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Eid is a when Muslims assemble in
a brotherly and joyful atmosphere to offer their gratitude to
Allah for helping them to fulfil their spiritual obligations
prior to the 'Eid.
Eid is a Day of Remembrance when The Muslims pray to Allah and
glorify His name to demonstrate their remembrance of His favours.
Eid is a Day of Victory when The devotee who succeeds in
attaining his spiritual rights and growth receives the Eid with
a victorious spirit. Eid is a Day of Harvest when Allah gives
infinitely to those who are sincerely concerned with the general
welfare of their fellow believers. Eid is a Day of Forgiveness
When Muslims assemble in the congregation of the Day, they
whole-heartedly pray for forgiveness and strength in faith. And
Allah has assured those who approach Him with sincerity of His
mercy and forgiveness. Eid is a Day of peace When a Muslim
establishes peace within his heart by obeying the Law of Allah
and leading a disciplinary life, he has certainly concluded a
most invioble treaty of peace with Allah.
Coming with the new moon, Eid marks the end of 'Ramadan' - a
month when Muslims fast throughout the day and eat only at night
Prayers, feasts and family get- together are the major
highlights of the celebrations. It was during this month that
the holy Koran was revealed. Eid means recurring happiness or
festivity. Eid is celebrated in India with much enthusiasm and
fervor and Muslims from all strata of life can be seen adorned
in beautiful new clothes, visiting the mosques to attend Salatul
Eid (Eid prayers). Greetings of "Eid-Mubarak" or
"a blessed Eid" are exchanged.
A very important aspect of eid is the charity, which all the
Muslims are expected to extend to the needy. Earlier, this was
in the form of gifts in kind but now cash is given to the needy.
The first Eid of the year is known as "Eid Ul Fitr".
Ul Fitr literally means breaking of fast. Thus Eid Ul Fitr is
celebrated on the first day of Shawaal, the tenth month in the
Muslim calendar, to mark the end of a month long fast during the
month of Ramadan. As the third "pillar" or religious
obligation of Islam, fasting has many special benefits. Among
these, the most important is that it is a means of learning
self-control. Due to the lack of preoccupation with the
satisfaction of bodily appetites during the daylight hours of
fasting, a measure of ascendancy is given to one's spiritual
nature, which becomes a means of coming closer to Allah. Ramadan
is also a time of concentrated worship, reading of the Quran,
purifying one's behavior, giving charity and doing virtuous
deeds.
The secondary objective of fasting is a way of experiencing
hunger and developing compassion for the less fortunate, and
learn to be thankful and appreciative for all of God's bounties.
Fasting is also advantageous to the health and provides a break
in the cycle of rigid habits.
Eid Ul Fitr is a day of joy and thanksgiving. On this day,
Muslims show their joy for the health, strength and
opportunities of life, which Allah has given them to fulfill
their obligations of fasting and other good deeds during the
month of Ramadan. It is considered unholy to fast on this day.
It is also a day of forgetting old grudges and ill feelings
towards other fellow men. The second important Eid celebration
is called "Eid Ul-Adha".
Although only the pilgrims in Makkah can participate in the Hajj
fully, all the other Muslims in the world join with them by
celebrating Eid Ul-Adha, or "Celebration of
Sacrifice." On the 10th day of Dhul-Hijjah, the last month
of the Islamic calendar, Muslims around the world celebrate this
feast of commitment, obedience and self-sacrifice to Allah. They
wear their nicest clothing and attend Salatul-Eid (Eid Prayer)
in the morning. This is followed by a short sermon, after which
everyone socializes. Next, people visit each other's homes and
partake in festive meals with special dishes, beverages, and
desserts. Children receive gifts and sweets on this happy
occasion. In addition, like the pilgrims in Makkah, the Muslims,
who can afford to do so, offer domestic animals, usually sheep,
as a symbol of Ibrahim's sacrifice. The meat is distributed for
consumption to family, friends, and to the poor and needy.
Prayers are offered in mosques and Idgahs and elaborate
festivities are held.
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