The most important festival in the Islamic calendar is Eid-ul-Fitr. It is also called the king of all festivals. ‘Eid’, in English, means ‘festival’, and ‘ul- Fitr’ stands for ‘breaking the fast.’ Eid-ul-Fitr then literally means ‘the Festival of breaking the fast.’ It marks the end of the month of Ramadan, a period of 30-day fasting.
THE DATE
The festival is celebrated on the first day of Shavval month, the 10th month of the Islamic calendar. The exact date is never known in advance since it depends on the sighting of the Eid crescent moon. It can be delayed by a day if the sky is too bright when the moon is out, or if clouds obstruct it.
THE RAMADAN FAST
During the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims observe Roza (fast) from sunrise to sunset, where no food or drink is consumed. The rules are very rigid, and even forbid the intake of medicines. Those who are exempted from the Roza are expecting mothers, children, physically challenged or unfit men and women.
Together with the fast, they abstain from all the vices and practise self-control. The purpose of this fast is to achieve purity of body, and peace of mind. It is also believed that during Ramadan, sins get burnt and destroyed.
During the Ramadan month, Muslims have a meal called Sehri, after the Morning Prayer; then the fast begins. Men folk visit the nearest mosque for prayers while the women and girls pray at home.
After sunset, the fast is broken – known as Iftar – usually with a sip of water and a few dates, or some other fruit; they chew rock salt. The salt eating is called Sunnat, after which, Maghreb is said followed by dinner, and succeeded by Isha – the night prayer – along with the Tarawih prayer.
HISTORY
The prophet Muhammad himself started this festival as it is widely believed that the prophet received the first revelations of the Holy Quran through the angel Gabriel during the month of Ramadan.
SIGNIFICANCE
The significance of the festival is purely spiritual. It gives the Muslims an occasion to offer their gratitude to Almighty Allah for giving them the willpower, the endurance, and the strength to observe the fast, and also to obey the commandments during the holy month of Ramadan. The true joy of Eid-ul-Fitr is only for those who observe fasts regularly.
CELEBRATIONS IN GOA
Muslims usually dress up in new clothes to say the Eid prayer – also known as Salaat al-Eid – soon after dawn, which is performed with the congregation in open areas like Idgah or mosques. This is followed by the sermon, and then a supplication asking for Allah's forgiveness, mercy, peace, and blessings for all living beings across the world.
Once the prayers are over, Muslims wish each other ‘Eid Mubarak’, which refers to ‘having a blessed day.’ During Eid, they visit their relatives, friends, and acquaintances, or hold large communal celebrations in Idgah, homes, or community centres. They also visit the graves of relatives.
Muslims give an obligatory payment to charity – called Zakat al-Fitr. In addition, some Muslims take the initiative to work voluntarily at soup kitchens and hand out their own food to those in need of relief.
Gifting is a big part of the Eid celebrations. Children receive ‘Eidia’ offerings in money bags, and sweet treats such as cookies and dates are exchanged among loved ones, neighbours, colleagues, friends, and even strangers. Family members also buy one another presents, although most of these are saved for the youngest members of each family.
THE EID MEAL
The Eid meal prepared on this day is special. It consists of a typical item called Sheer Kurma, and Biryani also becomes a prominent dish of the day.
The Eid-ul-Fitr festival is a blessing from Allah Almighty. It is regarded as a time to celebrate with their fellow Muslims, with their friends and family to express their gratitude towards Allah after following the previous month of reflection.
(The writer is former director of Thomas Stephens Konknni Kendr at Porvorim)
