~ Muslim Festival ~

[MysteRy]

Muslim Festival

Muslims in India observe all the Islamic festivals that are celebrated in other parts of the world. In addition to the festivals, the days commemorating shrines in India and death anniversaries of saints, are also observed with religious fervor. All the Muslim festivals and observances in India follow the Islamic calendar, which has fewer days than the solar year. Therefore, each year, the dates of Muslim festivals keep changing. The important Muslim festivals that are celebrated in India, include Ramzan (Ramadan), Muharram, Id-e-Milad and Bakr-Id. The celebrations of the auspicious occasions are marked by special prayers offered in mosques, fasting, feasting and exchange of wishes.

The most important Muslim festival in India is Ramzan, which extends through the Islamic month of the same name. It acquires the character of a nationwide fair, with the Muslim areas becoming bright and lively towards the evening and remaining awake almost throughout the night. All through the days of celebrations, people following Islam would observe stringent fast, which is broken only in the dusk, after offering prayers to the Almighty. There is a fixed timing for every ritual performed for the festivals. People belonging to other communities enthusiastically take part in the merrymaking, which represents unity in diversity prevalent in India.

All the prominent Muslim festivals are celebrated with religious fervor, in India. Ramzan finds special place in the calendar of events. Holiday is declared in educational institutions and government offices, on the occasion of Ramadan. Bakra-Eid is the 'feast of sacrifice', celebrated from the tenth to the twelfth day in the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah. Celebrated after the fasting month of Ramzan, Ramadan encompasses a number of rituals that are performed on specific time. Muharram commemorates the martyrdom of Prophet Mohammed's grandson, Imam Hussain.

Muslim Festivals Calendar 2012

FEB 2012    04   Saturday   Milad un Nabi (Birthday of the Prophet), Sunni
                       09    Thursday   Milad un  Nabi,Shia
JUL 2012     20   Friday   Ramadan Begins
AUG 2012   19   Sunday   Id-Ul-Fitr, Ramadan Ends
OCT 2012   26   Friday   Eid-Ul-Adha
DEC 2012   15   Thursday    Al-Hijira/ Muharram  begins
                       24 Saturday   Ashura

[MysteRy]

Bakra Eid

The feast of Bakra-Id is an occasion to give and to sacrifice. It is a day to thank the Almighty for one's good fortune and to share it with the less fortunate people. Eid al-Adha or Id-ul-Azha, as it is known in Arabic, translates as 'the feast of sacrifice'. Traditionally, Bakra-Id is marked by the slaughtering of animals as sacrificial offerings, after which the meat is distributed among the needy and deprived. It is celebrated to commemorate the willingness of Hazrat Ibrahim to sacrifice his son Ismail at the behest of Allah. Hence, on this day just like Ibrahim, a true follower of Islam is expected to sacrifice something that is dear to him.

The animal sacrifices made during Bakra-Id are mainly to provide food to the poor and deprived and to mark the noble act of Ibrahim. This spirit of sacrifice is what truly underlines the spirit of Bakra-Id. Incidentally; the day also coincides with the day when the holy Quran was declared complete. Bakra-Id is celebrated from the tenth to the twelfth day in the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah. Every year, while pilgrims to the Mount of Mina make animal sacrifices as part of the pilgrimage rituals, Muslims the world over celebrate Bakra-Id in a similar fashion. A goat, sheep, camel or any other four-legged animal is slaughtered during one of these three days.

Festivities mark the first day, when people wear new clothes, offer prayers at the mosque, and greet friends and relatives. The celebrations are carried on through three days to ensure that the entire Muslim community partakes in the noble of act of giving and sharing. Bakra-Id is celebrated all over India with much zeal and gusto, as it is in the rest of the Islamic world. The name Bakra-Id is most popular in India. However in Arabic, the feast is usually referred to as Id-ul-Azha or Id-ul-Zuha.

[MysteRy]

Bakra Eid Date

Bakra Eid or Eid al-Adha is celebrated with great solemnity and reverence across the world to commemorate Prophet Ibrahim’s faith and belief in God, as he agreed to sacrifice his beloved son at the order of God. The holy festival also marks the close of the Hajj, the annual pilgrimage undertaken by millions of Muslims every year in Mecca. The entire world gets engaged in sacrificing domestic animals as part of the festival’s celebrations. Preparations for the occasion start days before the festival arrives. Domestic animals, such as goat, sheep, lamb, cow or camel, are brought to houses well in advance and well taken care of. Bakra Eid is a movable festival and celebration of the same depends on the appearance of the moon. As such, the date of the festival does not remain the same as per the Gregorian calendar, though it falls on the same day according to the Islamic calendar.

