Eidul Fitr is a day of feasting and is celebrated by Muslims to congratulate themselves for fasting the month of Ramadan. It is celebrated on the first of Shawwal (10th month of the lunar Islamic calendar). This Eid is a reward to the Muslims who spent the month of Ramadan fasting and in worship. Like Eidul Adha, this Eid begins early in the morning with a prayer held in a large, open area. Before the Eid prayer, Muslims are obligated to pay Zakat-al-Fitr, a charity that goes to poorer families who cannot otherwise engage in the festivities.
Interesting Facts
-Prophet Muhammad asked the Muslims of Madinah about two carnivals that they used to engage in. They replied that before Islam, celebrating by setting up grand carnivals was traditional. It is reported that Muhammad said, Instead of those two days, Allah has appointed two other days which are better, the days of Eid-al-Fitr and Eid-al-Adha. (Book of Hadith).
-For Eid ul fitr it is customary to eat breakfast before prayer (unlike Eid ul Adha). It is the tradition of the Prophet Muhammad to eat something sweet.
-In accordance with Islamic tradition, many Muslims wake up extra early on Eid ul Fitr to take a bath, called ghusl. They also wear the best clothing they own.
-Every single month in the Islamic calendar begins when the new moon is sighted. Eid ul Fitr begins when the new moon of Shawwal (10th month of the -Islamic calendar) appears. Because the moon appears on different dates in different parts of the world, many Muslim communities celebrate Eid ul Fitr on whatever day this occurs in Mecca.
-Unlike regular prayers, Eid prayers do not begin with an adhan or a call to prayer. The format for Eid ul fitr prayer is quite different from those of the daily prayers.
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