how do muslims celebrate eid

Eid literally means a “festival” or “feast” in Arabic. There are two major eids in the Islamic calendar per year – Eid al-Fitr earlier in the year and Eid al-Adha later. More than one billion Muslims around the world gather to celebrate Eid. The exact date Eid is dependent on a combination of the sighting of the new moon and astronomical calculations. The Eid al-Fitr celebration marks the end of the month when Muslims celebrate a successful Ramadan of fasting and worship. You will do two prostrations just like a normal prayer. Write an article and join a growing community of more than 123,000 academics and researchers from 3,941 institutions. Here's an introduction to this important feast and its partner, Eid al-Adha. Ken Chitwood, a scholar of global Islam, explains the two Islamic festivals. Each day, Muslims traditionally break their fast with a meal at sunset called the iftar. What’s wonderful is the sense of community and unity that Eid brings forth. Eid al-Adha 2021 starts on the evening of 19 July and ends on Friday 23 July. Beliefnet is a lifestyle website providing feature editorial content around the topics of inspiration, spirituality, health, wellness, love and family, news and entertainment. It is forbidden to fast on the Day of Eid. Ibrahim, however, remains unmoved and informs Ismail, who is willing to be sacrificed. Eid-al-Fitr is regarded as a time to celebrate, with Muslims gathering their friends and family to show gratitude toward God following the previous month of reflection. Action 1: Perform two Rakats behind the Imam for Eid prayer along with six additional Takbirs. Traditionally Eid is celebrated for three days and is an official holiday in Muslim-majority countries. At Eid al-Adha, many Muslims make a special effort to pray and listen to a sermon at a mosque. More about Eid al-Fitr Ramadan Muslim Islam Festival Eid al-Adha, is the “feast of the sacrifice.”, first day of the 10th month in the Islamic calendar. Action 11: When the Imam says, "Allahu Akbar" go into Sujud. But, just as Ibrahim attempts to kill his son, God intervenes and a ram is sacrificed in place of Ismail. Action 7: When the Imam says "Allahu Akbar" go into Sujud – which is prostration. Amid the reflection and rejoicing, Eid al-Fitr is a time for charity, known as Zakat al-Fitr. People greet each other with “Eid Mubarak,” meaning “Blessed Eid” and with formal embraces. In fact, the standard greeting on this occasion is ‘Eid Mubarak’ which means “have a blessed Eid.” The celebration is the perfect opportunity for the Muslims to thank Allah for helping them get through the month-long fasting during the Ramadan holiday. They also wear new clothes, visit family members and friends and may symbolically sacrifice an animal in an act known as qurbani. Furthermore, the time when Eid starts also depends on where you are in the world, and when the new moon is visible. The holiday serves as a great reminder for Muslims to be grateful for what they have, and to … Muslims break their fasting by sharing meals with family and friends in a three-day festival known as Eid al-Fitr or the Feast of Fast-Breaking. Ken Chitwood does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment. Charity to the poor is a highly emphasized value in Islam. They explain that Ramadan is the month of fasting when they give up eating and drinking during the day. A Muslim family explains that Eid is the festival at the end of Ramadan. Ramadan, the month of fasting, ends with the festival of Eid al-Fitr. Eid al-Fitr means “the feast of breaking the fast.”. Sweet dishes are prepared at home and gifts are given to children and to those in need. Muslims throughout the world will celebrate the holiday of Eid al-Fitr, a celebration at the end of Ramadan. Eid al-Fitr means "Festival of the Breaking the Fast," and occurs on the first day of the lunar month Shawwal, after the fasting month of Ramadan. The Eid prayer is performed in congregation in open areas like fields, community centers or at mosques. Read it here. It's traditional to greet passersby by saying "Eid Mubarak" ("Blessed Eid") or "Eid Sain" ("Happy Eid"). Eid al-Adha is celebrated on the 10th day of the final month in the Islamic calendar. Lecturer, Concordia College New York | Journalist-fellow, USC