When Is Eid al-Adha
Eid al-Adha is celebrated on the 10th day of the twelfth month of Dhul Hijjah as per the Hijri calendar. While this date is the same in the Islamic calendar, the date changes from year to year on the Gregorian calendar. The reason for the difference in these dates is that the Islamic calendar is a lunar calendar, while the Gregorian calendar is a solar calendar. Hence, the lunar calendar is eleven days shorter of the solar calendar. Therefore, the date of Eid al-Adha shifts back 10 or 11 days in the Gregorian calendar. Moreover, the festival is celebrated on two different Gregorian dates in different parts of the world, due to the visibility of the crescent moon at different times.

At the Hajj pilgrimage, after completing the Hajj, millions of pilgrims reach the grounds of Mina on Bakra Eid where they sacrifice an animal. The animals that are deemed Halal or fit for sacrifice are only slaughtered. After doing so, men shave their heads, while women cut a small portion of hair from their braid. The meat is divided into three equal portions. The first part is consumed by the family, while the second portion is distributed among friends and relatives and the third portion is given to the poor and needy. The sacrifice or Qurbani is made to show an individual’s faith and belief in Allah. This religious festival is carried out for three days in Saudi Arabia as well as other parts of the world.

Bakra Eid 2012: 26 October.

[MysteRy]

Bakra Eid Celebration

Bakra Eid, better known as Eid al-Adha in Arabic, is one of the most popular Muslim festivals celebrated by the Muslim community worldwide annually. The festival is all about giving and sacrificing in the name of Allah. This religious festival falls on the 10th day of the month of Dhul Hijjah in the lunar Islamic calendar and continues till the 12th day. The occasion is marked by the slaughtering of domestic animals and distributing the meat to the needy and deprived. It also coincides with the closing of the annual pilgrimage of Muslims, Hajj that takes place in Mecca in Saudi Arabia.

How Eid al-Adha Is Celebrated
The celebrations of Eid al-Adha begin after the Hajj is completed. The 10th day of the month of Dhul Hijjah is marked as the first day of Bakra Eid. This day is celebrated with great enthusiasm, magnificence and grandeur across the globe. On this morning, Muslims dress in their best and new clothes and move out to offer prayers in various mosques. After offering prayers, people exchange greetings with one another by hugging and wishing “Eid Mubarak”. They, then, begin their day with eating breakfast, which usually starts off with a sweet preparation, mainly Sheer Kurma or Sevaiyan.

Soon after completing breakfast, it is time for sacrifice of domestic animals. Only animals that have been deemed Halal or allowed for sacrifice are slaughtered. Such domestic animals include goat, sheep, lamb, ram, camel, cow, buffalo, and others. While most people purchase them well in advance and take good care, others prefer purchasing the animal at the time of slaughtering. The slaughtering can be carried out from the morning of the 10th day to just after afternoon on the 12th day.

The meat of the animal so slaughtered is divided into three equal portions. While the first part is consumed by the family, the other two parts are distributed among neighbors and friends, family members and poor people. While distributing the meat of the slaughtered animal, people greet one another and feast on sumptuous and delicious delicacies prepared on this day. The festival gives one an opportunity to meet near and dear ones and get closer. Special gatherings and parties are organized on this special season. Also, a number of outings and picnics are especially planned during these three days. Muslims across the world indulge in spreading joy and happiness through celebrating this festival.

[MysteRy]

Bakra Eid in Different Languages

Bakra Eid or Eid al-Adha is one of the most significant festivals celebrated by the Muslims worldwide with great zeal and enthusiasm. This religious festival marks the readiness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son on the orders of God. This served as a test on part of Ibrahim for his strong faith and belief in God. While coinciding with the hajj pilgrimage, Bakra Eid is celebrated across three days by slaughtering domestic animals, such as goat, lamb, sheep, cow, buffalo, camel and so on. Muslims, spread across the world, use different languages and dialects to communicate with one another. Hence, Bakra Eid, too, is referred to in various languages. Find the different names for Eid al-Adha in the following lines.

