Joyful traditions welcoming Islamic Eid Al-Fitr

Every year Muslims all over the world celebrate Eid Al-Fitr. It is a day of joy and appreciation that marks the end of Ramadan, the month of fasting. Eid is a time to rejoice and thank God for making it possible to follow His instructions of observing Ramadan's fast, carrying out charitable activities, and reciting the Quran. 

When is Eid Al-Fitr celebrated? 

Muslims wait to see if moon-sighting teams glimpse the new crescent moon on the 29th day of Ramadan every year. If they sight the crescent, Ramadan comes to a close and the following month of Shawwal begins, and with it comes Eid Al-Fitr. However, if the crescent is not sighted, then 30 days of Ramadan is completed, and as a result, certain countries may observe Eid Al-Fitr a day later than others, the National News reported. 

Eid marks the successful completion of the holy month of Ramadan. It is a holiday that denotes the accomplishment of a deed of dedication, and it teaches that fulfilling one's obligations and making sacrifices for a worthwhile cause are the sources of true happiness. 

Significance of Eid Al-Fitr 

According to Islam Online, Eid Al-Fitr is characterized by exceptional values and virtues such as expressing thankfulness to God, feeling joy, and rejoicing for being rewarded greatly for obeying God in Ramadan and observing one’s duties towards Him. 

Eid Al-Fitr also preserves family ties by paying visits to relatives and exchanging greetings. Although Islam urges to care for the poor, needy, and orphans throughout the year, there is a greater focus on doing so in Eid Al-Fitr.

How is Eid Al-Fitr celebrated in different countries?

The National News reported that Eid in many countries, including the UAE, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, Indonesia and Pakistan, is a public holiday. Usually, people spend time with their friends and family and even greet strangers with the warm greeting “Eid Mubarak” (blessed Eid). 

To celebrate Eid, many Muslims throughout the world decorate their houses with customary lighting, and cities are illuminated with festive displays. Fireworks are also widely used nowadays.

Kids are not forgotten in these happy days, as adults give kids a sum of money known as “Eidiya” (Eid money) as a gift. Moreover, zakat (obligatory giving of alms) is a reflection of the actual essence of Eid Al-Fitr, which is still about charitable giving. Every Muslim who is financially able is obligated to give nonperishable dry foodstuffs or money at least once during the month of Ramadan. 

Traditional Eid foods

Different countries around the world have different traditional Eid foods. With very minor preparational changes over more than three thousand years, kahk cookies have remained a crucial component of Egyptian feasts and holidays. Since they are so soft and delectable, Egypt has maintained its fondness for the sweet, buttery cookie. Kahk can be plain or dusted with an amount of powdered sugar, or even stuffed with dates, honey, almonds, or Turkish delight, according to the Cairo-based Community Services Association (CSA). 

In Indonesia, a layered cake is eaten, while in the Levant, they make stuffed cookies called maamoul, the National News reported. 

According to the BBC, classic sweets such as baklava and Turkish delight are made for Eid in Turkey, where they are locally known as Seker Bayrami and given as gifts to friends, family, and neighbors.

In Iraq and Saudi Arabia, many people create kleichas (biscuits with a rose flavor and a filling of almonds and dates). The most popular Yemeni confection is called bint al-sahn, which has nigella seeds on top and is referred to as honey cake in English.

Regarding the savory option, manti filled with meat is a well-liked Eid meal item in Russia. You Xiang, which are fried patties made of flour, water, and yeast, are either presented as gifts or eaten as part of the Eid feast in China. In Bangladesh, it is customary to eat korma and various savory pitas while interacting with family and friends.