What the heck is Eid?

Answer 1

Eid ul-Fitr
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jump to: navigation, search
Eid ul-Fitr
[[Image:{{{image}}}|215px|Eid ul-Fitr]]

Official name Arabic: عيد الفطر
Also called Translation: Feast of the Breaking of the Fast, Eid, Hari Raya Aidil Fitri (Malaysia, Singapore), Idul Fitri (Indonesia), Shemai Eid (Bangladesh), Ramazan Bayramı (Turkey)
Observed by Muslims
Type Religious
Significance Marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting
Begins {{{begins}}}
Ends {{{ends}}}
Date 1 Shawwal
Gregorian Date (2006) October 24
Celebrations Eating with Family and Friends, Gift-Giving, Carnivals, Partying
Observances Prayer
Related to Eid ul-Adha, the other Islamic festival, which occurs approximately seventy days later
Eid ul-Fitr (Arabic: عيد الفطر), often abbreviated as simply Eid, sometimes spelled Eid al-Fitr in the Roman alphabet, is an Islamic holiday that marks the end of Ramadan, the month of fasting. Fitr means "to break" and therefore symbolizes the breaking of the fasting period and of all evil habits. On the day of the celebration, a typical Muslim family gets up very early and attends special prayers held only for the occasion in big mosques, in large open areas, stadiums or arenas. The prayer is generally short, and is followed by a khutba. The festivities and merriment start after the prayers with visits to the homes of friends and relatives and thanking the Creator for all blessings. Eid is a time to come together as a community and to renew friendship and family ties. This is a time for peace for all Muslims in the world to devote to prayers and mutual well-being.

It is a joyous occasion with important religious significance. Happiness is observed at attaining spiritual uplift after a month of fasting. Muslims dress in holiday attire. After attending the special congregational prayer in the morning, worshippers greet and embrace each other in a spirit of peace, love, and brotherhood. Visiting friends and relatives is common.

For Muslims, Eid ul-Fitr is a joyful celebration of the achievement of enhanced piety. It is a day of forgiveness, moral victory and peace, of congregation, fellowship, brotherhood and unity. Muslims are not only celebrating the end of fasting, but thanking their God for the help and strength that they believe he gave them throughout the previous month to help them practice self-control.

Common greetings during this three-day festival are the Arabic greeting "Eid mubarak", "Eid saeed" or its Urdu variation "Eid mubarak!" which, loosely translated, means "Happy Eid!". In many parts of Southeast Asia, it is common to greet people with "Selamat Hari Raya" which means "Happy Eid" in Malay.

Contents [hide]
1 History
2 Timing
3 Traditions and Practices
3.1 Eid ul-Fitr in the USA and Canada
3.2 Eid ul-Fitr in Malaysia and Singapore
3.3 Eid ul-Fitr in Indonesia
3.4 Eid ul-Fitr in India and Pakistan
3.5 Eid ul-Fitr in Bangladesh
3.6 Eid ul-Fitr in Iran
4 Eid ul-Fitr in the Gregorian Calendar
5 References
6 See also
7 External links



[edit]
History
Part of a series of articles on

Islam



History of Islam

Beliefs and practices
Oneness of God
Profession of Faith
Prayer • Fasting
Pilgrimage • Charity

Major figures
Muhammad • Ali
Abu Bakr • Umar
Household of Muhammad
Companions of Muhammad
Prophets of Islam

Texts & Laws
Qur'an • Hadith
Jurisprudence • Theology
Biographies of Muhammad
Esotericism (Sufism) • Exotericism (Sharia)

Branches of Islam
Sunni • Shi'a • Ibadi

Societal aspects
Academics • Theology
Philosophy • Science
Art • Architecture • Cities
Calendar • Holidays
Women • ..in the Qu'ran
Leaders • Politics
Islamism • Liberalism


See also
Vocabulary of Islam


This box: view • talk • edit
The first Eid was celebrated in 624 CE by the Islamic prophet Muhammad with his friends and relatives after the victory of the Battle of Badr.

[edit]
Timing
The holiday follows the month of Ramadan, falling on the first day of Shawwal (the tenth month in the Islamic calendar). As with all months in the Islamic calendar, it begins with the sighting of the new moon. For this reason there may be regional differences in the exact date of Eid, with some Muslims fasting for 29 days and some for 30 days.

