Celebrations on Eid Day
Practices around the World Regarding Eid Al-Fitr
Continued from page 1 (A Quick Guide to Eid Al-Fitr)
How the celebrations take place in each country or city varies according to local customs. According to ahadith (traditions), there is nothing wrong with singing by girls on this day, nor watching men perform.
Celebration in the Time of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)
Aisha narrated, may God be pleased with her, "Abu Baker came to my house while two small Ansari girls were singing beside me to stories of the Ansar concerning the day of Bu-ath - and they were not singers. Abu Baker said protestantly, 'Musical instruments of Satan in the house of Allah's apostle (peace be upon him)?' It happened on the Eid day and Allah's apostle said, 'O, Abu Bakr, there is an Eid for every nation and this is our Eid.'"
Aisha relates in another narration that the Prophet, pbuh, asked her if she would like to see the shield and spear display being performed by Bani Arfida (a prominent black tribe). She did and proceeded with him to watch from behind him with her cheek touching his, and he said, "Carry on, Bani Arfida". She watched until she was tired.
Modern Celebrations of Eid
In more temperate climates, depending on which time of the solar calender Ramadan falls on, there may be a community potluck picnic at a park. When weather is so permitting, the Eid prayers are actually played at such parks or arenas.
Some Muslim communities in the United States invite non-Muslims to share in their celebration in the form of a banquet and presentation.
In the Middle East and Sub-continent areas much emphasis is placed upon the children. It is not odd for strangers to present children with money and candy on this day. Carnivals spring up out of nowhere with mini ferris wheels and merry-go-rounds.
In Palestine, each area has a "Tabbaal" (one who beats the drum). During Ramadan his job is to walk through neighborhoods beating his drum or people's doors to wake them for Tahajjud prayers and Suhur (the pre-dawn meal). On the day of the Eid, he stops at everyone's doors with a mob of happy children behind him and beats on the drum until candy or coins are given to the kids. Then the kids of that household join him and so forth.
Another custom that is probably common to most Muslims is visiting friends, neighbors and relatives - as well as hosting them. Just a few minutes is spent at each place so that everyone gets their turn. When the group arrives at someone's house, they are usually fed some type of sweet with either tea or turkish/arabic coffee.
Foods Associated with Eid al-Fitr
Just like western Christians associate fruit cake and egg nog with Christmas, many Muslims also have traditional dishes that are generally only made or served on the Eid. In Arabic circles, Ma'amool (date-stuffed cookies) is prepared. Muslims in the subcontinent might serve some type of sweet dish made up of vermicelli, milk and raisins. It is customary to start cooking the night that the new moon has been sighted - but it can be prepared further ahead.
The Main Point
It is important to remember that the Eid is not the goal of fasting during Ramadan. The emphasis during Ramadan is placed on being aware of God's bounties we are bestowed with - brought more into light by fasting. The Eid serves then to celebrate that we have those bounties available to us and we show our gratitude to Allah for them.
Eid Celebration Postal Stamp
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