Ramadan And Eid Al-Fitr

Chapter 10

(Warning: This is based on Islamic beliefs.)

The word Ramadan is derived from the Arabic word “Ramida,” which means “scorching heat.” Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, and it is observed by Muslims worldwide as the month of fasting, reflection and communal prayer. The annual observance of Ramadan is regarded as one of the five pillars of Islam and lasts twenty-nine to thirty days, from one sighting of the crescent moon to the next.

Ramadan is the holiest month of the year. It was the month in which the Quran was revealed. The Quran states, “Ramadan is the month on which the Quran was revealed as a guide for humanity with clear proofs of guidance and the standard ˹to distinguish between right and wrong˺. So whoever is present this month, let them fast. But whoever is ill or on a journey, then ˹let them fast˺ an equal number of days ˹after Ramaḍân˺. Allah intends ease for you, not hardship, so that you may complete the prescribed period and proclaim the greatness of Allah for guiding you, and perhaps you will be grateful.” (2:185)

The Prophet (PBUH) is said to have received his first Quranic revelation on Laylat al-Qadr, one of five odd-numbered nights (21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, 29th) that fall during the last ten days of Ramadan.
According to some traditions, the Suhuf of Hazrat Ibrahim, the Taurah of Hazrat Musa, and the Zaboor of Hazrat Dawood were all revealed in Ramadan.

One of the special dates of this month is the day of the assassination of Ali (RA), the fourth Rashidun caliph and the first Shia Imam. Hazrat Ali was struck during morning prayer on the 19th day of Ramadan, 40 AH, and he died on the 21st day of the month.

The Hilal or crescent moon marks the beginning of Ramadan. Muslims begin the month by offering Taraweeh on the first night of Ramadan. Muslims do pre-dawn suhoor to sustain all day. “Take meals a little before dawn because there is blessing in taking meals at that time.” Muslims make niyyat (intention) to fast: “I intend to keep tomorrow's fast of Ramadan.” During the day, they keep reminding themselves that they are fasting, which helps them stay sincere to Allah. After intention, Muslims refrain from what is halal (permissible) and haram (forbidden), like eating, drinking, backbiting, and marital relations. This way, a Muslim learns to keep control of himself after a training period of 30 days. He gets into the habit of not committing haram even when the month of Ramadan ends. Furthermore, Muslims learn to guard their tongues and eyes.

Some other acts of fasting include praying five times, a lot of Zikar, offering voluntary prayer to attain closeness and the pleasure of Allah, and spending time reciting, understanding, and preaching the Quran and Sunnah of the Prophet. Muslims get an opportunity to reflect on the teachings of the Quran and Sunnah. The Prophet has said, “Everything has a best season. The best season of the Quran is Ramadan.” Muslims perform charity and offer Zakat. Even though this can be done anytime, the month of Ramadan is more rewarding. People participate in various social works to help others. Displays of anger, aggression and violence are forbidden during Ramadan, especially when one is fasting. Muslims show utmost patience. This way, Muslims learn to control their anger even when not fasting. This promotes peace and a healthy society.

Fasting is not optional. It is mandatory for every sane, healthy Muslim who has reached puberty. If a fast is broken intentionally, a Kaffara (atonement) has to be offered (i.e., fast 60 days consecutively or feed 60 people twice a day for 30 days). When fast breaks involuntarily, like vomiting a mouthful, or when women start to menstruate, Muslims compensate by fasting the days they missed in Ramadan. This is called Qaza. However, there are some people who are exempted from fasting in Ramadan. They are: 
A very sick person 
A pregnant woman
A woman who nurses a child
Travellers
A menstruating woman after childbirth
Children before reaching puberty

The first five categories must do Qaza once the condition is over after Ramadan. If a person is permanently sick, like on dialysis, he can then pay Fidya (feeding a person twice a day for 30 days, i.e 60 meals). There are some acts that make fasting void. These include:
Intake of injections into the brain and stomach
Eating anything intentionally (If anyone eats by mistake, his fast is still valid)
Asthma pumps

The fast is broken with the Azaan of Maghrib. Following the Sunnah of the Prophet, Muslims break the fast with dry or fresh dates. It is called Iftar. It is sunnah to break fast immediately on hearing the Azaan of Maghrib. This is also the time when Allah accepts dua (supplication). Muslims enjoy Iftar and express their gratitude to Allah. Also, they make sure meals are provided to the poor as well as their neighbours.

