Here we take a look at the traditions of Eid and what activities you can take part in over the period.
29 July 2014
| Last updated on 18 June 2017
Eid al-Fitr
Eid al-Fitr, also called Feast of Breaking the Fast, the Sugar Feast and the Lesser Eid, is an important religious holiday celebrated by Muslims worldwide. The event marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting which lasts 29 or 30 days of dawn-to-sunset fasting. Therefore, Eid al-Fitr is a single day during which Muslims are not permitted to fast.
The day of Eid, following Ramadan, falls on the first month of Shawwal. This is a day when Muslims around the world show a common goal of unity. The date of the start of any lunar Hijri month varies based on the observation of new moon by local religious authorities, and thus when Eid al-Fitr falls varies year to year and by locality.
Eid al-Adha
Eid al-Adha, also known as the Feast of the Sacrifice, the Major Festival or the Greater Eid, is the second of the two religious holidays. It honours the willingness of Abraham, who sacrificed his young first-born and only son in obedience of a command from God. In the lunar-based Islamic calendar, Eid al-Adha falls on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah and lasts four days, and it also coincides with the end of the annual Hajj to Mecca.
The Traditions of Eid
Eid is a time where families spend time together and exchange gifts and worship. The first of the two, Eid al-Fitr is the celebration to commence the end of the Holy Month of Ramadan. Expatriates will witness a change in atmosphere during this time of Eid in Kuwait; it is a time for celebration and reflection. The common Eid greeting is Eid Mubarak; this is a phrase you will often here, and is one you should try to use yourself when greeting others as it is considered polite.
In a Muslim household it is normal for the family to go shopping for new clothes as you are expected to be dressed in your best garments at this holy time, usually three sets of clothing are purchased for the three days of Eid. It is important to wear perfume and show cleanliness with regards to both your personal hygiene and home. It is also customary for the women to decorate their hands with Henna during this time and you will see some very beautiful and elaborate designs adorning the hands of many women.
Women often clean their houses so that they are spotless and spend many hours cooking in anticipation of the family meal. The houses are also decorated with pretty lights and the words “Eid Mubarak” are hung up around the home. Cleanliness is of the utmost importance and you will rarely see a dirty car during this time.
Typically the first day of Eid is commenced with a pre-dawn prayer followed by a breakfast of sweets and dates. People then wash and dress in their best clothes in order to attend prayer at the Mosque. Muslims are expected to give Zakat al Fitr as alms for the Ramadan month before they enter the Mosque. This is in addition to the Zakat that they are expected to give as a charitable donation throughout the year. It is very similar to giving tithe in the Christian faith.
Once all the religious obligations have been fulfilled at the Mosque, the families will ask for forgiveness from any that they have wronged, or they will give forgiveness to any wrongdoers. It is a time for starting anew. The families will then gather for a big lunch, dressed in their best. This is traditionally very important as they are showing unity as a family. At this time gifts will be exchanged, most commonly gifts of money are given to the children of the family. It is also traditional for children to go to the neighbors, knock on the doors and say Eid Mubarak and receive some money as a gift from the neighbors.
Eid Ideas
If you yourself are not fasting but have a colleague that is, it is a nice idea to buy them some chocolate or dates for their family. Remember to say Eid Mubarak when you give it to them. Small details like this will be much appreciated. If you have friends with small children, give them a gift of money, it can be a token sum and does not have to put you in a huge amount of debt. These gifts excite the children about their religion and it teaches them care and attention to detail.
