Eid-Ul-Fitr

Eid ul-Fitr or Id-Ul-Fitr also known as Eid or Id is a Muslim festival thats marks the end of Ramadan, the month of fasting. It symbolizes the breaking of the fasting period. Fitr means to break the fast. EID-UL-FITR is celebrated on the first day of Shawwaal or Shawwal, at the completion of Ramadan. Shaw'waal is the 10th month of the Islamic calendar. On this day of Eid ul-Fitr,a Muslim family awakes early in the morning and after offering prayers, they eat in small quantity which symbolises the end of Ramadan. They then attend special congregational prayers held only for this occasion in mosques. The prayer is generally short, and is followed by a sermon . Worshippers greet and embrace each other in a spirit of peace and love after the congregational prayer. After the special prayers, festivities and merriment are commonly observed with visits to the homes of relatives and friends to thank God for all blessings.

The significance of this joyous occassion is purely spiritual. On this day, Muslims thank God for having given them the will, the strength and the endurance to observe fast and obey His commandment during the holy month of Ramadan. This day brings rejoicing and happiness within the Muslim community which comes in within the community for successfully accomplishing the important task. The celbrations last for three days and gifts are exchanges between friends and family members. The feast of Fitr is God's reward for those who fast during the holy month of Ramadan. In this month, man should try to add to his true knowledge of God, do acts of charity for the needy, renew his beliefs towards his Lord and this will be a real Bairam Feast (Turkish word meaning festival) for him. The prayers of the day of Bairam a reason of unity and solidarity of Muslims all over the world.It is a time of giving and sharing.

The Eid prayer is followed by the sermon (khutba) and then a prayer (also called "dua") asking for forgiveness, mercy and help for the plight of Muslims across the world. It is then customary to embrace the persons sitting on either side of oneself as well as ones relatives, friends and acquaintances.Muslims spend the day thanking the Creator for all their blessings, as well as simply having fun and enjoying themselves. Children are normally given gifts or money. Women (particularly relations) are normally given special gifts by their loved ones. Eid is also the time for reconciliations. Feuds or disputes, especially between family members, are often settled on Eid.