Different Names For Eid al-Adha
Eid al-Adha is an Arabic term symbolizing “festival of sacrifice”. This term has been used in different Indic languages, such as Hindi, Urdu, Guajarati and Bengali and Austronesian languages like Malay and Indonesian. Qurban is another term for sacrifice in Arabic. This term is used as “Eyde Ghorban” in Dari Persian - Afghanistan and Iranian dialect of Persian. The same term has been translated into “Idi Qurbon” in Tajik Persian, “Qurban ayt” in Kazakh, “Qurban Heyit” in Uyghur, and into various other Indic languages.

This Arabic word “Qurban” has been combined with various local languages to form a term for “festival”, such as Cejna Qurbanê in Kurdish, Kurbaneyy Akhtar in Pashto, Gúerbang Jié in Chinese, Hari Raya Korban in Malay and Indonesian, and Kurban Bayrami in Turkish. This Turkish term is also used in other languages, such as Qurban Bayrami in Azeri, Qorban Bäyräme in Tatar, and Kurban-bajram in Bosnian and Croatian.

Bakra Eid is also known as Id ul-Kabir in Arabic which means “Greater Id/Festival” while the “Lesser Eid” is Eid al-Fitr. This term is used in countries like Yemen, Syria and North African countries of Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya and Egypt. This term is directly used as Aïd el-Kebir in French. “Big Eid” or “Greater Eid” is also translated in other languages, such as Loy Akhtar in Pashto, Baed Eid in Kashmiri, Ba?a Id in Hindi and Urdu, Bali Perunnal in Malayalam and Peru Nal in Tamil.

Since Bakra Eid marks the end of the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca, the day has been referred to as Hari Raya Haji or Hajj celebration day or Lebaran Haji in Malay and Indonesian, and Hajji Peru Nal in Tamil. Eid al-Adha or Id ul-Adha is commonly known as Baqra Id or Baqri Id in Urdu as baqarah or baqri refers to goat, one of the most sacrificed animals. This is known as Bakr Eid Peru Nal in Tamil. The Chinese language refers this festival as Zaisheng Jié or “Slaughter-livestock Festival”, Berber language of Jerba as Tfaska Tamoqqart, West African languages as Tabaski or Tobaski, Nigerian languages as Babbar Sallah and Somali language as ciida gawraca.

Other popular names of Eid al-Adha in local languages across the Muslim world include Festival of Sacrifice in English, Opferfest in German, Offerfeest in Dutch, Sarbatoarea Sacrificiului in Romanian and Áldozati ünnep in Hungarian.

[MysteRy]

Bakra Eid Traditions

The festival of Bakra Eid, also known as Eid ul-Azha, Eid ul-Zuha, Eid al-Adha and Bakrid, is a grand celebration for Muslims all around the world. This religious festival commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his beloved, his son, to God at His order. The occasion is all about showcasing one’s belief and trust in God. The day also marks the completion of the Hajj pilgrimage performed by millions of Muslims in Mecca in Saudi Arabia. Celebrated from the 10th to the 12th day in the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah, people observe this occasion with great fun, fervor, enthusiasm and magnificence. There are a number of traditions and customs associated with Bakra Eid that all Muslims should follow to celebrate the festival. To know more about the traditions and rituals of Bakra Eid, go through the following lines.

Eid al-Adha Rituals
On the morning of Bakra Eid, people wake up early and clean themselves thoroughly. They, then, wear finest and beautiful clothes and proceed towards an open space or the mosque in a large congregation for offering Eid prayers. Once the prayers have been offered, people return home to indulge in sumptuous breakfast, which usually consists of sheer kurma or sevaiyan. Post breakfast, they move ahead with sacrificing their domestic animals that are bought days in advance or purchased on the same day. The animals to be slaughtered should fulfill certain age and quality standard, else the animal is considered to be an unacceptable sacrifice.

Only the animals that are considered to be Halal by Islam can be sacrificed. These animals can be goat, sheep, ram, lamb, cow, camel or any four legged animal. As per the rituals, any Muslim who owns more than 400 grams of gold or who can afford to consume two square meals a day is required to perform a sacrifice or Qurbani. After the animal is slaughtered, the meat is divided into three equal parts as per the customs. The first part is consumed by the family while the second portion is distributed to neighbors, friends and relatives and the third portion is given to the poor and deprived people.

The animals can be slaughtered from the morning of the 10th day to just after afternoon on the 12th day. People take this opportunity of distributing meat to meet their near and dear ones and exchange greetings with them. Luxurious and scrumptious dishes are cooked on this day traditionally and served to guests and family visiting homes. They are accompanied by delicious desserts and beverages prepared for the day.

