This weekend, Muslims all over the world are celebrating one of the most significant holidays in the Islamic calendar — Eid al-Fitr. What is known to be the “Festival of breaking fast,” marking the end of the synchronically observed holy month of Ramadan, is commemorated on different days across varying regions.
The start of the lunar Hijri month is solely subjected to the sighting of the new moon, and just a few days ago, this had paved its light into the western ebon sky, signaling Eid to commence late in the evening of May 23rd and expand into the duration of May 24.
In Islamic tradition, Ramadan is a month where the first revelation of the Quran was introduced to Prophet Muhammad. Eid al-Fitr would then follow right after to round off the entire month as a day to operate mindfully — especially in an appreciative, generous, and spiritual manner.
This holiday also marks the beginning of Shawwal, the tenth month in the Islamic calendar that signifies the time of year when a she-camel would be pregnant with a fetus. Although some Muslims typically observe an additional six days of fasting to further count their blessings during this month, Eid is the only period to which they are not obligated to do so.
One of the most important elements of this holiday is to establish Zakat al-Fitr, which is charity taken for the poor before the conclusion of Ramadan, a mandatory practice that all capable Muslims are required to maintain. The rich aid the poor, while the poor give to the poverty-stricken, providing for those who are financially incapable of partaking in Eid al-Fitr.
People usually start Eid by taking a bath and adorning their bodies with the best garments available to not only represent a fresh beginning but to also look dignified for this special day. They would follow up by exercising congregational prayers — and some choose to carry out the prayers inside mosques, but it is usually done outside — under the faces of clouds.
The expression that Muslims commonly use to greet each other on this day is “Eid Mubarak,” a term that translates to “Happy Festival” in English. Post conventional prayers, people would then assemble with their friends and family to enjoy a feast together, savoring the taste of various dishes, catching up on all the meals they had missed previously during the month of Ramadan.
It is also customary to exchange gifts with each other to one’s capability, and this rich tradition of giving is no exception for adults, especially in the presence of children. In Bangladesh, for example, older friends and relatives often provide kids with new clothes and money as well, kindling familial bonds and solidifying kinship — and in the western regions, families typically shift furniture in their homes and offer a variety of gifts to hue excitement.
This holiday is one of the most significant in the Islamic calendar, celebrated by traditional mosque prayers, festive family feasts, along with new clothes, gifts, and charitable deeds. But what nobody saw coming was a fast-spreading world pandemic that would be overshadowing this year with a series of restrictions and regulations.
To ensure public and personal safety, thousands of people around the world have decided against the traditional practices of attending mosques and visiting familiars; Instead, they resorted to technology to communicate with distant relatives.
Eid 2020 is a bitter-sweet reminder of the pre-COVID halcyon days for many Muslims across the hemispheres. A day that once emanated exuberance now emits a foreign feeling, one that seems rather awkward to celebrate in the face of a global health crisis.
And during solemn times like now, one’s content over the entirety Eid al-Fitr is in the hands of perspective alone.
