sunday, 25th June and end in the evening of Monday 26th June.
How might Eid be spent?
Eid is important for Muslims around the world, and the celebrations can therefore vary between countries. However, there are several typical rituals observed in general.
The day of Eid begins, and the practising Muslim wakes up early and offers a pre-sunrise prayer called Salatul Fajr. Then, according to tradition and teaching they must clean the teeth using a toothbrush, shower, dress in their best clothes and apply perfume. Dressing well for Eid is not about displaying oneself or ‘showing off’, rather, it’s done because Muslims should wear the best clothes available, on Eid. The clothes should be clean and, even if they are not brand-new, should be in a good condition. Many people do choose to buy new clothes and children, especially, look forward to getting new clothes for the special day.
Practising Muslims must not fast on Eid – in fact, it’s forbidden to do so. So, many people acknowledge this by eating a sweet breakfast, traditionally dates, before going out to pray.Special Eid prayers are offered communally, in open areas such as mosques, an open-air field or park.
It’s easy to understand why people, and children in particular, look forward to Eid so much! It’s a day filled with fun, a day when people set aside differences and arguments, seeking peace and prosperity for every living thing. Families might spend Eid enjoying themselves and celebrating with delicious food, family and great fun activities, even at amusement parks or beaches and lakes. It’s seen as important to spend time together with friends and family. Children receive gifts called Eidi, and in fact gift-giving – not only between friends and relations, but between strangers, too- is a typical part of Eid.
A major part of Eid is charity, in keeping with traditional Islamic values of empathy and kindness towards those less fortunate. This can be expressed in different ways, such as giving money to the poor. In some countries, Muslims will buy large quantities of food and donate them to those who are in need.
Different Eid traditions around the world
In Turkey, on Eid al-Fitr or ‘Ramadan Bayram’ people visit loved ones’ burial sites. Children also go from door to door, (rather like in the German tradition of Saint Martin’s Day( wishing neighbours “Happy Bayram” and receiving treats.
In Indonesia, children carry torches through the streets in a ‘Lebaron’ parade and there are fireworks.
Turkey and Indonesia have large numbers of people practising Islam. In countries where Muslim people make up a small percentage of the population, such as Germany, the United Kingdom or the United States, Eid is not a public holiday so people may choose to take a day from work to celebrate in their own way. Local mosques often host celebrations, at amusement parks for example. People spend time with families, sharing food and giving gifts to one another, especially children.
We would like to wish a Happy Eid or Eid Mubarak to all our readers!