[MysteRy]

Significance Of Bakra Eid

Bakra Eid or Eid al-Adha is one of the major religious festivals celebrated every year by the Muslim community across the world as per the Hijri calendar. Just like Ramadan and Eid ul-Fitr, Bakra Eid too is celebrated with grand enthusiasm and magnificence. This holy occasion is observed from the 10th to the 12th day of the twelfth month of Dhul Hijjah in the Islamic calendar. The festival commemorates the faith of Prophet Ibrahim in God, when he agreed to sacrifice his son upon the order by God. People wear new and clean clothes, offer prayers, greet one another and move ahead for sacrificing domestic animals. These animals are slaughtered and the meat is distributed to the needy and among family and friends. Read on further to know more about what Bakra Eid is and the importance of celebrating it.

What Is Eid al-Adha
The Holy Quran perfectly explains the significance of celebrating Eid al-Adha with such immense splendor and grandeur. On the pretext of testing Prophet Ibrahim’s faith, God appeared in Ibrahim’s dreams and asked him to sacrifice his most beloved possession. Ibrahim truly loved his son, Ismail and hence, had no option but to sacrifice him. Thus, Ibrahim along with Ismail started making their way up to the mount of Mina near Mecca. As it was impossible to see his son dying in front of his eyes, Ibrahim blindfolded himself and raised the sharp sword. While reciting Allah’s name, Ibrahim beheaded his son. He opened his eyes and was surprised at the sight.

To his surprise, his son Ismail was standing healthy nearby him and a dead ram was lying in a pool of blood in front of him. As such, Ibrahim emerged as a winner in the eyes of God for his strong faith and belief in the almighty. Thus, this day is celebrated as Eid al-Adha by the entire Muslim community across the globe to honor Ibrahim’s complete obedience towards God. The day is commemorated by slaughtering domestic animals, such as goat, sheep, lamb, camel, buffalo and so on. This meat is divided into three parts. While the first is eaten by the family, the second is distributed amongst relatives and the third part is given to the poor and needy.

This holy festival of Eid al-Adha is celebrated on the 10th day of the month of Dhul Hijjah (twelfth and last month) of the Hijri calendar followed by the Muslims. The celebrations are spread across three days from the 10th to the 12th day. These celebrations begin after the completion of the Hajj, the annual pilgrimage performed by Muslims in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. Hajj serves as one of the five pillars of Islam. This means, a Muslim has to perform Hajj at least once during their lifetime, unless they are debarred due to lack of finances or ill-health. This pilgrimage is performed to get rid of all sins and become more obedient and spiritual towards God.

[MysteRy]

Eid ul Fitr

Eid ul Fitr or the 'festival of fast breaking' is the most celebratory of all Muslim festivals. The term 'Eid' has been derived from the Arabic word 'oud', which means 'the return' and hence, signifies the return of the festival each year. The festival is significant as much for its timing, as for its religious implications. It is celebrated after the long fasting month of Ramadan (the ninth month of the Islamic calendar), on the first day of the Shawwal month of the Hijri year (Islamic calendar). Legend says that the Qur'an was revealed to Prophet Mohammed in the last ten days of Ramadan.

The month of Ramadan is historically associated with two important victories of Prophet Muhammad - the battle of Badr and the conquest of Makkah. Fasting during the month of Ramadan, according to Islamic beliefs, helps in developing self-control and is a way of getting closer to Allah. The festival of Eid ul Fitr marks the beginning of celebrations and merriment for a period extending over three days. Women prepare sweets at home and all Muslims are seen adorned with new dresses on this day. Eid ul Fitr is synonymous with joy and thanksgiving. Such is the spirit of this great festival that even a lot of Non-Muslims participate in Eid celebrations in India.

India is the second most populous Islamic nation in the world. Muslims form India's largest minority and constitute almost 12% of the country's total population. Islam is also the most recent religion added to India's already potent cultural concoction. Islam came to India in 12th century AD and began interacting with the Indian culture, particularly under the Mughal era. Needless to say, it was a mutually enriching experience. A majority of Indian Muslims reside in the north, but a significant number is found all across the country. Hence, their traditions add yet another dimension to the vast cultural landscape of India.

Eid ul Fitr 2012: 19 August.

