What is Eid Al Fitr Day?

There are many different terms to describe Eid al-Fitr in English. There are names like Sweet Festival, Ramadan Feast, Sugar Feast or Eid of happiness. These beautiful names give you an idea that Eid al-Fitr is, as it were, something that gives you a lot of pleasure. But what is Eid really really? And how can people, especially those who do not live in an Islamic culture, understand the extent of this festival and its rituals.

Eid al-Fitr means in Arabic, the festival of fasting and is celebrated by Muslims around the world. It is a very important and religious celebration, an occasion to show gratitude to Allah and to remember Him. It marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting. 

Eid is very important for Muslims around the world, and so festivals are celebrated in different ways in different countries. But there are still typical rituals that are followed everywhere.On the day of the oath, Muslims get up early and pray before dawn the so-called Salatul Fajr.

According to tradition and teaching, they must then brush their teeth with a toothbrush, take a shower, put on their latest collection of eid clothes and apply perfume dressing up at Eid nicely does not mean putting yourself in the center of attention and showing oneself to others, it just belongs to Eid. The clothes should be clean, if not new, in very good condition. Many use this special day to buy new clothes, especially for their children.

Practicing Muslims do not need to fast to oath - it is even considered forbidden. So many appreciate this with a traditional meeting for a sweet breakfast before they go to pray. Special Eid prayers are practiced in the community, in public places such as mosques, and in large open spaces and parks.

It is easy to understand why people, especially children, are so excited about oath! It is a day full of joy, a day when people put off their differences and prejudices and long for peace and prosperity. Families spend their Eid together and celebrate with delicious food and spend the day, for example, in amusement parks, on the beach or at the lake. It is highly appreciated to spend time with family and friends. Children get presents, called Eidi, and also the 'gift giving' not only within the family, but also among strangers is typical to oath.

A very important part of oath is charity. This can be expressed in several ways, such as giving money to the poor. In some countries, Muslims buy large amounts of food and donate it to those who need it.