As soon as the moon has been seen, the festivities begin. We rush to congratulate each other, and to begin the celebrations. Eid is a happy time for our family, where we sit together to give thanksgiving and prayers to God, and to exchange gifts and greetings with our relatives. The word “Eid” means a festival of happiness, and is a time of great joy and pleasure for all Muslims.
Eid ul-Fitr celebrates the glory and victory of Allah, but also shows the responsibilities of being a Muslim, through Zakat (giving to the poor).
During Ramadan and the festival of Eid ul-Fitr, we remember how the prophet Muhammad slowly called the people, living in the cities of Mecca and Medina, away from worshipping false Gods, and to only worship the One God, Allah. When Muhammad told the citizens of Mecca about what Angel Gabriel had told him, few people believed him but many people also were against him. Muhammad received a letter from the city of Medina that invited him to come to them. At this time, Medina was a feuding city. Muhammad set the city right and gave these people only two festivals (Eid ul-Fitr and Eid ul-Adha). The Prophet also told Muslims about fasting for thirty days and that the festival of Eid ul-Fitr should end the fast and be a joyful time for them. That was how the Muslim customs were brought into the world today.
PREPERATIONS OF EID
Preparations for the festival of Eid began before the day of Eid. Our house was specially decorated and painted, gifts were bought, and Eid cards were sent to neighbours, friends and family. Although most of the preparations are made before Eid, shopping is especially hectic but exciting. This is not usually in London, but in Muslim countries, shops are open throughout the night during Ramadan, when the shopkeepers are busier than during the day.
EID PRAYERS
On the day of Eid, everybody in our house wakes up early. The day starts with dawn prayers at the mosque. Everyone has a shower or bath and put on their best (or new) clothes and use perfume. We have breakfast and then we begin to offer special Eid prayers, which are usually held in large open spaces, although if the mosque is big enough, it can be held there. My mum usually stays at home and cooks delicious foods for our family and friends, although she is allowed to come to the prayers.
During Eid, Muslims are also required to give another donation of money or food to charity. This is known as Zakat ul-Fitr, and is one of the five duties of being a Muslim.
After the Zakat, families usually go to the cemetery to pray for the dead and have to remember, that they will die too, one day.
CELEBRATIONS
When the prayers are over, we all greet each other with the words “Eid Mubarak” (meaning “Happy Eid”). Then comes the time for visiting. Like other festivals, Eid is a special occasion for children, like me, and we receive presents, sweets and colourful clothes. On this occasion, Muslims meet together, and have to learn to forgive and forget the differences they have previously had.