[MysteRy]

Eid ul Fitr Customs

Eid ul Fitr, also known as Choti Id, is celebrated by different names in different Muslim nations. It is called Idul Fitri in Indonesia, Shemai Eid in Bangladesh, Hari Raya Puasa or Hari Lebaran in Malaysia and Ramazan Bayrami in Turkey. It marks the end of the fasting month of Ramadan. While, it is celebrated in varied ways in different countries, some rituals are common in the entire Muslim community across the world. The festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervor everywhere in consonance with its sheer spirit and significance for the Muslims.

Id-ul-Fitr Customs
On the morning of Eid, Muslims all over the world take bath and have their breakfast, typically comprising of dates and sweets. They wear new clothes on this occasion and visit the mosque (masjid) to worship Allah. Special Eid ul Fitr prayer ceremony is carried out in open areas, under the sky. All the Muslims recite Takbir, a poem in the praise of the greatness of Allah. It starts at the time of the sighting of crescent moon and lasts till the prayers are said. Muslims are supposed to pay Zakat al Fitr i.e. a donation for the month of Ramzan. This donation is given at a nearby mosque, to begin the Eid prayer.

Zakat al Fitr can be given in way of money or eatables like dates, wheat, barley, raisins etc. After the prayer, the Imam, or the spiritual head delivers a discourse on social and family duties, also known as Khutba (sermons). Everyone prays for forgiveness for their sins and for protection against misfortune, after which people embrace and greet each other with ‘Eid Mubarak’ or ‘Happy Eid’ and head back home for the feast! It is customary to embrace the person sitting on your either side, after the prayers are over. Near and dear ones are also embraced.

On Eid, women pray at home and then get busy organizing a lavish spread of eatables, like sivai - the special sweet for Eid (vermicelli cooked in milk and sugar), dry fruits, sweetmeats, biryani (meat cooked in spicy rice) and other things. They don new clothes and pay special heed to their make-up. The men return home to their beautiful wives and the family sits down for the grand meal. People embrace each other and exchange greetings of ‘Eid Mubarak’. Non-Muslims make it a point to visit their Muslim friends to join in their happiness and especially to consume some of the scrumptious food made for Eid ul Fitr.

Gifts are also exchanged on the festive occasion of Id. Daughters and married sisters are, especially, given gifts. In fact, brothers pay a visit to their married sisters and take sivai and other eatables, along with clothes, bangles and money. Children also receive money from elders, known as eiddi.. Celebrations extend to three days of merry-making and enjoyment. While in countries like India, Eid ul Fitr calls for a one day holiday all across the country, in some nations, Eid holidays span up to three days. Every country has its own way of celebrating Id, but most of the customs and traditions remain similar around the world.

[MysteRy]

Significance of Eid ul Fitr

Eid ul Fitr, also known as Ramadan Id, is celebrated by Muslims across the world, at the end of the month of Ramadan. It signifies the breaking of the fasting period, with the sighting of new crescent moon in the evening, on the last day of Ramadan. The celebration extends to a fiesta of three days and is also called “Choti Eid’’, starting on the first day of Shawwal (tenth month of the Islamic calendar). On this day, which is considered to be one of the greatest Muslim festivals, the observers of the fast all around the world greet each other in their local language and according to their respective traditions.

The significance of Id-ul-Fitr stems from the special meaning it holds for the entire Muslim community. Legend says that Prophet Mohammad had laid down Eid ul Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha as days of rejoicing and feasting for the Muslims, in the remembrance of Allah. Since then, Muslims fast for the complete month of Ramadan and offer spiritual devotions to the almighty Allah, believing that the fasting will bring them close to Allah and also get them forgiveness for their past sins. It is believed that whoever fasts during Ramadan with absolute faith shall have his past sins forgiven.

Another important aspect of Eid ul Fitr lies in the distribution of charity on the day. Every Muslim who has some means must pay Zakt-al-Fitr, a sum to be donated for the month of Ramadan, to impoverished Muslims. It can either be in the form of cash or basic foodstuff, including wheat, barley, dates, raisins etc. It is done to spare a thought to the plight of the poor and is different from the normal Zakat, which is given to purify one’s wealth. Holy Quran recommends giving donation to the poor on this auspicious day, the best time for which is before going to the mosque in the morning, to offer prayers.

Id-ul-Fitr is also a festival that fosters brotherhood and interactions, as people visit each other on the days of festivity. Friends, relatives and loved ones are greeted and offered sweets. Gifts are given to children, mostly in the form of money. Sisters and daughters also receive gifts on this occasion. Some Muslims also pay a visit to the graveyard, a custom which is known as ziyarat-al-qubur, to pay homage to the departed souls. Some scholars also believe that the month-long fasting is undertaken to acknowledge the superiority of the spiritual realm over the physical realm. Nevertheless, the spirit of conviviality surrounds the celebrations of Eid ul Fitr throughout the Islamic world.