Taraweeh are extra nightly prayers performed during the month of Ramadan. They are performed after the Fard prayer of Isha. Muslims offer 20 Rakats of Taraweeh in congregation. The Quran is recited in these Rakats after Surah Fatiha. The Imam recites one or more chapters in 20 cycles. This way, the whole Quran is recited during the whole month of Ramadan in Taraweeh. Contrary to popular belief, Taraweeh is not compulsory. Three cycles of Witr are offered after Taraweeh.

Tahajjud is a special prayer offered before fajr and anytime after isha, preferably during the last third part of the night. This salah is deeply valued. It holds great spiritual importance. It is the quiet time to connect closely with Allah and develop a strong faith. Allah does not overlook a dua made at Tahajjud.

Aitekaaf is a practice specially carried out in the month of Ramadan when a person spends time in seclusion. Males do Aitekaaf in mosques while females at home (in a room), with the intention to focus on worshipping Allah, reflecting on one's own deeds and seeking Allah's forgiveness. This seclusion takes place in the last ten days of Ramadan as it coincides with Laylatul Qadr. The idea is to temporarily withdraw from worldly affairs and connect only with Allah.

Laylatul Qadr means “Night of the Decree (Glory).” It is one of the last odd nights of Ramadan, and it is the Night on which the Quran was revealed in Al-Lauhe Mahfouz and the first revelation on the Prophet occurred. Surah al-Qadr is the 97th chapter of the Quran, consisting of 5 verses, and celebrates the Night of Glory (Laylat al-Qadr). It states, "Indeed, We have sent it down (the Quran) on the Night of Glory. And what will make you know what the Night of Glory is? The Night of Glory is better than a thousand months. Angels and the spirit descend in it by the permission of their Lord, with every matter. Peace! It is until the rising of the dawn." (97: 1-5) The night holds immense significance. Its worship is equal to the worship of a thousand nights. On this night, Angel Jibrael descends with Allah's blessings and mercy. Muslims observe this night praying, supplicating to Allah, reciting the Quran and reflecting on it.

The holiday of Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan and the beginning of Shawwal, the next lunar month, is declared after a crescent new moon has been sighted or after completion of thirty days of fasting if no sighting of the moon is possible. The night on which the moon is sighted is celebrated as Chand Raat (night of the moon) in countries like Bangladesh and Pakistan. Eid al-Fitr is celebrated for one to three days, depending on the country. It is forbidden to fast on the Day of Eid. As an obligatory act of charity, money is paid to the poor and the needy (zakat al-Fitr) before performing the Eid prayer.

Eid al-Fitr has a particular salah that consists of two rakats. The prayers of the two Eids were made compulsory in the first year after the Prophet's migration to Madina. It is a Sunnah Muakkadah which the Prophet always performed, especially in an open area in the outskirts of Madina.

Eid prayers are to be offered in congregation. It’s offered by every sane, muslim adult. However, the Prophet also recommended that women and children offer them. It is a Sunnah to go for Eid prayer from one route and return from the other. Muslims should prepare for Eid prayer by bathing, wearing fresh clothes, removing unwanted hair, using miswak, and applying fragrance. Eid-ul-Fitr is offered a little late to give Sadqa-tul-Fitr. Eid prayer is offered in an open place called Eid Gah. One should leave for prayer after having some sweets like dates on Eid-ul-Fitr.There is no Azaan or Iqaamah for eid.

