The Festival of Breaking the Fast
Eid al -Fitr, also called Eid, marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting. Eid is one of the most cherished holidays for the Muslim community. Upon the completion of Ramadan, families gather to celebrate the growth of their relationship with Allah and honor each other's strength.
Daily life during Eid al-Fitr
A majority of Muslims will take off of work during three days of Eid. Schools close so that children can be with their families, most of which have not seen each other since last Eid.
The three day celebration begins with a prayer at the mosque called Salat al-Eid. After the prayer, mosques will host a festival which usually includes music, games, rides, and food. Colorful lanterns are made and hung around the city. At night, fireworks fill the sky with light.
Children are given presents such as new clothes and toys. This is done to congratulate them on fasting and focusing on Allah during Ramadan. During this time, families will give food, gifts, and money to the poor and needy.
Ramadan and The Festival of Breaking the Fast
Gulevich, T. (2004). Section Three: Calendar System, Holidays, and Other Days of Observance. In Understanding Islam and Muslim traditions: An introduction to the religious practices, celebrations, festivals, observances, beliefs, folklore, customs, and calendar system of the world's Muslim communities, including an overview of Islamic history and geography (pp. 249–370). essay, Omnigraphics.
Harvard University. (n.d.). Ramadan and eid al-fitr. The Pluralism Project. Retrieved December 6, 2021, from https://pluralism.org/ramadan-and-eid-al-fitr.
Islamic Holidays and Festivals. ReligionFacts. (2021, March 8). Retrieved December 6, 2021, from https://religionfacts.com/holidays.
Peppas, L. (2013). Cultural traditions in Egypt. Crabtree Pub. Company.
Harvard University. (n.d.). Ramadan and eid al-fitr. The Pluralism Project. Retrieved December 6, 2021, from https://pluralism.org/ramadan-and-eid-al-fitr.
Islamic Holidays and Festivals. ReligionFacts. (2021, March 8). Retrieved December 6, 2021, from https://religionfacts.com/holidays.
Peppas, L. (2013). Cultural traditions in Egypt. Crabtree Pub. Company.