Center for Religion and Civic Culture, Concordia College New York. Eid is meant to be a time of joy and blessing for the entire Muslim community and a time for distributing one’s wealth. Fundamentalist Muslims, such as the Wahhabi sect, do not celebrate it. Use this time to catch your breath and relax. During Ramadan, Muslims took part in periods of fasting, devotion to prayer, purification and charitable acts. The Hui predominantly speak Chinese, while maintaining some Arabic and Persian phrases. Action 5: When the Imam says "Allahu Akbar" go into Ruku – which is the bowing position. The two Eids recognize, celebrate and recall two distinct events that are significant to the story of Islam. Action 10: Stand up straight when the Imam says, “Sami Allah huliman Hamidah”, and say "Rabbana lakal Hamd" in a low voice. The day of Eid, therefore, falls on the first day of the month of Shawwal. - you will do two prostrations. Action 8: The Imam will first recite from the Holy Quran. Eid al-Adha recalls the story of how God commanded Ibrahim to sacrifice his son Ismail as a test of faith. In Turkey and in places that were once part of the Ottoman-Turkish empire such as Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania, Azerbaijan and the Caucasus, it is also known as the, “Lesser Bayram” or “festival” in Turkish. Eid al-Fitr (1 Shawwal): The Celebration concluding Ramadan. The phrase commonly used by Muslims to wish someone a happy Eid is “Eid Mubarak”, which translates to “Blessed Eid” in Arabic. Schools, offices and businesses are closed so family, friends and neighbors can enjoy the celebrations together. Action 12: After this, you sit for the duration of Tashshahud. Once the holy month of Ramadan comes to a close, Muslims all over the world will begin celebrating Eid Al-Fitr. The holiday celebrates the conclusion of the 29 or 30 days of dawn-to-sunset fasting during the entire month of Ramadan. In addition, to the charitable donations and mosque gatherings, Muslims rejoice by visiting friends and relatives, hosting food parties and sharing delicious deserts. The Islamic calendar is a lunar calendar, and dates are calculated based on lunar phases. Similarly, it is narrated of ‘Umar about people who are able to do the hajj but do not do it, that they are not Muslims, and the apparent outward meaning is that he believed that they are kuffar. In addition, Muslims are encouraged to forgive and seek forgiveness. The footage also shows Muslims praying together before meeting with others to pray at the mosque to celebrate Eid al-Fitr. Dubai Resident Pro Filipe Azevedo Pulls Off An Incredible Finish At Ironman 70.3 Today Celebrate at the end of Ramadan. it is also known as the, “Lesser Bayram” or “festival” in Turkish. Muslims have two major holiday celebrations a year called Eid, as well as the month of Ramadan, that come at different times of the year based on the lunar calendar. Moreover, the celebration is also considered to be the ideal time for Muslims to forgive those who have wronged them. Why do Muslims fast during Ramadan? After the third Takbir, go into Ruku – remember, this is the bowing position. In places like Jordan, with its Muslim majority population, the days before Eid al-Fitr can see a rush at local malls and special “Ramadan markets” as people prepare to exchange gifts on Eid al-Fitr. In some regions, Muslims gather on hillsides to watch the moon, and celebrate once the local religious figures declare that Eid has begun. Action 14: Do not immediately get up. Ramadan this year will last 30 days and Muslims can expect to celebrate Eid Al Fitr on Thursday, May 13. Action 9: Afterwards, before going into Ruku, there will be three Takbirs. The Imam will provide a short speech. Eid ul-Fitr begins the weekend following Ramadan. The story, as narrated in the Quran, describes Satan’s attempt to tempt Ibrahim so he would disobey God’s command. Typically, Ramadan starts in May and continues until the end of June. Action 13: After the Imam ends the prayer by turning to his face to the right first and saying, "Assalamu alaikum wa Rahmatullah" and then to his left. Eid is a time when Muslims pledge their gratitude to Allah by donating money to various charities and philanthropic efforts. Eid al-Fitr is celebrated on the first