Eid ul-Fitr commemorates the end of the month of Ramadan. Fasting is forbidden on this day as it marks the end of the month-long fast of Ramadan. A Muslim is encouraged to rise early and partake of some dates or a light, sweet snack, significant because for the past 30 days they have abstained from all food and drink from dawn till dusk. It may come as a surprise to many non-Muslims, but many people feel a sense of loss or sadness at the passing of Ramadan.

[edit]
Traditions and Practices
Muslims are encouraged to dress in their best clothes, new if possible, and to attend a special Eid prayer that is performed in congregation at mosques or open areas like fields, squares etc. Before the prayer the congregation recites the Takbir:

Allahu akbr, Allahu akbr
la illaha ila Allah,
wa Allahu akbr, Allahu akbr
wa lillah hilhamd
God is Greatest, God is Greatest
There is no deity but [the One] God
God is Greatest, God is Greatest
and to Him goes all praise
The Takbir is recited after confirmation that the moon of Shawwal is sighted on the eve of the last day of Ramadan. It continues until the start of the Eid prayer. Before the Eid prayer begins every Muslim (man, women or child) must pay Zakat al Fitr, an alms for the month of Ramadan. This equates to about 2 kg of a basic foodstuff (wheat, barley, dates, raisins, etc.), or its cash equivalent, and is (typically) collected at the mosque. This is distributed by the mosque to needy local Muslims prior to the start of the Eid prayer. It can be given anytime during the month of Ramadan and is often given early, so the recipient can utilise it for Eid purchases. This is distinct to Zakat based on their wealth which must be paid to a worthy charity. This is calculated at 2.5% of their wealth.

The Eid prayer (salah) is followed by the khutba (sermon) and then a prayer (dua') asking for forgiveness, mercy and help for the plight of Muslims across the world. It is then customary to embrace the persons sitting on either side of you as well as your relatives, friends and acquaintances.

Children are normally given gifts or money. Women (particularly relations) are normally given special gifts by their loved ones. Eid is also the time for reconciliations. Feuds or disputes, especially between family members, are often settled on Eid.

[edit]
Eid ul-Fitr in the USA and Canada
American and Canadian Muslims in North America typically celebrate the day in a quiet way. Because the day depends on the sighting of the moon, observing families are often not aware that the next day will be Eid until the night before. Most check with members of the community to see if the moon has been sighted by anyone. Different methods for determining the end of Ramadan and the beginning of Shawwal are used in each particular community. Because the day is determined by the natural phenomenon of sighting the crescent moon, the East Coast may celebrate Eid on a different day than the West Coast.

To determine the day of Eid, the crescent moon must be sighted directly, however some people choose to base the sighting on scientific calculations. Typically, the end of Ramadan is announced accordingly via e-mail, postings on websites or chain phone calls to all members of a community. Usually working people make arrangements for a lighter work day on the days that may possibly be the Eid day. But many North American Muslims cannot take the whole day off. A typical Muslim family in the USA or Canada will wake up very early in the morning and have a small breakfast. Getting ready often consists of getting dressed in fancy clothing for those who are off all day, and work clothing for those who cannot have the day off.

Next the family will go to the nearest congregational prayer. The prayer may be held at the local mosque, hotel ballroom, arena or stadium. The prayer is often led by a lay person in the community who is respected because of his character and breadth of knowledge of Islam. Often these prayers are held in shifts. The first prayer at 7 am the second at 9 am and the third at 11 am. After prayers, the Muslims disperse. Some have to go to work, others have the day off and spend the time visiting friends and family. Many Muslim families have Eid ul Fitr open houses on that day. Muslim children who attend public school often take the day off and spend it with members of the family who are able to take the day off. The day is spent thanking the Creator for all our blessings.

Because North American Muslims come from all parts of the world, not any one particular food is served on that day. Muslims believe that all blessings come from God, but each family typically has a feast with foods of their particular heritage. For example, an Pakistani-American-Muslim family would have traditional South Asian food, whereas an African-American-Muslim family would have a roast with the sides and an Arab-American-Muslim family would have Arab cuisine. An intermarried, bicultural family would have food from both cultures on that day. Often a Muslim North American family will visit the homes of friends of many heritages on that day. A typical Muslim family might have an Asian breakfast, an Indian lunch and an Irish dinner all in one day.

