Dustyhawk :: Broken Mirror

Eid ul-Fitr (عيد الفطر) follows the month of Ramadan, falling on the first day of Shawwal (the tenth month in the Islamic calendar). As with all months in the Islamic calendar, it begins with the sighting of the new moon. For this reason there may be regional differences in the exact date of Eid, with some Muslims fasting for 29 days and some for 30 days. But what ever it is, come Eid ul-Fitr …friends,family, love ones will come together to celebrate this joyous occasion.

On the day of the celebration, a typical Muslim family gets up very early and attends special prayers held only for the occasion in big mosques, in large open areas, stadiums or arenas. The festivities and merriment start after the prayers with visits to the homes of friends and relatives and thanking the Creator for all blessings. Eid is a time to come together as a community and to renew friendship and family ties. This is a time for peace for all Muslims in the world to devote to prayers and mutual well-being

Muslim brethrens are encouraged to wear new clothing,if possible, and to attend a special Eid prayer which is normally held in a mosque or open area. Before the prayer begins, the congregration will recite the Takbiir

Allahu akbarullahu, akbarullahu akbar
la illaha illa Allah,
Allahu akbarullahu, akbar
w’al i’llah h’ilhamd

God is Greatest, God is Greatest, God is Greatest
There is no deity but [the One] God
God is Greatest, God is Greatest
and to Him goes all praise

The Takbiir is recited after confirmation that the moon of Shawwal is sighted on the eve of the last day of Ramadan. It continues until the start of the Eid prayer. Before the Eid prayer begins every Muslim (man, women or child) must pay Zakat al Fitr, an alms for the month of Ramadan. This equates to about 2 kg of a basic foodstuff (wheat, barley, dates, raisins, etc.), or its cash equivalent, and is (typically) collected at the mosque. This is distributed by the mosque to needy local Muslims prior to the start of the Eid prayer. It can be given anytime during the month of Ramadan and is often given early, so the recipient can utilise it for Eid purchases. This is distinct to Zakat based on their wealth which must be paid to a worthy charity. This is calculated at 2.5% of their wealth.

The Eid prayer (solah) is followed by the khutba (sermon) and then a prayer (dua’) asking for forgiveness, mercy and help for the plight of Muslims across the world. It is then customary to embrace the persons sitting on either side of you as well as your relatives, friends and acquaintances.

Children are normally given gifts or money. Women (particularly relations) are normally given special gifts by their loved ones. Eid is also the time for reconcilliations. Feuds or disputes, especially between family members, are often settled on Eid.

In Malaysia, Eid is also commonly known as Hari Raya Aidilfitri; Hari Raya literally means Day of Celebration. Muslims in Malaysia celebrate Eid like other Muslims throughout the world. The night before Eid will be filled with the takbiir which is held in the mosques or musollahs. Eid also witnesses a huge migratory pattern of the muslims, from big metropolitan cities to rural areas. This is known as Balik Kampung — literally going back to home town to celebrate Eid with one’s parents.

It is customary for Malays to wear traditional Malay costumes on the Eid. The dress for men is called baju melayu while the women’s are known as baju kurung. In recent years, robes, adopted from Arabic tradition and culture, are added to the traditional attires for Eid. It is also common to see non-Malay muslims wear costumes of their culture.

Once the prayer is completed, it is also common for Muslims in Malaysia to visit the grave of their loved ones. During this visit, they will clean the grave, perform the recital of the Surah Yaa Sin and also perform the tahlil ceremony. All these are done in hope that their loved ones are blessed by Allah and they are spared from the punishment in the grave.

The rest of the day is spent visiting relatives, or serving visitors. Eid ul-Fitr is a very joyous day for children for this is the day where adults are extra generous. Children will be given token sums of money, also known as “duit raya” from their parents or elders.

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This entry was posted on Thursday, November 3rd, 2005 at 8:12 am and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.