Eid Al Fitr “Chhoti Eid”

Eid al-Fitr is an important religious fest the starts right after the Ramazan. The Arabic word Fitr means the same as iftar which means breaking a fast. Muslims all over the world celebrate the conclusion of the 29 or 30 days of dawn-to-sunset fasting during the entire month of Ramadan. As the date of Eid depends on the sighting of the moon, there may be variations in the exact date that is celebrated around the world.

Eid prayer

Muslims celebrate Eid Al-Fitr with prayer called “Salat Al Eid” in Arabic. Muslims will gather in mosques or open spaces and offer two (2) units of prayer called “Rakat” and six (6) “Takbeer” (3 in each ‘Rakaat’). The prayers are followed by a sermon called “Hutba”, in which the imam asks for forgiveness, mercy, and peace for every being across the world.

Fitrana

A specific amount called “Fitrana” which is “Wajib” (mean to do so) is given to poor people before prayer of Eid. Other key elements of the Eid celebrations are giving money to the poor (known as ‘Zakat al-Fitr’, the amount to be given depends on the possessions someone has), sending Eid greetings and feasting with families.

Eid Mubarak – Khair Mubarak

The phrase commonly used by Muslims as a greeting on this day is Eid Mubarak, which is Arabic for ‘blessed festival’. The proper response to Eid Mubarak is “Khair Mubarak”, which wishes goodness on the person who has greeted you.

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