Eid-Ul-Fitr marks the end of the fasting month of Ramadan and the beginning of Shawwal, the tenth month of the Islamic calendar. The festival begins with the sighting of the new crescent moon in the evening of the last day of Ramadan. As soon as the new moon is sighted, there is a general rejoicing among the common people as the viewing of the new moon begins the new month which signifies an end to their month-long fast and the commencement of feasts and festal celebrations. When the sighting of the moon of Shawwal is confirmed, Muslims recite the "Takbir" which is a prayer glorifying the almighty. The Takbir consists of the lines:
Allaho-Akber, Allaho-Akber
La ila-ha ill-lal-lah
Allaho-Akber, Allaho-Akber
Wa-lilahill hamd.
(English Translation:)
Allah is great, Allah is great.
There is no deity but Allah
Allah is great, Allah is great
And all praises are for Allah).
Eid-Ul-Fitr is generally celebrated for the first three days of Ramadan. For all Muslims of the world, these are three days of great merriment and festivities. On the first morning following the last day of Ramadan, Muslims traditionally wake up early in the morning and have a small breakfast (preferably of the date fruit) to end their month-long Ramadan fast. Then they dress up in their best attires, preferably new clothes which are specially purchased for the occassion. After this, they head to a local mosque or any other large open area (such as a field in the neighborhood) to attend the "salah", a special Eid prayer that is performed in congregation. Before the Eid prayer begins, every Muslim who has some means must pay "Zakat al-fitr", a sum to be donated for the month of Ramadan, to destitute Muslims living nearby. The "Zakat al-fitr" equates to about 2 kg of a basic foodstuff (wheat, barley, dates, raisins, etc.), or its cash equivalent, and is typically donated at the mosques. The donation is given during the early days of Ramadan so that the recipient can use it for Eid purchases.
The "salah" is held only for a short duration and is traditionally followed by the khutbah (sermons). This is followed by
the "dua", a prayer asking for God's forgiveness, mercy and help for all living beings of the world. When the "dua" is completed, all Muslims greet and embrace the persons sitting on either side of themselves.
The prayers over, it is time for 3-day long festivities to be observed in every home. People pay a visit to the houses of their friends, relatives and acquaintances. Many Muslims also pay a visit to the graveyards, a custom known as "ziyarat al-qubur".
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