Eid prayers can be offered in the presence of at least 4 people. Two Rakaats are offered with 6 Takbirs. The imam does the intention and says the opening Takbir and ties his hand to recite Sana. Then he raises both his hands up to his ears and recites Takbir and releases his hands. This he does twice. After reciting Takbir the third time, he ties his hand again to recite Surah al Fatiha with another Surah and completes the Rakat. In the second Rakat, he recites the Surah Al Fatiha and another Surah. After this, he recites the Takbir by raising his hand to his ears and releasing it on the sides, then, after saying the fourth Takbir, goes into Rukuh and completes the salah. After the Eid prayer, the Imam gives the sermon, which the Muqtadi should listen to attentively. After this, dua is made.

During the Eid celebration, Muslims greet each other by saying “Eid Mubarak,” which is Arabic for "Blessed Eid.” As it comes after a month of fasting, sweet dishes and foods are often prepared and consumed during the celebration. Muslims typically decorate their homes, and are also encouraged to forgive each other for any bad deeds committed and seek forgiveness.

In the Arab states of the Persian Gulf countries, men would typically buy a new Kandora (traditional white long robe). Women would wear special clothes for the occasion, along with special perfumes and braids. Most majlises would offer fruits, dates, tea or coffee to visitors. Those who live in rural areas tend to celebrate more modestly. Buildings, shops, roads and houses in UAE cities get decorated in bright festive lights. Many shows, such as theatres, would also occur.

In Bahrain, families often celebrate the festival with an Eid dinner consisting of quzi or machboos rice dishes, while popular sweets include halwa or khanfaroosh. Men typically wear thawbs and women wear abayas, the latter also painting henna on their hands or feet.

Saudis decorate their homes and prepare sumptuous meals for family and friends. They prepare new clothes and shoes for the festival.  It is a common Saudi tradition for families to gather at the patriarchal home after the Eid prayers. Before the special Eid meal is served, young children will line up in front of each adult family member, who dispenses money as gifts to the children.

After the Eid al-Fitr prayer, the people of Jerusalem decorate the courtyards of the al-Aqsa Mosque with toys for children who come from all Palestinian areas to participate in the Eid al-Fitr prayer rituals. Many Palestinians go out to visit the families of Palestinian prisoners, visit the prisons themselves, and visit graves to lay wreaths on them.

In Iraq, kleicha (the traditional snack) and lamb are popular foods. The Iraqi Kurds tend to visit cemeteries to remember their lost ones one day before the festival. After the prayers, Iraqi Kurdish families would gather together for large breakfasts of rice and stew, as well as candies, nuts and caffeinated beverages.

Egyptians spend the first day of Eid al-Fitr gathering all family members and celebrating Eid at public gardens. It is customary for children to also receive an Eidi, a small sum of money to be spent on activities throughout the Eid. Egyptians like to celebrate with others, so the streets are always crowded during the days and nights of Eid.

Muslims in Tanzania celebrate Eid al-Fitr, when they normally dress in fine clothes and decorate their homes with lights. Special foods are prepared and shared with family and visitors, while children receive gifts. In Zanzibar, it is popular for locals to buy new clothing, while women would shop for handbags, necklaces and other clothing. For some youngsters, Eid nights involve dancing at a club. Children would receive coins from locals.

Eid es-Seghir is the name of Eid al-Fitr among Moroccans. Many families have a tradition of buying new clothes for their children during the holiday. Common food choices for Eid dinner include couscous, lamb or beef brochettes and others. In the north, musicians play Andalusian music accompanied by fast clapping.

