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Did you know that 1.6 billion Muslims celebrate Eid al-Fitr? This holiday is an important time in Islam, as Muslims sacrifice animals to celebrate this holiday. In the celebration of Eid, the meat of the sacrificed animal is split into three parts and shared to a friend or family member, a poor person, and the individual who made the sacrifice. Here are some details about the Eid meal.
1.6 billion Muslims celebrate eid al-Fitr
This weekend, 1.6 billion Muslims around the world will celebrate Eid al-Fitr. This three-day celebration marks the end of Ramadan, a month-long fast observed by most Muslims. Muslims celebrate Eid al-Fitr by participating in mass prayers and feasting. To commemorate the day, you can use the hashtag #EidCNN on social media.
The holiday begins with a special prayer at the end of the fast. Traditionally, Muslims spend the month of Ramadan giving to charity, praying, and reflecting on the past year. The observance of Eid al-Fitr in the U.S. has a long tradition that dates back to the Prophet Muhammad, and hundreds of Muslims in Malta follow the tradition. It’s not uncommon for Muslims to invite non-Muslims to celebrate with them.
It is a national holiday
In Islam, Eid al-Fitr is a national holiday that marks the end of Ramadan. In the United States, Eid is one of the most popular holidays. More than $1 trillion in retail sales is recorded during this holiday. Some conservative Muslims worry that the holiday is diluting their faith by allowing the celebration of materialism. In 2014, the New York City school district became the nation’s largest to recognize Eid as a national holiday.
Although the date of Eid changes every year, Indonesians celebrate it with great enthusiasm. Security forces are on high alert from Sunday to Thursday because of the threat of terrorist attacks. A suicide bombing in Baghdad last year killed more than a dozen people. India’s Muslim minority is also suffering from vilification by Hindu nationalists. Last year, heightened tensions between the two groups led to violence during Ramadan. Muslim preachers urge the faithful to remain vigilant during Eid.
It is a time of giving
The Muslim faith encourages us to give to those in need and multiply our good deeds. The Eid celebration is a wonderful opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others. We are encouraged to give to the needy and poor in our community and abroad. By giving generously to those in need, we emphasize the caring Islamic character of Muslims. Here are some ways to celebrate Eid as a Muslim.
On Eid, many Muslims give a special monetary gift to the poor, called Zakat al-Fitr. This is often combined with donations of essential items. The Zakat al-Fitr is traditionally paid for by the head of the family, before the first prayer service, and is intended to allow those less fortunate to participate in the festivities. Other traditions of Eid include wearing new clothes, attending religious services, embracing family and friends, and celebrating with gifts.
It involves elaborate meals
Muslims across the world celebrate Eid al-Fitr with a variety of traditions. In the United Kingdom, most masjid host special events after Eid prayer, including Islamic musical performances and buffets. Some masjid also offer rides and brunch buffets. Other Eid traditions include a celebration of the holiday in the form of Zoom Eid prayers and drive-through Eid baskets.
In Tunisia, people celebrate Eid for three days, and the festivities begin several days before the actual holiday. Baklava, several types of “ka’ak,” marzipan, cookies, and other treats are traditionally prepared in advance. In addition to the Baklava and sweets, people also exchange gifts, including money and cured salted fish. In addition to giving out money, family members also gather to celebrate Eid with extravagant feasts and elaborate meals.
It involves donating money to the poor
One of the pillars of Islam is zakat, or charity, and it is a common practice during Eid celebrations and Ramadan. According to Islamic Relief, more than PS150 million was donated to charity by Muslims in the UK during Ramadan. In addition to donating money to charity, many Muslims also give gifts and gather with their families to celebrate the festive season. While these traditions are similar to those of Christmas, COVID-19 has caused the celebration to be more tense than ever.
The first tradition associated with Eid celebration in Islam is Qurbani, or the donation of money to the poor. This tradition helps orphans and widows break the cycle of poverty. During Eid al-Adha, a $250 donation fulfills Qurbani in Niger or Sudan and supports livelihood efforts for the following Eid. The second tradition, halal butchering, involves giving meat to the poor.
