With Ramzan - the month-long Islamic festival of fasting and
contemplation - coming to an end, the Muslim community around the world is
looking forward to celebrating Eid as a day of feasting and celebrations. It is
celebrated on the first day of Shawwal, the 10th month of the Islamic lunar
calendar.
Sighting Of The Moon
The day of Eid is the day when the new moon is sighted.
Though traditionally, the observance begins with the sighting of the new moon
with many people waiting to see the moon, others will await an announcement
from Mecca, where the holiest shrine of Muslims is located. So, the date is
either 8 August or 9 August, depending on when the moon is seen.
Colourful Festival
It is one of the most joyful days in the Islamic calendar,
with mosques and streets filled with colour and gaiety. One has to just visit
places like Purani Dilli (Old Delhi) to appreciate the flavours of Eid.Legendary Festival
According to legend, the two Eids (Eid al-Fitr and Eid
al-Adha) were established by Islam's Prophet Mohammed, on his return from a
holy pilgrimage to Mecca and Medinah.
What Happens On Eid?
When the day of Eid dawns, Muslim families wake up early to
say the Salat ul-Fajr, or the pre-dawn prayers. Then, after a bath, they wear
new clothes, as an expression of joy and gratitude for all of Allah's gifts.
After a meal, they all head towards a nearby mosque so as to offer prayers as
part of a community - known as Salaat-al-Eid, as well as to meet friends and
acquaintances. Recitation of the takbir as people travel towards the mosque, or
masjid, is a common practice. When the day of Eid dawns, Muslim families
wake up early to say the Salat ul-Fajr, or the pre-dawn prayers. Then, after a
bath, they wear new clothes, as an expression of joy and gratitude for all of
Allah's gifts. After a meal, they all head towards a nearby mosque so as to
offer prayers as part of a community - known as Salaat-al-Eid, as well as to
meet friends and acquaintances. Recitation of the takbir as people travel
towards the mosque, or masjid, is a common practice.
Eid Mubarak
As many people are aware, Muslims greet each other by
embracing and saying "Eid Mubarak!", which means, "have a
blessed Eid."
Gifting Season
Muslims not only wear new clothes, they also make sweet
delicacies, give each other gifts, and decorate their homes. Children
especially can look forward to gifts or money, known as "eidi"...
Muslims are also advised to make charitable contributions to the needy and less
fortunate, which is known as "zakat al-Fitr".
Friday Prayers
While this Friday is Eid, the previous Friday was
Jummat-Ul-Vida, literally a day of offering prayers to bid farewell to Ramzan,
the month of religious abstinence from food, drink, smoking and sex from dawn
to dusk.
Prayers Amidst Threat To Peace
Places like Kashmir - which recently was the scene of firing
- and Egypt - where riots continue to break out - and finally West Asia, where
Palestinians have to travel into Israeli territory so as to pray at their
favourite mosque - are all examples of striving to practice one's religion
amidst threats to peace.
Bangles Of Every Hue
In anticipation of Eid, the bazaars are full of colourful
bangles, clothes and food stalls. Yes, Muslims know Allah wants them to
celebrate with as much enthusiasm as the fervour with which they fasted and
prayed...
Henna On Hands
As in every important Indian festival, henna or mehendi also
forms an important part of Eid celebrations as well. The designs are
traditional as well as modern and bring joy to the womenfolk.
Time For Dua
Muslims join their palms face upwards in a gesture known as
"dua" to thank Allah for his infinite blessings...he is there to take
care of us in times of poverty and plenty, is the message of Eid...
Reading the Quran
Reading pages from the Islamic holy book, the Quran, forms a
crucial part of the Eid prayers.
On The Steps Of The Masjid
After offering prayers at the mosque, Muslims greet each
other on the steps of the masjid with a feeling of camaraderie...
Feasting After The Fasting
Then, it is time to return home and eat a sumptuous meal,
which ends with a dessert in the form of kheer, made of sevaiyan or vermicelli,
which are found in plenty in the markets.
Giving To The Needy
As Ramzan and Eid come to an end, Muslims carry with them the
lessons of giving freely to those in need and strengthening their ties to Allah
through prayer. Spiritual reflection becomes their robe.
Three Days Of Celebrations
Though the main Eid is celebrated on one day, the festival
inevitably continues for two more days...
Eid Ul Fitr Is Also Known As
Eid Al-Fitr is known by various names by the 1.6 billion
Muslim community members around the world. Some of these are: Eid Al Fitr
(Arabic); Rojar Id (Bengali); Idul Fitri (Indonesian); Hari Raya Aidilfitri (Malay);
Cheriya Perunnal (Malayalam); Ramazan Bayramı (Turkish) and Choti Id (Urdu).
The Other Eid
The other Eid festival of Muslims is known as Eid Al-Adhha,
which comes after the period set aside for Hajj, or pilgrimage to Mecca (during
the 12th Islamic month of Dhulhajj).
Idgah By Munshi Premchand
I would like to end this blog by remembering a moving story
named "Idgah" written by famous Hindi writer Munshi Premchand, in
which a poor orphan boy is given a few pennies by his frail grandmother to
spend in the bazaars around the Idgah, or mosque. The boy, instead of eating
the many goodies or buying toys for himself, finally spends the money on buying
a pair of tongs (chimta) for his grandmother, remembering how her hands burn as
she makes rotis. When he returns home, his grandmother doesn't know whether to
smile or weep with joy. An unforgettable classic...that brings home the
spiritual message behind the human quality of empathy...
By Radhika Ravi Ranjan
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