[edit]
Eid ul-Fitr in Malaysia and Singapore
Main article: Hari Raya Aidilfitri
In Malaysia and Singapore, Eid is also commonly known as Hari Raya Aidilfitri or Hari Raya Puasa. Hari Raya literally means Day of Celebration. Muslims in Malaysia and Singapore celebrate Eid like other Muslims throughout the world. It is the biggest holiday in Malaysia, and is the most awaited one. Shopping malls and bazaars will be filled with people days ahead of Hari Raya, causing a distinctive festive atmosphere throughout the country. Many banks, government and private offices will be closed on this day, which at many time lasts until a week.

The night before Eid will be filled with the takbir which is held in the mosques or musollas. In many parts of Malaysia, especially in rural areas, oil lamps or pelita will be lit up in house compounds. Eid also witnesses a huge migratory pattern of the Muslims, from big metropolitan cities to rural areas. This is known as balik kampung — literally going back to home town to celebrate Eid with one's parents. Special dishes like ketupat, a type of rice cake; lemang and other Malay delicacies are served during this day.

It is customary for Malays to wear traditional Malay costumes on the Eid. The dress for men is called baju melayu which is worn together with songket while the women's are known as baju kurung and baju kebaya. It is also common to see non-Malay Muslims wear costumes of their culture.

Once the prayer is completed, it is also common for Muslims in Malaysia to visit the grave of their loved ones. During this visit, they will clean the grave, perform the recital of the Ya-Seen, a chapter (surah) from the Qur'an and also perform the tahlil ceremony. All these are done in hope that their loved ones are blessed by Allah and they are spared from the punishment in the afterlife. Muslims will also seek forgiveness from each other, forgetting past sins and renewing their relationship with others. In both countries, the most common greeting is "maaf zahir dan batin", simply meaning 'I seek forgiveness from my heart and soul'.

The rest of the day is spent visiting relatives, or serving visitors. Eid ul-Fitr is a very joyous day for children for this is the day where adults are extra generous. Children will be given token sums of money, also known as "duit raya" from their parents or elders [1] [2].

[edit]
Eid ul-Fitr in Indonesia
In Indonesian the feast is named Hari Raya Idul Fitri. Hari Raya literally means The Great Day of (Celebration) . Sometimes, there are different statements on when the day falls, especially between Muhammadiyah and Nahdlatul Ulama, because people use different techniques to determine it. Almost all of the people follows the government of Indonesia's statement and such differences do not get in the way of people celebrating. This event is recognized as national holiday and starts a few days before Idul Fitri and lasts some days after it. Schools also have different schedule for the holiday as many Islamic schools usually make it a longer holiday.

Another interesting Idul Fitri tradition in Indonesia is mudik that usually applies to urbanites who came to Jakarta from the other provinces of Java or other islands in Indonesia. Before Idul Fitri comes, people will go back to their hometowns where their relatives, sometimes including their parents, reside. This event often causes crowding in airports, seaports, and bus stations while some who are travelling by car are trapped in the traffic jam for hours. For little children, asking for money as well as forgiveness from relatives is common to motivate them. Many, especially in the cities, also use the term angpau for the money just like Chinese people do.

[edit]
Eid ul-Fitr in India and Pakistan
In Pakistan, celebration the night before Eid is called Chand Raat, or night of the moon. Women, especially young girls often paint each others' hands with traditional mehndi (henna) and wear colorful bangles. One of the special dishes in India, Pakistan and Fiji is savayya, a dish of fine, toasted vermicelli noodles [3]. Elder family members give eidi (small amount of money or gifts) to children. After attending the mosque in the early morning, family members and relatives visit each other, attend many joyous parties, feasts, special carnivals and parks (with picnics, fireworks, etc.), and exchange gifts with each other. In Pakistan and India, many bazaars, malls, and restaurants get crowded with people.

[edit]
Eid ul-Fitr in Bangladesh
In Bangladesh, Eid ul-Fitr is celebrated with great enthusiasm and excitement. In this day everyone tries to wear new dress and prepare foods to match the festive mood. Chand Raat is also celebrated in the night before the Eid day. As soon as the appearence of the new moon affirms the next day as Eid day, the whole country bursts into what called a gala. People rush into markets to do the last time shopping. women, especially young girls, paints their hands with mehendi (henna). Young boys starts their celebration with Potka(exploding snack) and tarabati.

The preparation to celebrate the Eid day runs almost the whole month of ramadan, and it reaches its peak in the chand raat and lasts at least for the next couple of days. In Bangladesh, Eid ul-Fitre is a national holiday.

