Ramadhan's farewell with Eid-ul-Fitr's Welcome By Mirza Anwarulhaq Baig

Ramadhan's farewell with Eid-ul-Fitr's Welcome

By Mirza Anwarulhaq Baig

Al-Jazeerah, October 20, 2006

Now the gracious month of fasting, Ramadhan is almost sending off and leaving the precious memories whereas fantastic festival; Eid-ul-Fitr is about to come very soon. Muslim world might be waiting it impatiently.

Eid-ul-Fitr was first celebrated by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in 624 AD with his friends and relatives after the first victory of Islam over the non-believers in the battle of Badr. Eid-ul-Fitr falls on the first day of Shawwal (the tenth month in the Islamic calendar). As all months in the Islamic calendar, begin with the sighting of the new moon, (Crescent). Fasting is forbidden on this day as it marks the end of the month-long fast of Ramadhan in which Muslims should abstain from all foods, drink and sexual appetites between dawns to dusk. Eid stands for immense pleasure while Fitr means "to break" symbolizes the breaking of the fasting period.

Before the Eid prayer, every Muslim (man, women or child) must pay Fitr, (spend things or money on needy or poor). It can be given anytime during the month of Ramadhan and is often given early, so the recipient can utilise it for Eid purchasing. This is distinct to Zakat based on 2.5% of their wealth must be paid to a worthy charity.

Celebration the night before Eid is called Chand Raat, or night of moon. Women, especially young girls often paint each others' hands with traditional Mehndi, tattoos and wear colourful bangles. On the day of the celebration, Muslims get up very early and attend special prayers held only in big mosques, or in large open areas called Eid-Gah. Muslims are encouraged to dress in their best attires, new if possible. Before the prayer, the congregations loudly recite the Takbir - Allahu Akbar means God is Greatest.

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. The festivities and merriment start after the prayer with visits to the homes of friends and relatives and thanking the Creator for all blessings. Worshipers partake of some dates or a light sweet snack called Sevayyan a dish of fine, toasted vermicelli noodles and Sheer-Khurma a very testiest sweet dish made by milk, date-palm and almond. These are special Indian delicious dishes that too especially prepared for Eid-ul-Fitr.

Common greetings during this three-day festival are the Arabic greeting "Eid Mubarak", "Eid saeed" or its Urdu variation "Eid Mubarak Ho!" which means "Happy Eid!".

Elder family members give Eidi (small amount of money or gifts) to children. Women (particularly relations) are normally given special gifts by their loved ones.

Eid is a time to come together as a community and to renew friendship and family ties. Muslims embrace each other in a spirit of peace, love and brotherhood. This is a time for peace for all Muslims in the world to devote to prayers and mutual well-being. Happiness is observed at attaining spiritual uplift after a month of fasting.

Eid 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 not only celebrate but thank to God for the help and strength that he gave us throughout the previous month to help us practice self-control. Therefore, Eid-ul-Fitr is one of the precious Almighty rewards for followers.

Mirza Anwarulhaq Baig

Byculla(W), Mumbai-11

Email: anwarulhaqbaig@gmail.com

Earth, a planet hungry for peace

Apartheid Wall


The Israeli Land-Grab Apartheid Wall built inside the Palestinian territories, here separating Abu Dis from occupied East Jerusalem. (IPC, 7/4/04).

The Israeli apartheid (security) wall around Palestinian population centers in the West Bank, like a Python. (Alquds,10/25/03).

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