Many people from across the world want to know – Why is Eid Celebrated? In this article, we will try to explain why the festival holds so much importance for Muslims from around the world.
Eid al-Fitr is an important holiday for Muslims. On this day, people pray, give gifts to each other, and celebrate. After a month of fasting, Muslims celebrate the accomplishment by breaking the fast at the end of Ramadan with the beginning of the festival of Eid al-Fitr. The festival is celebrated with great zeal and show and is a national holiday in many countries.
Why is Eid Celebrated?
To understand why is Eid celebrated we need to know a bit of history. According to Islam, the Holy Quran, which contains the sacred text of Islam, was first received by Prophet Muhammad during the month of Ramadan. Eid-ul-Fitr was created by Prophet Muhammad. It is also believed by some historians that after the victory of the Battle of Jang-e Badar in 624 CE the first Eid ul Fitr was celebrated.
How are Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha’s dates decided?
Eid is the most awaited Muslim festival and they eagerly wait to start the celebrations. The exact date for Ramadan is never known far in advance because religious authorities in different countries rely on the sighting of the new moon to announce when it begins. It can be postponed by a day if the weather is too bright when the sun is out, or if clouds are blocking it. This is also why Ramadan can start on different dates in different parts of the globe.
The Islamic calendar is based on the lunar phases. Each new month begins when the crescent moon appears in sight. Because the lunar year is approximately 11 days shorter than the solar Gregorian calendar, Islamic months and holidays fall at different times every year. This year, Eid al Fitr will be celebrated in India on Friday, May 14.
During Ramadan, Muslims abstain from eating and drinking during daylight hours. During the month-long fasting period, they pray to Allah for a strong healthy body and a healthy mind so that they can resist the urge to eat when they’re hungry.
On the first day of Eid al-Fitr, Muslims break their fasts by eating suhoor (the pre-dawn meal), followed by Iftar (the evening meal). After sunset on the last day of Ramadan, Muslims celebrate Eid al-Fitr.
Vibes of Eid al Fitr (Eid Celebrations)
The traditions of Eid Al Fitr can vary somewhat since Muslim origin from many different countries, but some things are universal. Eid is a celebration of the end of Ramadan, which is a month of fasting and prayer. It’s also a time for families and friends to get together and spend time together.
It is commemorated every year on the first day of Shawwal, and Muslims across the world offer prayers to Allah. People offer sweets and pray to their god. Eid Mubarak! Happy Eid to you too! This is an example of a greeting used among Muslims.
It is the season of offering religious devotion and practicing discipline. Muslims wake up early and pray before sunrise. They wear new clothes and follow the tradition of takbeer (the call for prayer). They pray to Allah and recite Quran verses. People who are well off give away money and goods to poor or needy people. They also donate Zakat-al-Fitr.
Meanwhile, on this special occasion, people celebrate by exchanging gifts, enjoying traditional delicacies, and doing charity for the poor and needy.
Differences between Eid al Fitr and Eid al Adha
Why is Eid celebrated twice a year? You might be wondering. There are two major festivals celebrated as per the Islamic calendar. Eid al Fitr and Eid al Adha. Eid al Adha is the second major holiday in the Islamic calendar. It occurs at the end of the Hajj. Hajj is an annual pilgrimage made by millions of Muslims to the holy city of Mecca.
According to the Quran (the holy book of Islam), the Prophet Abraham (Ibraheem) was willing to sacrifice his son Isaac (Ismael). But Allah accepted the sacrifice of an animal instead. The Feast of the Sacrifice celebrates Abraham’s willingness to offer up his son as a sacrifice for God. Eid al-Adha is traditionally celebrated by slaughtering an animal for meat (the sacrificial lamb). The meat is then eaten by family and friends, with the largest portion given away to the poor.
Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha recognize, celebrate and recall distinct events that are significant in the Islamic faith. Now you must have got the answer – why is Eid celebrated twice a year?
What does the ‘Eid Mubarak’ greeting mean?
After discussing why Eid is celebrated we must throw some light on the greeting words ‘Eid Mubarak’. This means having a blessed day during the Islamic holiday of Eid. It is said by many Muslims every year on both Eid days and it is the expected greeting when you meet a fellow Muslim for the very first time on Eid. Non-Muslim friends and co-workers also say “Eid Mubarak” when they greet fellow Muslims on Eid. So, this Eid, don’t miss the opportunity to wish your colleagues and dear ones.
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