The most brilliant and joyful festival of Islamic culture is Eid-ul-Fitr. After a long month of fasting, this day is a special gift from Allah Almighty for the Muslim Ummah. The word 'Eid' means joy or returning again and again and the word 'Fitr' means iftar or breaking the fast. In other words, Eid-ul-Fitr is the joy of returning to normal life after a month of restraint. This day is known worldwide as a great gathering of social solidarity, equality and brotherhood.
The first Eid in the history of Islam was celebrated in the second Hijri (624 AD). After the Prophet of Islam, Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH), migrated from Mecca to Medina, he saw that the people of Medina were celebrating two festivals called 'Nowruz' and 'Meherjan', where useless activities and Jahili customs were prevalent in the name of joy and happiness. The Prophet (peace be upon him) declared, "Allah has given you two festivals better than them-Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha."
In the same year, fasting during Ramadan became obligatory upon Muslims. This Eid celebration began on the first day of Shawwal as a token of gratitude for having the strength and patience to fast the entire month of Ramadan
In the same year, fasting during Ramadan became obligatory upon Muslims. This Eid celebration began on the first day of Shawwal as a token of gratitude for having the strength and patience to fast the entire month of Ramadan. The first Eid al-Fitr was celebrated immediately after the victory of the Muslims in the Battle of Badr, which greatly increased the joy of the believers.
Over time, this religious festival became a universal festival. During the era of the Caliphs, the participation of emirs in the Eid congregation with the common people created a new history of equality. During the reign of the Umayyad, Abbasid and Ottoman empires, the Eid festival became more diverse with royal status and spontaneous participation of the people.
The customs and traditions of celebrating Eid al-Fitr vary in different countries of the world. The main attraction of Eid in Bangladesh is new clothes and semai. Hugging and giving 'salami' to children after prayers at the Eidgah in the morning is a long-standing tradition in this country.
On Eid morning in Saudi Arabia, Arabs start the day with traditional 'kahwa' and dates. In Riyadh and Jeddah, congregations are held in large squares and 'kabsa' is cooked in every home. In India, grand celebrations are held in Delhi's Jama Masjid and Hyderabad. 'Shir Khurma' (a dessert made of milk and semi-sweet) on the day of Eid in India is world famous. Pakistani women apply henna on their hands the night before Eid, which is called 'Chand Raat'. They prepare a special sweet dish 'Lachha Semi-sweet'.
In Indonesia, the world's largest Muslim country, Eid is called 'Lebaran'. People leave the cities and return to their villages (mudik), which is one of the world's largest annual migrations. In Malaysia, Eid is called 'Hari Raya Aidilfitri'. The 'open house' tradition is popular, where people of all religions can be entertained.In Turkey, Eid is called 'Sheker Bayrami' or the festival of sweets. Children kiss the hands of adults and receive blessings and receive lozenges or money in return.The streets of Cairo, Egypt, have a folk festival atmosphere on Eid. A special dish called 'Fasikh' made of cheese and fish is very popular in Egypt.
In Jordan, hospitality is provided with coffee and special cookies on Eid. Visiting relatives' homes is a mandatory social etiquette there.In Doha, the capital of Qatar, a big festival is held on Eid at the 'Qatara Cultural Village'. Special gifts are distributed to children.Lebanese bakeries are busy making special sweets called 'Karabij' even before Eid.
In Toronto and Montreal, Canada, stadiums are rented for large Eid congregations, which become a meeting place for all cultures.In Sydney, Australia, the 'Multicultural Eid Festival' is held, where food stalls from more than a hundred countries are set up.Muslims in southern Thailand dress up in colorful clothes and go to relatives' houses in groups.
In Yemen, men perform the traditional dance 'Bara' on Eid and the whole family eats lunch together on a large platter.People in Sudan spread mats on the streets on Eid and organize open meals for everyone, which are called 'Sharing Meals'.
Eid-ul-Fitr is not just a day of celebration, it is a day to instill human values. Bringing smiles to the faces of the poor by giving Fitra is one of the main lessons of this Eid. Despite geographical and cultural differences, the main theme of Eid celebrations by Muslims around the world is one - oneness, brotherhood and peace. This eternal festival of Islam has been teaching humanity compassion and generosity for centuries.
The writer is President of the International Anti-Drug Organization - Freedom International Anti-Alcohol
