Eid Al-Fitr

Eid Al-Fitr which means the festival of fast-breaking is one of the two religious
eids or festivals in the Muslim world. It takes place after the holy fast month of
Ramadan which is the 9th month in the Hijri Calender. When Ramandan ends,
fasting is no more obligatory on Muslims, so they celebrate performing their fast in
Eid Al-Fitr on the first three day of the month of Shawwal which follows
Rammadan. Allah Almighty says: “You must complete the quantity [of days] in
order to thank God for leading you and be thankful.” the Holy Quran: chapter 2,
verse 185,

Eid Al-Fitr lasts for three days. It has religious rituals, and social customs. On
the first day, All Muslim men, women, and children are expected to do Al-Eid
prayer 15 to 20 minutes after sunrise. Children and women are allocated a
separate prayer hall. Muslims who can afford to sacrifice an animal in the way of
Allah are recommended to do so after the prayer. Sacrificing is open till the third
day.
Then the social customs starts to happen. Traditionally, relatives should meet
at the house of the eldest man in the family to celebrate and exchange
congratulations. Almost all people especially children put on new trendy clothes.
Children expect money ( Eidiyah ) from adult relatives. Some wives expect the
same from their loving husbands. Delicious eastern sweets are served: some are
bought from the market and some are homemade. Sweets with dates, pistachio,
or walnut. Sometimes, a big lunch or dinner is part of the celebrations. Everyone
is happy and smiling. Children play in the yard.
 Celebrations and mutual visits between relatives and friends continue for the
three days of the Eid. Amusement parks are stuffed with kids. Resorts and
restaurants are full with guests. Movie theaters have the most recent films. Some
people stay up late in cafes and malls. Joy, fun, and happiness spread everywhere.
After Eid, everyone is back to work and usual life.
In short, Eid Al-Fitr that is the first of the two religious Eids in Islam. It is a
special awesome occasion. This occasion has its own rules, customs, and
traditions. For children, it is an extremely fun time.