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For Muslims, both the festivals of Eid al-fitr and Eid al-adha are occasions of showing gratitude to God and remembering him, and are an occasion of entertainment. 'Hazrat A'ishah ( R.A ) narrates that when on an Eid day her father Abu Bakr (R.A) stopped young girls from singing, Muhammad ( P.B.U.H. ) said: Abu Bakr! [Let them sing]; every nation has an 'id and [this day] is our Eid.
Meaning :
Eid-ul-Fitr, Id-ul-Fitr, Arabic: عيد الفطر often called "Eid", is a Muslim holiday that marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting (sawm) and lasts for 3 days.
Eid is an Arabic word meaning "festivity", while Fiṭr means "breaking the fast". The holiday celebrates the conclusion of the 29 or 30 days of dawn-to-sunset fasting during the entire month of Ramadan. The first day of Eid, therefore, falls on the first day of the month Shawwal. This is a day where Muslims around the world try to show a common goal of unity.
Eid Salat ( Namaz ) and obligations :
Typically, Muslims wake up early in the morning, always before sunrise, offer Salatul Fajr (the pre-sunrise prayer), and in keeping with the traditions of the Prophet Muhammad clean their teeth with a toothbrush, take a shower before prayers, put on new clothes (or the best available), and apply perfume.
It is forbidden to fast on the Day of Eid. It is customary to acknowledge this with a small sweet breakfast, preferably of the date fruit, and in some muslims countries "Sawaiyaan" before attending a special Eid prayer (known as salaat).
Muslims recite the following incantation in a low voice while going to the Eid prayer:
"Allāhu Akbar, Allāhu Akbar, Allāhu Akbar. Lā ilāha illà l-Lāh wal-Lāhu akbar, Allahu akbar walil-Lāhi l-ḥamd"
Recitation ceases when they get to the place of Eid or once the Imam commences activities.
Prayer :
The Eid prayer is performed in congregation in open areas like fields, community centers, etc. or at mosques. No call to prayer is given for this Eid prayer.
Eid al-Fitr has a particular salat (Islamic prayer) consisting of two raka'ah (units) and generally offered in an open field or large hall. It may only be performed in congregation (Jama'at) and has an additional extra six Takbirs (raising of the hands to the ears while saying "Allahu Akbar" [God is Great]), three of them in the beginning of the first raka'ah and three of them just before ruku' in the second raka'ah in the Hanafi school. This Eid al-Fitr salat is, depending on which juristic opinion is followed, Fard (obligatory), Mustahabb (strongly recommended, just short of obligatory) or mandoob (preferable)
The Eid prayer is followed by the sermon and then a supplication asking for God's forgiveness, mercy, peace and blessings for all living beings across the world. The sermon also instructs Muslims as to the performance of rituals of Eid, such as the zakat. Listening to the sermon at Eid is a requirement i.e. while the sermon is being delivered; it is prohibited to talk, walk about or offer prayer. After the prayers, Muslims visit their relatives, friends and acquaintances or hold large communal celebrations in homes, community centers or rented halls.
Many Muslims often bring prayer rugs to the Mosque on Eid ul-Fitr.
Muslims are recommended to use separate routes to and from the prayer grounds.
Chaand Raat :
Eid celebration starts even a night befor eid! Its called "Chand Raat". Once the Shawaal ( Eid ) moon is sighted and Eid is announced, roars of cheers and jubilation are heard across a muslim county. Women and young girls apply henna on their hands, select the matching bangles for their eid dresses, bazar are rushed for the extended shopping in excitement. Men and old, gather around and share jokes, kids are overjoyed with in jubilation. And the same atmosphere continues for full three Eid days.
Eid Mubarik Greetings :
Eid al-Fitr is celebrated for one, two or three days. Common greetings during this holiday are the Arabic greeting 'Eid Mubārak ("Blessed Eid") or 'Eid Sa'īd ("Happy Eid"). In addition, many countries have their own greetings in the local language – in Turkey, for example, a typical saying might be Bayramınız kutlu olsun or "May your Bayram – Eid – be blessed." Muslims are also encouraged on this day to forgive and forget any differences with others or animosities that may have occurred during the year.
Eid gifts, known as Eidi, are frequently given at eid to children and immediate relatives.
History :
Before the advent of Islam in Arabia, there is mention of Eid festivals as well as some others among the Arabs. The Israelites had festivals as well, but as is evident from the Old Testament and other scriptures, these festivals related more to commemorating certain days of their history.
Eid al-Fitr was originated by the Islamic prophet Muhammad. It is observed on the first of the month of Shawwal at the end of the holy month of Ramadan, during which Muslims undergo a period of fasting.
According to certain traditions, these festivals were initiated in Madinah after the flight of Muhammad from Mecca. Hazrat Anas (R.A) reports:
When the Prophet arrived in Madinah, he found people celebrating two specific days in which they used to entertain themselves with recreation and merriment. He asked them about the nature of these festivities at which they replied that these days were occasions of fun and recreation. At this, the Prophet (P.B.U.H) remarked that the Almighty has fixed two days [of festivity] instead of these for you which are better than these: Eid al-fitr and Eid al-adha.
Islamic Traditions :
Eid ul-Fitr marks the end of the fasting month of Ramadan. This has to do with the communal aspects of the fast, which expresses many of the basic values of the Muslim community; e.g., empathy for the poor, charity, worship, steadfastness, patience etc. Fasting is also believed by some scholars to extol fundamental distinctions, lauding the power of the spiritual realm, while acknowledging the subordination of the physical realm. It also teaches a Muslim to stay away from worldly desires and to focus entirely on the Lord and thank him for his blessings. It is a rejuvenation of the religion and it creates a stronger bond between the Muslim and his Lord. After the end of Ramadan, is a big celebration of Eid.
For the muslims, Eid festivals are no less than great blessings. All through the year muslims across the world wait for these days patiently, make special Eid arrangements extensively and show extreme happiness and greet each other open heatedly.
Source : local newspapers, islamic center, wikipedia , google , BBC documentary on "Muslim festivals"
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