What is Eid?
Eid in Arabic means “feast, festival, holiday.” It is the celebration of the end of Ramadan, one of Islam’s most important holidays. During this time, Muslims typically give gift to each other, visit with friends and family, attend celebrations or special events at their mosque or madrassa (Islamic school), eat delicious food like Haliya, which is a combination of rice and lentils cooked with saffron which gives it its bright yellow color. Eid also marks the end of a month considered the most important in Islamic history. The month of Ramadan is when Muslims focus on daily prayer, fasting and performing good deeds, so they need to celebrate Eid after completing this month.
Why is it celebrated, and by who?
The first three days of Eid are a celebration of the fact that Eid has come to an end. During these first three days no food or drink should be consumed, and there is a lot of praying during this time. These are the most important days because on those days, Muslims visit with friends and family and prepare for the next month by remembering their better deeds and by fasting for one day before Eid. The fourth day is usually also a day of fasting, except for children and the elderly. For Muslims, Eid should be celebrated by everyone. Those who are not Muslim or do not practice Islam must respect the holiday by not eating in public or with Muslims.
5 Key aspects of Celebrating Eid
1. Fasting
Fasting is one way of showing love towards God and His creations. Muslims who fast should use up their food on the first day of Eid and then abstain from eating or drinking any kind of food or beverage for three days. Because fasting has been part of Muslim tradition for twelve centuries, they need to keep it as one of these five pillars.
2. Praying
Muslims pray every day, but during Eid, it is different. Eid prayer is performed in congregation in the early morning. The idea behind this is that Muslims remember their faith and the importance of coming together as a community during their celebration. During this prayer they also say a special prayer. It starts with “God is Greater,” and everyone says it, usually while bowing down to God five times.
3. Spending time with family and relatives
Eid is the perfect time to visit with relatives. Everyone gets together, talks, eats, and looks forward to the Eid feasts. It is tradition in many countries that different families get together to share special meals.
4. Decorating the home
Eid is known as a time of joy, and one way that this is represented is with Ramadan decorations around the house. Homes will be decorated with lanterns and lights, especially in countries where Ramadan and Eid overlaps. Decorating their homes also helps Muslims to enjoy their celebration fully.
5. Giving to charity
Eid is a great time to give. Muslims will start giving to charity on Eid’s first day, which continues through the three days. It is important for them to always remember about their better deeds and what good deeds they have done for others throughout the month of Ramadan.
Eid is the celebration of an important month in Islamic history, and it should not be ignored or treated with disrespect. Muslims must remember that others may be celebrating, so they should show kindness and respect by not eating or drinking in public or in front of others.
