During Ramadaan, Muslims are expected to
put more effort into following the teachings of Islam and
to avoid obscene and irreligious sights and sounds.
Purity of both thoughts and actions is important.
The act of fasting is intended to redirect the heart away
from worldly activities, its purpose being to cleanse the
inner soul and free it from harm.
It also teaches Muslims to practice self-discipline, self-control,
sacrifice, and empathy for those who are less fortunate;
thus encouraging actions of generosity and charity.
Id-ul-Fitr or Eid-ul-Fitr celebrates
the end of the fast, and literally means The Festivities
of Breaking the Fast.
It is haraam (forbidden) for Muslims to fast on the day
of Id-ul-Fitr and typically they would rise before
sunrise, perform the early morning prayer (Fajr), then have
a small breakfast before joining the congregation to perform
the Eid Prayer.
It is a Sunnah (habit or usual practice)
that the Sadaqah-ul-fitr, an obligatory charity,
is paid to the poor and the needy before performing the
Eid prayer.
The Eid prayer is not compulsory (Fard),
but is considered Wajib (Obligatory).
However, it is Haraam (Forbidden) to walk about or talk
during the time of the prayer, and while the Imam is delivering
the Khutbah (Sermon) after the prayer.
After the prayer, it is customary for Muslims
to go and greet their relatives, neighbours and friends,
and, after thirty days of fasting, it goes without saying
that there is a lot of feasting going down.
This is what a true briyani feast looks like. Arab
style!
|
|
The common greeting for Id-ul-Fitr is ‘Id
mubaarak (Blessed Eid) or ‘Id sa‘id'
(Happy Eid)