[MysteRy]

Eid ul Fitr Activities

Eid ul Fitr is celebrated with tremendous enthusiasm and fervor across the globe. All over the world, Muslims perform many activities on this day of immense significance. They wake up early in the morning, take bath and wear their clothes. After dressing up well for the occasion, they eat breakfast, which mostly includes dates and head to the mosque, for offering prayers. Eid prayer ceremonies are organized in all the mosques, where Muslims gather and recite the Takbeerat in congregation. The main rituals related to Id have remained unchanged for centuries, though different nations celebrate it in their own way.

Once the Eid prayers are over, people scatter around to wish and greet others. Phone calls are made to distant relatives to wish them "Eid Mubarak". Traditionally, these festivities continue for three days and in most of the Muslim countries, the entire three day duration is declared as a public holiday. Since donation has a special significance on this festival, Muslims give a fixed amount of donation to the poor. This donation can be in the form of rice, barley, dates, etc. It is given to ensure that the poor and needy also get a full holiday meal and participate in the celebrations of the festival. This donation is known as sadaqah al-fitr (charity of fast-breaking).

The grandness of the Eid ul Fitr celebrations manifests itself in the fireworks that are witnessed at many places on this day. Delicious, mouth-watering recipes are cooked by women and are served to friends and relatives, who come to visit them. After the long fast of Ramadan, Muslims are in a mood to enjoy royally and when the day finally arrives, they indulge themselves completely with the festivities. They also decorate their homes on Eid, just as Hindus decorate their homes and make elaborate preparations for Diwali. Friends visit each other on the festive occasion and gifts are exchanged among kith and kin.

In India, it is heartening to see that communities other than Muslims also participate in the celebrations at many places. Eid ul Fitr is a public holiday in the country. One is likely to spot groups of Muslims flocking shops on this day for making purchases. Even the shops are found to be elaborately decorated, drowned in the festive spirit of the day. The day is known to bring joy and peace to the Muslim community of the entire world. Daughters and sisters are adorned with gifts and new dresses on this day, while the children go out and have fun with their friends and relatives.

[MysteRy]

Eid ul Fitr Celebrations

Eid ul-Fitr characterizes the end of Ramadan or the Islamic holy month of fasting. While Eid means festivity, Fitr stands for breaking the fast. Together, the term is symbolical of breaking of the fasting period. The day is usually celebrated on the first day of the Islamic month of Shawwal. Often termed as 'Smaller Eid', Eid ul-Fitr is a three day celebration. The festive occasion is celebrated with great pomp and show. Kids and adults indulge in offering prayers to the Almighty, seeking blessing. Different parts of the world celebrate the occasion differently. While certain countries celebrate the festival with great popm and show, others do it in a quiet manner. In the following lines, we have provided a detailed description of Eid ul Fitr celebrations around the world.

Worldwide Eid ul Fitr Celebrations

South Asia (Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka & Pakistan)
Eid ul Fitr is celebrated with much fervor and zest in South Asian countries, such as Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka and Pakistan. Celebrations start a day before the actual festive day. Women flock the market to buy colorful bangles and get their hands tattooed with henna. The night before Eid is called Chand Raat in these countries, which stand for the might of the moon. Traditionally, on Eid, people embrace or hug each other, reciting the phrase 'Eid Mubarak'. Exchange of gifts and money (Eidi) is practiced by people at large.

Everyone, right from kids to adults, indulge in offering Eid prayers on Id-ul-Fitr. People are also seen visiting the graveyards to pray for the salvation of departed family members. Some of them are also observed distributing Zakat, the Islamic obligatory alms tax on the wealth, to the needy. While talking about celebration, how can food be far behind? Special celebratory dishes are prepared on this day. Sevaiyyan, a dish of fine, toasted sweet vermicelli noodles with milk & dried fruit, is one of the most popular delicacies prepared on this day.

South East Asia (Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore & Brunei)
Countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei celebrate the festival of Eid with great pomp and show. The festival is known as Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Hari Otak, Hari Raya Idul Fitri or Hari Raya Puasa. Eid is the biggest festival in the Southeast Asia. Days before the festival, the markets are adorned and filled with an assortment of goodies, giving a characteristic feel of the approaching festival. Banks government offices and private organizations are all closed on the day of celebration.

