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Eid, a festival of brotherhood
POST DIWALI, its time for Muslims to gear up for their share of festivities.Eid will be celebrated in the city on Wednesday. Eid-ul-Fitr, often abbreviated as simply Eid, marks the end of Ramzan, the Islamic month of piety, abstinence and fasting. The festival begins after sighting the new moon, which means bidding adieu to the holy month and preparing to embrace Eid. The 'chand raat', the night when the moon of Eid is sighted, is of great significance. Nobody sleeps during the night which is spent in last minute shopping and in preparing for the big event.
POST DIWALI, its time for Muslims to gear up for their share of festivities.Eid will be celebrated in the city on Wednesday.
Eid-ul-Fitr, often abbreviated as simply Eid, marks the end of Ramzan, the Islamic month of piety, abstinence and fasting. The festival begins after sighting the new moon, which means bidding adieu to the holy month and preparing to embrace Eid.
The 'chand raat', the night when the moon of Eid is sighted, is of great significance. Nobody sleeps during the night which is spent in last minute shopping and in preparing for the big event.
While men busy themselves in making purchases for the festival the women select accessories, apply mehndi etc. Be it glossy commodities, attractive clothes or for that matter things of everyday necessity, everything floods the markets.
Eid, an occasion which celebrates brotherhood is marked with joy and is a time to renew relationships and strengthen family ties.
The Eid namaz is followed by a sermon (khutba) and another prayer (dua) asking for Allah's forgiveness, blessings and help in making the world a better place to live in.
After the prayers and thanksgiving the festivities begin in full swing with visits to the homes of friends and relatives.
Fasting is forbidden on Eid and people generally have sweets for breakfast on this day.
Traditional Eid sweets 'sevaiyyan' and 'sheerkhurma' are served. Children are given presents or cash gifts called 'Eidi'.
The day is also considered the time for reconciliation. Feuds or disputes, especially between family members, are often settled on this day. It is a joyous occasion with important religious significance. It is a sequel to the month of Ramzan, a spiritual gift from the Almighty, who had given the strength and self-control to observe fast for days together.
People from all strata of the society dress up in new clothes and greet each other. The festival is celebrated for two days. On the first day the family stays at home and receives visitors while on the second day people go on an outing.
Time for charity
Before the Eid prayers begin, every Muslim man, woman and child must donate 'Zakat-al-Fitr' which is about two kilograms of foodgrains or its cash equivalent, traditionally collected at the mosque.
The grains and the money are then distributed to the needy. 'Zakat-al-Fitr' can be given anytime during the month of Ramzan and should ideally be given early so that the recipients can utilise it for Eid purchases. 'Zakat-al-Fitr' is given in addition to 'Zakat', the annual donation calculated as 2.5 per cent of a person's total wealth.