day of the 10th month in the Islamic calendar. After the third Takbir, the Imam will begin reciting from the Quran. Each time the Imam says "Allahu Akbar", you should raise your hands, then place them on your sides. The other festival, Eid al-Adha, is the “feast of the sacrifice.” It comes at the end of the Hajj, an annual pilgrimage by millions of Muslims to the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia that is obligatory once in a lifetime, but only for those with means. The end of Ramadan is marked by the festival of Eid al-Fitr. Our holidays are filled with spending time with loved ones, charity, worship and other festive activities. Action 4: Listen to the recitation of the Holy Quran. Eid means festival in Arabic and the two main festivals in Islam are Eid al-Fitr (Festival of the Breaking of the Fast) and Eid ul-Adha (the Festival of Sacrifice). Editor’s note: Muslims all over the world are celebrating Eid al-Fitr, one of the religion’s principal festivals. Please also opt me in for Exclusive Offers from Beliefnet’s Partners, From time to time you will also receive Special Offers from our partners. Action 2: After the Imam has said "Allahu Akbar" the first time, you should raise your hands and follow. English alternative terms and references for Eid are: fast-breaking Eid, sweet festival, Feast of Fasting, Small Eid, Eid feast, Sugar Feast, and Eid of happiness. Thus, resulting in a 3-day long weekend to celebrate Eid Al Fitr. The idea of spiritual fasting is embraced and correlates with the new leaf the individual is essentially turning over. The day is truly a celebration because it signifies the fruits of their labor and sacrifice that took place during the Ramadan observance. Special food is prepared and friends and family are invited over to celebrate. You should follow suite and repeat. Eid al-Fitr features two to three days of celebrations that include special morning prayers. Since the Islamic calendar year is shorter than the solar Gregorian calendar year by 10 to 12 days, the dates for Ramadan and Eid on the Gregorian calendar can vary year by year. Action 3: There will be three Takbirs before the Imam begins reciting from the Quran. In case you didn’t know, Ramadan falls during the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. Literally the "Festival of Breaking the Fast," Eid al-Fitr is one of the two most important Islamic celebrations (Eid al-Adha is the other). When translated, Eid al-Fitr means “festival of breaking the fast” and marks the end of the fasting month of Ramadan. Beliefs and Teachings of Islam. The basic beliefs of Islam, including Islamic teachings about Allah/God, prophets, books of revelation, angels, heaven and hell, destiny and free will, and the creation of earth. According to custom, observant Muslims must rise before dawn and begin the day with a special prayer called the Salatul Fajr. While the United States doesn’t observe Edi with any closures or shutdowns, many employers and schools allow time off for Muslim workers and children. As well as Eid al-Fitr, Muslims celebrate Eid al-Adha each year. After that, they must brush their teeth, shower, and put on their best clothes and perfume or cologne. This graphic shows the forecasted number of Christians, Muslims, Jews, Hindus, Buddhists, religiously unaffiliated people, believers in folk religions and in … For those of you who believe and give charity – for them is a great reward.”. Thus, resulting in a 3-day long weekend to celebrate Eid Al Fitr. There is no direct call to prayer given for Eid prayer, but it consists of only two units of prayer with an additional six incantations. The worship process may seem daunting; however, reviewing it on a step by step process can remove some of the stereotypical connotations and provide a more meaningful explanation on the functionalities of ‘rakat’ (worship). Eid al Fitr is a rejoiceful day for Muslims. Raise your hands after each "Allahu Akbar." In order to understand the significance of Eid ul-Fitr, you need to know what and why Ramadan is celebrated. The religious Eid is a single day and Muslims are not permitted to fast that day. Copyright © 2010–2021, The Conversation US, Inc. Fanous, the colorful lanterns of Ramadan, light up the streets of Amman, Jordan, throughout the