[edit]
Eid ul-Fitr in Iran
In the predominantly Shia culture of Iran, Eid is a highly personal event, and celebrations are often more muted. Called Eideh Fitr by most Iraninans, charity is important on that day. Typically, each Muslim family gives food to those in need. Often meat or ghorbani, which is an expensive food item in Iran, will be given by those in wealthier families to those who have less. Payment of fitra is obligatory for each Muslim. The tradition in many families holds that for each member of your household on the day of Eid, one person outside of your family needs to be fed. Many Iranian families have chelo kabab, which is skewered meat served with white rice, grilled tomatoes, herbs and yogurt on that day. Thanking God for all blessings is top on the list of activities for the day. The day is a national holiday. So most people spend the day at home or visiting family or going for outings in the areas around the big cities.

Answer 2

Can u ask the question lil bit more polite?
BTW..
There are two kind of Eid festival:
1)Eid Fitri = the religious festival for Muslim to celebrate after a month of fasting in the month Ramadhan (it just other festival in the world,Christmas, Chinese New Year, Deepavali, Thanksgiving day)

2)Eid Adha = festival to celebrate & remember the history event of Nabi Ibrahim a.s by the Muslim people

These two events are usually celebrate moderately every single year. It is also the time where to make the relationship amongst the family & friends even closer.

Answer 3

You're all way off, half baked at best. Eid is an Islamic festival. However, there are two Eids:
* Eid-ul-Fitr - this is a festival marking the end of the month of Ramadhan (the one where Muslims fast for thirty days)
* Eid-ul-Adha - this is usually held about ten weeks after Eid-ul-Fitr, and is the one where animal sacrifices are made, in the form of goats, sheep, cows or camels (that last one in Arab lands). During this festival, Muslims remember how Abraham (Ibrahim) followed God's commands and was about to sacrifice his son, Ishmael (or Isaac in the Bible), when God, happy in the knowledge that Abraham was a willing servant, interrupted the sacrifice and put a goat in Ishmael's place, thus saving him as a reward for Abraham's faithfulness. In Muslim countries, a share of the sacrificed meat is given to the poor.

Answer 4

It is an Islamic celebration and there is two Eids. One after Ramadan and the other follows the first Eid by approximately two months in fact the decision made for the first Eid is by seeing the moon to stop syam and the other Eid which is related to alhaj where people how has money to buy a sheep and to apportion it to poor people.

Answer 5

The word Eid can mean several things:

There are two Islamic festivals of Eid:
One is called Eid ul-Fitr that marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan,
The other is Eid ul-Adha which is celebrated to commemorate Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son for God.
The municipality of Eid in Norway

Answer 6

Eid is a muslim day of celebration... just like how christians have christmas... jews have hannukah... hindu's have diwali...
they only have 2 eids a year... one is after ramadan (a month in which they fast everyday from dawn till dusk) and the other eid is after the month in which many people perform Hajj (religious pilgrimage to mecca)

Answer 7

eid is a muslim holiday there r two eid
eid al futr whuch the muslims celebrate right after ramadhan
eid al adha the muslims celebrate it to remind us about a sacrifice that the prophet abeaham in arabic ibrahim did and the muslims should sacrifice a animal
from time to time the date of eid chaNGE EVERY YEAR
so it not like chrustmas ect which has only one day per year 0n th 25

Answer 8

Muslims celebrate two Eids in 1 moon year which is10 days short of a regular year.one after 30 days of fasting and 2nd after the Hajj (pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca).

Answer 9

Eid is celebrated after the fasting month of the muslims. Its like their own kind of x-mas.
An islamic holiday that is celebrated at the end of Ramadan

Answer 10

EID
The electronic identity card is an official an electronic proof of one's identity. It also enables the possibility to sign electronic documents with a legal signature.

The identity card has the format of a regular bankcard, with basic identity information in visual format, such as personal details and a photograph.

Chip contents
The eID card has also a chip containing :

the same information as legible on the card
the address of the card holder
the identity- and signature keys and certificates

Answer 11

hey im not tryin to be a fob
but grow up and speak right
i dont mind tellin u that there are two types of eid
one where we fast for a month from sunrise to sunset without even water.
and this is to help us realize how the poor feel and to help them.
the other we sacrifice goat or sheep and worship allah
by remembering when one of the prophets was teste dto sacrifice his son but god stopped hinm and made him sacrifice a goat instead.
so its a tradition to do that. plus u get money on the first eid. if ur a kid and if some1 gives it 2 u..which they should.
i got hundreds of dollars like this.im not greedy its just fun. short summary.
thanks 4 listening!