Eid MubarakEid Mubarak

Eid Mubarak is an Arabic term that means “Blessed feast/festival”. It is used by Muslims all over the world to greet each other on the occasion of Eid al-Fitr, the festival of breaking the fast that marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting.

Eid al-Fitr is one of the two major festivals in Islam, along with Eid al-Adha, the festival of sacrifice that commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son Ismail for God.

Eid al-Fitr is a joyous celebration that expresses gratitude to God for enabling Muslims to complete the fast, seek forgiveness for their sins, and share their blessings with others.

When is Eid al-Fitr?

Eid al-Fitr falls on the first day of Shawwal, the tenth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. The exact date varies from year to year depending on the sighting of the new moon. This year, Eid al-Fitr is expected to begin on the evening of Wednesday, May 12 and end on the evening of Thursday, May 13.

How is Eid al-Fitr celebrated?

Eid al-Fitr is celebrated in different ways across cultures and countries, but some common practices include:

  • Performing a special communal prayer in the morning, usually at a mosque or an open field. Before the prayer, Muslims are obliged to pay Zakat al-Fitr, a small charitable donation that can include staple foods, so that the poor and needy can also enjoy Eid.
  • Wearing new or clean clothes and decorating their homes with lights and banners. Some people also apply henna or perfume as a sign of joy.
  • Visiting family and friends and exchanging greetings of “Eid Mubarak”, which means “Blessed Eid”. Some people also hug each other three times and give gifts or money packets to children and elders.
  • Enjoying a feast of various sweet and savory dishes, such as dates, baklava, biryani, kebabs, and korma. Some countries have their own special delicacies for Eid, such as ketupat (rice cakes) in Indonesia and Malaysia, sheer khurma (milk pudding) in Pakistan and India, and kahk (cookies) in Egypt.
  • Seeking forgiveness and reconciliation with anyone they may have wronged or offended during the year. Eid al-Fitr is also a time to remember the deceased and visit their graves.

Why is Eid al-Fitr important?

Eid al-Fitr is important for Muslims because it is a reward from God for completing the fast of Ramadan, which is one of the five pillars of Islam. Fasting in Ramadan is a way of purifying one’s body and soul, developing self-discipline and compassion, and strengthening one’s faith and connection with God.

Eid al-Fitr is also important because it is a time to celebrate with gratitude, generosity, and happiness. It is a time to share one’s blessings with others, especially those who are less fortunate. It is a time to appreciate one’s family and friends, and to spread peace and goodwill among all people.

Eid al-Fitr is a beautiful occasion that reflects the spirit and values of Islam. It is a festival that brings joy and hope to millions of Muslims around the world.

Eid Mubarak
Eid Mubarak

How to make your Eid al-Fitr party more fun and memorable?

If you are planning to host an Eid al-Fitr party for your family and friends, you may want to add some fun and creative elements to make it more enjoyable and memorable. Here are some ideas to spice up your Eid celebration:

  • Make a festive backdrop for taking photos. You can use balloons, streamers, banners, or lanterns with Eid Mubarak messages and lunar motifs. You can also set up a photo booth with props and costumes for your guests to pose with.
  • Play some games and activities that are suitable for all ages. You can have a trivia quiz about Ramadan and Eid facts, a scavenger hunt for hidden gifts or treats, a karaoke contest with Islamic songs, or a craft station where guests can make their own Eid cards or decorations.
  • Prepare some favors or giveaways for your guests to take home. You can fill small bags or boxes with dates, nuts, chocolates, or candies. You can also include some personalized items such as magnets, keychains, or bookmarks with Eid Mubarak messages or your guests’ names.
  • Share some stories and reflections about your Ramadan and Eid experiences. You can invite your guests to share what they learned, what they are grateful for, what they hope for, or what they wish to improve in the next year. You can also read some verses from the Quran or some hadiths (sayings of Prophet Muhammad) that are relevant to the occasion.

Eid al-Fitr is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate your faith, culture, and community. By following these tips, you can make your Eid party more fun and memorable for yourself and your guests. Eid Mubarak!

References

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eid_Mubarak

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-05-12/what-is-eid-and-when-does-it-start-ramadan/100130456

https://www.womansday.com/life/g43539569/eid-party-ideas/

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