CAiro – Muslims around the world have their farewell in the Holy Islamic month of Ramadan and will soon begin to celebrate the holidays of Eid al -Fitr. The EID is generally welcomed with joy and excitement and is marked with prayers and congregation festivities which generally include family visits, gatherings, outings and new clothes.
For some Muslims, this year’s Eid comes in the midst of important changes in their communities.
In Gaza, it will be the second EID al-Fitr since the start of the War of Israel-Hamas. Israel ended his ceasefire with Hamas in Gaza by launching a wave of strikes that killed hundreds of people. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered strikes after Hamas refused Israeli requests to release half of the remaining hostages as a prerequisite for the expansion of the ceasefire. Earlier this month, Israel interrupted food, fuel, medicine and other supplies in Gaza.
The resumption of war changed the fortune of the Palestinians in Gaza which had started to observe Ramadan under a fragile ceasefire. The Israel campaign in Gaza has killed more than 50,000 Palestinians, according to the Gaza Ministry of Health. The war was launched by the attack of October 7, 2023 against Israel in which activists led by Hamas killed some 1,200 people and took around 250 hostages.
Elsewhere in the Middle East, the Syrians will celebrate their first EID al-Fitr since the end of more than half a century of the Assad family rule. The country’s first Ramadan since the eviction of Bashar Assad, who was the president, saw many relieved Syrians, but also attended a bloody and disturbing victim in the midst of a complex transition.
In the United States, several supporters of the Palestinian causes with links with American universities were detained in the repression of the Trump administration against immigrants.
What is Eid al-Fitr?
It is an Islamic party marking the end of Ramadan, the month when the devout Muslims fast daily from dawn to sunset. Ramadan is a moment for increased cult, charity and good deeds. He also generally sees festive rallies to break the fast.
The EID al-Fitr means the party, or festival, to break the fast.
When is Eid Al Fitr?
Islam follows a lunar calendar and Ramadan and the Aid cycle through the seasons. This year, the first day of Eid al-Fitr should be March 30 or around March 30; The exact date may vary between Muslim countries and communities.
What are the common greetings of Eid?
Eid Mubarak, or Blessed Eid, and Eid Happy.
What are some of the traditions and customs associated with Eid al-Fitr?
In Indonesia, many people are embarking on an exodus in their hometown to celebrate the holidays with relatives in a tradition of return known locally under the name of “Mudik”.
During the recent Eid celebrations, Indonesians have packed airports or piled up in trains, ferries, buses and motorcycles while pouring large cities in the middle of a congestion of severe traffic to return to their villages to celebrate the holidays with families.
Before the holidays, popular markets are full of buyers buying clothes, shoes, cookies and candies.
In Malaysia, Muslims also have a tradition of return for Eid. The first day generally begins with a morning prayer in the mosque, looking for forgiveness for family and friends and visiting the graves of relatives.
There is an “open house” spirit that sees friends and families exchange visits to celebrate Eid and take advantage of traditional specialties such as Ketupat, cooked rice in a palm leaf pocket, and Rendang, a meat dish in spices and braised in coconut milk.
Older Muslims give money in green packets to children and guests who visit their house.
In Egypt, families participate in the prayers of Eid in the middle of a festive atmosphere. Many visit relatives, friends or neighbors and some travel to vacation places. Children, generally bearing new EID outfits, receive traditional cash gifts called “Eidiya”.
The manufacture or purchase of dusted EID cookies of powdered sugar is another element of marking holidays in the country.
In the United States, where Muslims constitute an ethnically and racial minority, many meet for the prayers of Eid and for festivals featuring fun activities for children and families. These often include things such as facial paint and ball torsion.
—The Press Writers Associated Niniek Karmini in Jakarta, Indonesia, and Eileen Ng in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, contributed