In the predominantly Sunni Muslim culture of Afghanistan, Eid al-Fitr holds significant importance and is celebrated widely for three days. It popularly involves special festivities for children and the youngest members of families. The most common greeting is “Akhtar mo Mubarak sha” (Eid Mubarak) in the Pashto-speaking community. Afghans start preparing for the Eid al-Fitr festival up to ten days prior by cleaning their homes. Afghans visit their local bazaars to buy new clothes, sweets, and snacks, including Jalebi, Shor-Nakhod and Cake wa Kolcha. On the day of Eid al-Fitr, Afghans will first offer their Eid prayers and then gather in their homes with their families, greeting one another by saying "Eid Mubarak" and usually adding "Eidet Mobarak Roza wa Namazet Qabool Dakhel Hajiha wa Ghaziha," which means "Happy Eid to you; may your fasting and prayers be accepted by God, and may you be counted among those who will go to the Hajj-pilgrimage."  Family elders will give money and gifts to children. It is also common practice to visit families and friends. At night, multiple campfires are set around houses, sometimes to the point that entire valleys may initially appear to be engulfed in flame.

Eid is a public holiday in India. The holiday begins after the sighting of the new moon on Chand Raat. On that evening, people head to markets to finish their shopping for Eid, for clothing and gifts, and begin preparing their food for the next day. Traditional Eid food often includes biriyani, sheer khurma, and sivayyan, a dish of fine, toasted sweet vermicelli noodles with milk and dried fruit, among other regionally-specific dishes. Women and girls also put henna on each others' hands. Afterwards, children are given Eidi (cash gifts) and friends and relatives visit each other's homes to eat and celebrate.

In Pakistan, Eid al-Fitr is also referred to as “the Lesser Eid” or “Sweet Eid.” People are supposed to give obligatory charity on behalf of each of their family members to the needy or poor before Eid day or, at most, before the Eid prayer, allowing all to share in the joy of Eid. At home, family members enjoy a special Eid breakfast with various types of sweets and desserts, including Kheer and the traditional dessert Sheer Khurma, which is made of vermicelli, milk, butter, dry fruits, and dates. Eid is especially enjoyed by the kids, as they receive money in cash called "Eidi" as a gift from their relatives and elders. People tend to get fresh currency notes issued by the State Bank of Pakistan with which they give to their children.

Sri Lankan Muslims like to eat watalappam, falooda, samosa, gulab jamun, sheer khurma, oil cake and other national and regional dishes.

In Bangladesh, Eid is celebrated with great pomp and festivities. The preparation for Eid in Bangladesh starts from the last quarter of the holy month of Ramadan. The markets and shopping malls become overwhelmed with people. In the Chaand Raat, children gather at the open field to see the Hilal (crescent moon) of the month of Shawwal. On the occasion of Chand Raat, Bangladesh Television plays the popular Bengali Eid song, “O Mon Romzaner Oi Rozar Sheshe.” Children make and exchange Eid cards. Girls decorate their hands with Mehndi. The Bengali sweet dish, Shemai (Vermicelli), is served with Roti or Paratha or Luchi as breakfast in Bangladesh. Then people attend the Eid prayer in the Eidgah. Children do "Salam" by touching the feet of the elderly members of the family. And elders give them a small amount of money, which is known as "Salami" or "Eidi", which is a major part of Eid happiness for children. Bengali dishes, which are rich in flavor like Biryani, Polao, Pitha, Kabab, Korma, Chingri Malaikari, Shorshe Ilish, Payesh, Shirni, Halwa, etc., are served by the women. Wealthy Muslims in Bangladesh also distribute Zakat alms to the poor people. People visit the houses of relatives, neighbours, and friends and greet each other saying "Eid Mubarak" (Happy Eid).

Eid is a national holiday in Nepal. Nepalese Muslims often consume the popular Nepalese dessert sewai (vermicelli pudding) to mark the occasion. It is commemorated throughout the country with large prayers, dinners and social celebrations

The Muslims of Cambodia often open their homes to friends and neighbours to share food together. Men, women and children dress in fine attire, while the preferred dress colour is white, symbolising the purity of the soul after a month of Ramadan. It is customary during Eid for Cambodian Muslims to donate 3 kilograms of rice to the poor or disabled.

Last but not least, a very happy Ramadan and Eid Mubarak to all the Muslims out there!

Written by Marlee Potter.
Edited by Hazel Antler.
Proofread by Daphne Clarke.