Eid ul-Fitr is an auspicious festival celebrated after the holy month of Ramadan. It is a month of tranquility, and afterward, the moon is sighted to confirm Eid. Eid falls at the beginning of the month of Shawwal, but it does not necessarily align with the English calendar. The Islamic calendar is based on the Hijri months, which are determined by the sighting of the crescent moon, later confirmed by religious authorities. It spreads happiness, humanity, and the spirit of sacrifice. Believers seek blessings from Allah to make their lives more prosperous and fulfilling. Muslims celebrate two major festivals each year: Eid ul-Fitr and Eid ul-Adha.

Eid ul-Fitr is observed after Muslims complete the month-long fast of Ramadan. It is also an expression of gratitude for the strength and patience granted to complete the fasting month. The holy month engraves a spiritual resonance in every believer, as it is believed everyone gets closer to the Almighty. Eid ul Fitr brings together Muslims of different cultures, Backgrounds, and traditions across the world.

History and Religious Significance

According to certain hadiths, it is said that after the migration of Prophet Muhammed (Peace be upon him) from Mecca to Madina, the companion of the Prophet named Anas ibn Malik mentioned that Muslims have two special days to cherish. Muhammed (Peace be upon him) stated that God has fixed two mandatory days of festivals: Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.

Prophet Muhammed (peace be upon him) received the first revelation of the holy book, the Quran, during Ramadan. He established the concept of Eid to express gratitude to the Almighty for granting strength and patience to complete the fast. He also encouraged Muslims to forgive one another.

Islam has five pillars, including Shahadah, Salah, Zakah, fasting in Ramadan, and Hajj. Ramadan is a holy month consisting of 30 continuous days, though it may vary to 29 depending on the sighting of the moon. The fast begins around the time of Fajr (early morning prayer) and lasts till Maghrib (evening prayer). Believers abstain from drinking or eating during the fast. When the call for Maghrib prayer is heard, one breaks the fast with dates. It is a month spent in continuous prayers and rituals to cleanse oneself of bad deeds. That is why Ramadan is considered the month of purification for both body and mind.

After the 30 days of fasting, the festival of Eid is celebrated. Eid ul-fitr is celebrated by performing a special prayer consisting of two rakats. This prayer is usually held in an open space, a community center, or a mosque. The Eid prayer is performed in the morning without any prior prayer call, which is followed by a Khutabah (speech), and later everyone celebrates it with joy.

Traditional Eid ul-Fitr Activities

Eid Rituals: Eid is celebrated with greetings such as “Taqabbalallahu minna wa minkum” or Eid Mubarak.

New Clothes: Muslims are encouraged to take a bath, wear their best clothes, and apply perfume before attending the Eid congregation.

Gift Giving: it is also common practice to exchange gifts. Older people give money to children, termed as Eid cash or Eidi, Eidi is considered a token of blessings and love. Children and younger ones feel thrilled to this practice.

Visiting Family and Friends:  Visiting friends and family is another joyful moment. After the eid prayer everyone gathers at the ancestral homes to greet each other, share sweets, and enjoy a delicious feast including biriyani, semiya kheer, baklava, and mamoul (date-filled cookies).

Charitable Acts: Beyond celebration, Eid is associated with kindness and charity. It is mandatory to focus on social responsibility and compassion.  Zakat al Fitr, a certain proportion per the individual in a family, is denoted. This is mainly settled before the Eid celebration, somewhere around Ramadan. Most Muslim communities across the world conduct Iftar meetings, visit the sick, and help the misfortunate. Through the religious traditions, it fosters better unity and relationship among families, friends, and communities, reminding the values of faith, forgiveness, and kindness.

Conclusion

As Eid approaches, it is wonderful to connect your children with the cultures and traditions of the festive occasion. If your child is growing up far away from their homeland and is facing challenges in reading and speaking Malayalam, you might consider enrolling them in Akshharam, online Malayalam classes for children. By exploring Malayalam with Akshharam, not only will they engage with the academics of the language, but they will also gain an understanding of the traditions and customs related to Eid ul-Fitr. Sign up for Akshharam's Malayalam language writing class online and help your child discover the joys of learning Malayalam while celebrating the spirit of Eid!