holy month of fasting. Usually, children receive new clothes and shoes – some families also gift cash gifts, called eidi, to their elders and relatives. While the idea of helping those less fortunate is a common thread, it’s also a goal that Muslims aim to keep in check throughout the upcoming season of life. Eid al-Adha (Arabic: عيد الأضحى ‎ ‘Īdu l-’Aḍḥā) "Festival " or "Greater Bairam" is a religious festival celebrated by Muslims all over the world. People distribute food and drinks during the Eid celebrations in Casablanca, Morocco. Action 6: Stand up straight when he says Sami Allahu liman Hamidah (translation: Allah hears those who praise Him), and say "Rabbana lakal Hamd" (translation: our Lord praise be to You) in a low voice. At that point, you should put your hands on your chest, with your right hand on top of the left. Once the holy month of Ramadan comes to a close, Muslims all over the world will begin celebrating Eid Al-Fitr. It marks the end of the month-long fast of Ramadan and the start of a feast that lasts up to three days in some countries. AP Eid al-Adha celebrations around the world Latest. In the U.S. and the U.K., Muslims may request to have the day off from school or work to travel or celebrate with family and friends. In many countries with large Muslim populations, Eid al-Fitr is a national holiday. In countries like Egypt and Pakistan, Muslims decorate their homes with lanterns, twinkling lights or flowers. Latest . This piece incorporates materials from an article first published on Aug. 28, 2017. In short, the UAE will grant a 3-day long weekend from Thursday, May 13, to Saturday, May 15 on the occasion of Eid. The Imam will recite Surah Al Fatiha (the first Surah of the Quran) and then another Surah. Practices vary from country to country. It’s disrespectful not to stay still and listen. Sign up for Beliefnet's Muslim Wisdom newsletter. The Eid prayer is generally followed by the sermon and the attendees ask Allah for forgiveness, mercy, peace and blessings for everyone in the world. What Do People Do? The Quran says, “Believe in Allah and his messenger, and give charity out of the (substance) that Allah has made you heirs of. During Eid al-Adha, Muslims slaughter an animal to remember Ibrahim’s sacrifice and remind themselves of the need to submit to the will of God. Muslims try to catch balloons distributed for free after Eid al-Adha prayers outside al-Seddik mosque in Cairo, Egypt, Tuesday, August 21. Eid al-Fitr, as it follows the fasting of Ramadan, is also seen as a spiritual celebration of Allah’s provision of strength and endurance. Follow the Imam. Many Muslims in Canada celebrate Eid al-Fitr (also known as Id al-Fitr or Eid ul-Fitr) on the first day of Shawwal in the Islamic calendar. It’s an important time for Muslims because they believe that during Ramadan the Qu’ran was revealed to mankind through the Prophet Muhammad. Eid al-Fitr is a three-day-long festival and is known as the “Lesser” or “Smaller Eid” when compared to Eid al-Adha, which is four-days-long and is known as the “Greater Eid.”. 10th day of the final month in the Islamic calendar. What is the History of Ramadan According to the Islamic belief, the Quran was first revealed to Prophet Muhammad during the Holy Month of Ramadan as he meditated in a cavern outside the Holy city of Mecca. In August, Muslims will celebrate Eid al-Adha. This represents the animal that Ibrahim sacrificed in … Muslims will gather together at the mosque for a prayer, prior to spending the day with friends and family – and wishing one another ‘Eid Mubarak’ or ‘Blessed Eid’. This is the first Takbir of the prayer. Ramadan this year will last 30 days and Muslims can expect to celebrate Eid Al Fitr on Thursday, May 13. Eid al-Fitr means “the feast of breaking the fast.” The fast, in this instance, is Ramadan, which recalls the revealing of the Quran to Prophet Muhammad and requires Muslims to fast from sunrise to sundown for a month. The Hui people are one of 56 ethnic groups recognized by China.The government defines the Hui people to include all historically Muslim communities not included in China's other ethnic groups; they are therefore distinct from other Muslim groups such as the Uyghurs. Eid al-Adha (Arabic: عيد الأضحى ‎, romanized: ʿīd al-ʾaḍḥā, lit.