Andrea Stinson
Cultural Portfolio: Eid-al-Fitr
Eid-al-Fitr is a holiday in the Arabic culture that falls on the first day of the month of Shawwal. It is also called the feast of breaking fast because it marks the end of a month of fasting and praying called Ramadan. It is a very important holiday for not only Arabic culture but also Muslims worldwide as it is a religious holiday, not a political one. Different regions will celebrate at different times because the month of Shawwal starts based on the moon and different regions will have different moon cycles. However, it is becoming most common for people to celebrate the same time as Saudi Arabia.
During the day there are communal prayers and many will attend a sermon called the khutba. The prayers are generally done in a large hall or an open field and is an Islamic prayer that consists of 2 different units. After the sermon, many focus on forgiveness of each other and will visit with family. Some Muslims will travel in order to do attend an Eid-al-Fitr sermon or prayer sessions. Communities come together as well and often will hold celebrations after the sermons. Zakat al-Fitr is a gift of food given to charity and is a very important part of Eid-al-Fitr. It is believed that one must give zakat al-Fitr before participating in the Eid prayer.
Though it is a widespread holiday, different locations vary in their traditions. In Egypt they have a traditional cookie called the Kahka which is filled with nuts and covered with sugar as well as many other foods that they will celebrate with. In Sudan they also celebrate with large amounts of food and the women will decorate their hands and feet with henna. In Saudi Arabia there is a huge focus on hospitality and generosity, as complete stranger will greet each other, shopkeepers may give out free gifts to customers, and men will buy large quantities of staples such as rice and leave them on the doorsteps of those less fortunate.
Though it varies by region and there are many different traditions, the main focus of the holiday is on unity and values, and Eid-Al-Fitr marks a day for celebration in Arabic culture.
Sources
“Eid-al-Fitr (End of Ramadan) in United Arab Emirates.” United Arab Emirates Calendar. http://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/united-arab-emirates/eid-al-fitr
“Islamic Culture and Holidays- Eid ul-Fitr.” http://blogs.arabicpod101.com/blog/2009/09/01/islamic-culture-and-holidays-eid-ul-fitr/
“Eid- al- Fitr.” Wikipedia. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eid_al-Fitr
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