There are two main Eid (holidays) celebrated by Muslims all over the world. Both have a variety of names depending on the country or region, but they are most often referred to as Eid al-Fitr, the feast of the breaking of the fast, and Eid al-Adha, the feast of sacrifice. Both celebrations include prayers and offerings to the needy, but they are also days of celebration together with family and friends.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Celebrating Eid al-Fitr
Step 1. Celebrate the end of Ramadan
Eid al-Fitr means "Feast of the end of Fasting", and is celebrated on the first day of the lunar month of Shawwal, following the fasting month of Ramadan. In some regions, Muslims gather on the slopes of the hills to watch the moon and begin celebrations once local religious figures declare that Eid has begun. The observation lasts two or three days, but individual Muslim countries usually have an official government holiday of three days, planned in advance to cover all possibilities.
Since Eid is based on the Islamic lunar calendar, it does not coincide with a specific recurring date each year in the Gregorian (Western) calendar. Search the internet or ask a Muslim when the holiday is celebrated in the current year
Step 2. Take maximum care of your physical appearance
Buying new clothes for Eid is a widespread tradition, and even those who can't afford it will still make an effort to look their best. Muslim women in Southeast Asia often adorn themselves with henna the night before Eid. Men, on the other hand, are encouraged to wear perfume or cologne.
Many perform ghusl with a shower or in a tub on the morning of Eid
Step 3. Break your fast just after sunrise
Muslims are not allowed to fast during Eid al-Fitr, as they are celebrating the end of the fast. It is suggested to eat before participating in prayer. Sometimes, the faithful follow the example of the Prophet Muhammad by ending the fast with an odd number of dates (usually one or three).
Taking the Takbir before sunrise is also recommended if you are a Muslim. To do this, raise your hands, place them behind your ears and say: "Allahu Akbar" (God is the greatest). If you go to a collective prayer, as described below, the community will perform this gesture several times during the event
Step 4. Take part in an Eid prayer
Imams perform special Eid prayers early in the morning of the feast day, usually in a large mosque, open field or stadium. In some countries, all Muslims participate in the event. In others, women are encouraged but not obligated, while in still others, it is reserved for men only. Once the prayer is over, the faithful embrace each other saying: "Eid Mubarak", or "Happy Eid", to wish each other the best of wishes. The event ends with a sermon by the imam.
Step 5. Celebrate with sweets with the family
Eid al-Fitr is sometimes called the "Sweet Feast", as a lot of sweets are usually eaten to celebrate the end of Ramadan. Mosques often offer sweets before and after Eid prayers, although many cook them themselves and celebrate at home.
There are no particular guidelines to follow regarding the food to eat (other than that it must be halal), although regional traditions include dates, halwa, faluda, milk biscuits, baklava and vermicelli porridge
Step 6. Give gifts to the little ones
Adults usually give gifts or give money to children and young people during Eid and, occasionally, they also exchange gifts with each other. Families often visit neighbors and extended relatives after the morning celebration to greet each other and exchange gifts.
Step 7. Give to the needy
The "Zakat al-Fitr", or the obligation to donate to the poor on this day, is an obligatory necessity for every Muslim who has the economic capacity. Usually, the contribution of each individual corresponds approximately to the price of a meal and can be donated in the form of money, food or clothing.
Step 8. Continue the celebrations for the rest of the day
Many people eat meat, potatoes, rice, barley, or whatever food they like for lunch and / or dinner as a family. Some rest for a while in the afternoon to recover from a day that began at dawn, while others participate in fairs and special events organized for Eid, party with friends in the evening or visit deceased friends and family.
In many countries, Eid is celebrated for three days, or on different days by different groups of Muslims. If you like, you can get up at the same time and repeat the celebration and prayer on the following days as well
Method 2 of 2: Celebrate Eid al-Adha
Step 1. Celebrate it at the end of the pilgrimage period
Eid al-Adha is celebrated directly after the Hajj, the pilgrimage to Mecca. The celebrations usually take place on the 10th day of the Islamic lunar month Dhul Hijjah, but they can vary and depend on local practices and religious authorities. Muslims all over the world celebrate this holiday wherever they are and even if they did not go on pilgrimage that year.
Since the holiday is determined on the basis of the lunar calendar, it does not fall every year on the same date as the Gregorian (Western) calendar
Step 2. Go to an Eid prayer
As described in the Eid al-Fitr section above, usually all Muslims, or sometimes just men, go to a special Eid prayer, followed by a sermon, early in the morning. Everyone tries their best to get dressed and look presentable at their best, washing themselves (shower or bath, and ghusl) in the morning and putting on new clothes if they can afford to buy them.
Unlike Eid al-Fitr, there is no particular attention to sweets or to breaking the fast
Step 3. Sacrifice a quadrupedal animal
Any individual or family who can afford it financially will have to sacrifice a ram, cow, goat or camel to God during Eid al-Adha, to remember the animal sent by Allah (God) to Abraham to replace his son Ishmael as a sacrifice. The animal must be in good health and halal prescriptions must be followed for slaughter.
Step 4. Cook and distribute the meat
The meat of the sacrificed animal should be cooked, using the method you prefer. A third of it is eaten by the family or group that sacrificed. A third is donated to extended family and friends, often on a different occasion. While another third is given to poor, hungry and needy people.
People often gather in groups to have a barbecue or eat baked meat. Other types of food are also eaten, however there are no particular prescriptions, apart from the classic halal ones
Step 5. Find another option if the sacrifice is not possible
Many Western countries prohibit the slaughter of animals outside slaughterhouses, and in many cities, finding a live animal may be difficult. In these cases, Muslims rely on a couple of options:
- It is possible to send money to acquaintances or friends in another country or region, who sacrifice the animal and then distribute the meat on your behalf.
- Muslim butchers can provide assistance and suitable places so that the sacrifice can be carried out in accordance with the law and halal prescriptions.
Advice
- Arabic coffee is often served during both Eids.
- Eid can also be celebrated together with non-Muslims. Also involve non-Muslim neighbors in celebrating these holidays and traditions.