On the night before the main day, Eid is celebrated with the takbir, which is held in the mosques or musallas. In Indonesia and Malaysia, people are seen flocking to their hometowns from big metropolitan cities. Better known as Balik Kampung or Pulang Kampong, this ritual literally means going back to home, to celebrate Eid with family members. Luscious dishes, like ketupat, dodol, lemang (a type of glutinous rice cake cooked in bamboo) and other Indo-Malay delicacies, feature the dinning table on the occasion of Eid.

People greet everyone with wishes and blessings. They are seen embracing one another by saying 'Selamat Hari Raya Idul Fitri' or 'Salam Aidilfitri', which means 'Happy Eid'. Muslims are also seen reciting 'maaf lahir dan batin', which is a way to ask for forgiveness for the physical and emotional wrongdoings. They consider Eid ul Fitr as an opportunity to cleanse their sins and strengthen their ties with relatives and friends. Children are the most excited lot, as they wait for 'duit raya' i.e. token of money from their elders.

United Kingdom
In United Kingdom, Eid ul Fitr starts with the Imam giving advice to the Muslim community for living a healthy and soulful life. He then recites his speech, also called Khutbah, and the prayer. Once the local imam declares Eid ul Fitr, everyone greets and hugs each other. Though the day is not a recognized public holiday, Muslims are obliged to attend the morning prayers. After attending the morning prayers, they are also seen going to the cemetery, to pay homage to their ancestors. Upon returning home, people greet and wish each other happiness and luck for all the future endeavors. Dishes like samosa, simeya, rice and handesh are prepared on this day.

North America
Since the day depends on the sighting of the crescent moon, celebrations of Eid ul Fitr are practiced on different days on the eastern and western side of the continent. Different methods for determining the end of Ramadan and the beginning of Shawwal are used in each particular community. North Americans celebrate the day in a quiet manner. On this day, Muslim usually wake up early, have a small breakfast and attend mosques for the Eid prayers. They then greet their family members and relatives.

Turkey
One of the most awaited festivals of the year, Eid-ulFitr is referred to as 'Seker Bayrami' (Bayram of Sweets) or 'Ramazan Bayrami' (Ramadan Bayram). It marks an opportunity to meet family and relatives and indulge in ceremonious activities. As a customary practice, people greet one another with 'Bayraminiz Kutlu Olsun' (May Your Bayram Be Celebrated), 'Mutlu Bayramlar' (Happy Bayram), or the more religious 'Bayraminiz Mübarek Olsun' (May Your Bayram Be Holy).

In Turkey, Eid-ulFitr celebration is infused with national tradition. On this day, young people honor elderly citizens by kissing their right hand and placing it on one's forehead, while wishing them Bayram. Children are seen flocking from door to door, greeting happy Bayram and getting candy, chocolates, traditional sweets or money in return. Concerts or more traditional forms of entertainment, such as the Karagöz and Hacivat shadow-theatre, are high on demand during the festive days of Eid.

Iran
The Shia cult in Iran celebrates the festival of Eid-ulFitr with much glory and fervor. Better known as Eyde Fetr by most Iranians, charity features as one of the important aspects done on the day. The morning is usually dedicated to prayers and attending mosques. Paying a visit to the elderly and gathering with families and friends is also very common sight in Iran. One of the distinctive things people indulge in is giving food to those in need. Payment of fitra or fetriye is obligatory for each Muslim, on this special day.

[MysteRy]

Eid ul Fitr Date

Eid ul Fitr is the biggest Muslim festival that is celebrated all across the globe. It falls on the first day of Shawwal (tenth month of the Islamic Calendar), after the completion of the month long fast of Ramadan. The celebrations extend up to three days. Id-ul-Fitr is distinguished as a thanksgiving day. Allah is thanked by Muslims all over the world, for his blessings. Prayers are offered under open sky and in mosques, by the entire Muslim community. In different Muslim countries, Id-ul-Fitr is celebrated in different ways. However, fasting and offering prayers is a common feature of Eid celebrations across the globe.

The arrangements and preparations for celebrating the festival start long before its arrival. People wear new clothes on the day, while women don ornaments and heavy jewelry also. They also decorate their houses in fancy style. Friends and relatives visit each other for giving Eid greetings and wishes. On this festive day, Muslims wear new clothes and women also apply henna or Mehndi on their hands. In all the Muslim countries, markets are decorated and people go on a shopping spree, to enjoy this festival. Children are given money, gifts, clothes, sweets, and perks on this occasion. Daughters and sisters also receive gifts.

For the entire month of Ramadan, Muslims dedicate themselves in offering prayers to the Allah, by reciting Ramadan ‘dua’ as many times as possible and visiting mosque. In India, thousands of Muslims flock to Jama Masjid, the main mosque in Delhi. The country celebrates Eid ul Fitr with great enthusiasm and zeal. A lot of Hindus also participate in the celebrations of the Muslim festival. The day has been declared as a public holiday in India.

Eid ul Fitr 2012 - 19 August

[MysteRy]

Eid ul Fitr Decorations

Festivals have long been associated with pompous decorations, glitzy fervor and colorful illuminations. Eid ul Fitr is no exception to this rule. The unique charm of the festival is manifest in the elaborate embellishment that adorns the otherwise modest abode of Eid celebrators. Every Muslim home radiates splendor and magnificence on this auspicious day. People bedeck their surroundings with a new, flashy look and give a warm welcome to visitors, friends and relatives. They also dress up in new outfits, to match up to the festive spirit and all-encompassing aura of the festival.

The significance of Id-ul-Fitr for Muslims corresponds to the meaning Diwali has for Hindus and Christmas for Christians. People clean their houses to make it spanking new and go for a more traditional way of decorations. Green, the holy color for Muslims, holds special importance on the day and is used to decorate homes as well. Floral bouquets, huge in size, are made and hung at the entrance of the homes, as a greeting symbol. Usually, the beautification of homes begins with the commencement of the holy month of Ramadan. Children also prepare Eid crafts, like cards, crescent moon, paper flowers, hangings, gift bags and other creative items, to celebrate the occasion in their own special way.

Id-Ul-Fitr Decoration Ideas

Inside Decorations

On Eid ul Fitr, you need to make the entire house look spic and span, by cleaning it thoroughly. Not even a single corner should be left covered with dust.

Inside the home, decorations can include flowers, wall hangings and crafts made at home. For the more artistic souls, there are a lot of innovative options. They just need a plain cardboard, which can be cut into different shapes and sizes, for instance resembling crescent moon and stars. They can be used as wall hangings inside the house.

The decoration items can be purchased from the market as well. Right from the floral arrangements to the crescent moon, there is no decoration that you cannot find in the market these days.

A prayer rug can also be designed on your own, on the festival of Eid. All the family members can participate in its preparation and make it all the more special. Embroidery can be used to enhance its beauty.

Outside Decorations

Clean the outside of your house thoroughly. It will look more beautiful and welcoming, if the surroundings have a fresher look.

Eid banners can be made on your own or purchased from the market and used to decorate the outdoors.

Colorful illuminations are the best way to decorate the outside of your house. Go for elaborate illuminations, if your budget allows.

Since Id-ul-Fitr is a festival with immense religious significance, religious flags or patakas is also a viable option for exterior decoration. All you have to do is make religious Muslim symbols cloth, color them with oil paint or ink stamps and put them outdoors.

[MysteRy]

Eid ul Fitr Prayers

Eid ul Fitr prayers are obligatory for every Muslim and are meant to be offered in congregation. However, in the contemporary celebrations of the festival, many Muslims also pray individually. After the moon of Shawwal is sighted on the last day of Ramadan, the Takbir is recited. The time for Eid prayers is from sunrise till Zuhr. It is also recommended to offer Eid prayers in open areas. After the prayers are completed, it is customary to embrace the person sitting next to you, on the left as well as right. The article comes up with the prayers exclusively meant for the occasions of Eid ul Fitr.

Id-Ul-Fitr Prayers

Allahu Akbar
La illaha il Allah
Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar
walilahil Hamd
Allahu Akbaru Kabeera
wal-Hamdulilahi katheera
wa Subhan allahi
bukratan wa aseila
La illaha il Allah
sadaqa wa'dah
wa nasara abda
wa a'azza jundahu
wa hazamal-ahzaaba wahdah
La illaha il Allah
wa laa na'budu illa iyyah
mukhlessena lahud-deena
walaw karehal-Kafeeroon
Allahumma salli ala sayyedna Muhammad
wa ala aalie sayyedna Muhammad
wa ala as-haabie sayyedna Muhammad
wa ala ansari sayyedna Muhammad
wa ala azwajie sayyedna Muhammad
wa ala dhurreyatie sayyedna Muhammad
wa sallim tasleeman katheera