Eid Ul Fitr 2023
Eid Ul Fitr is a religious festival celebrated by Muslims worldwide. It marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting, and the start of Shawwal, the 10th month of the Islamic calendar. During Eid Ul Fitr in Pakistan, Muslims celebrate the victory of good over evil. On this prestigious day, Muslims thank Allah for giving them the strength and perseverance to make it through Ramadan without breaking their fast. Eid ul Fitr is when they give thanks for their blessings over the past month of Ramadan.
Eid ul Fitr in Pakistan is celebrated with much fanfare and enthusiasm. Families celebrate the end of the holy month of Ramadan with a sense of joy and happiness in the air. Children are incredibly excited about Eid, as they dress up in their best clothes and enjoy a variety of treats.
Eid Ul Fitr 2023 Holidays Pakistan
Celebrated at the end of Ramadan, Eid Ul Fitr is also known as the Feast of Breaking the Fast. People become more aware of the suffering of unprivileged and poor people and develop a greater appreciation for what they have as a result of experiencing hunger and thirst. After fasting for thirty consecutive days, people are happy to be able to eat and drink once again during daylight hours.
One of the two major religious celebrations in the Islamic calendar is Eid-ul-Fitr, and the other one is Eid-ul-Azha. Eid al-Fitr 2023 is one of the most important Muslim holidays, and every Muslim nation in the globe offers three days off. Muslims will celebrate Eid al Fitr 2023 in Pakistan on 22, 23, and 24 April. This post will discuss how Muslims celebrate this beautiful Islamic festival and learn about Eid Greetings.
Native Names
Celebrating Eid ul-Fitr in Pakistan involves much religious zeal and general festivity. Each country has its way of sending Eid greetings and saying Eid Mubarak Wishes, but all terms are similar.
- The native name for Eid Ul Fitr in Pakistan is Meethi Eid or Choti Eid, meaning “Sweet Eid or Little Eid” respectively.
- In Turkey, Muslims call Eid-ul-Fitr Ramazan Bayramı or Şeker Bayramı, meaning “Festival of Ramadan” and “Festival of Sweets,” respectively.
- In China, the native name used for Eid ul Fitr is Kāi zhāi jié which means “Festival for the end of fasting.”
- In the Persian language, the native name of Eid-ul-Fitr is Jashne rōzeh Gosha which means “Festival of breaking fasting.”
- The people of Bengal use the native name of ”Rojar Īd” for Eid-ul-Fitr, which means “Eid of the fasting.”
- In the Kashmir region, the Kashmiri people call Eid-ul-Fitr by the name of ”لۄکٕٹ عیٖز ”which means “Eid of the fasting.”
What is the Meaning of Eid ul Fitr?
Derived from the Arabic word ”Ed”, the meaning of the word ‘Eid” is Feast, Holiday, or Festival. The literal meaning of Eid is habitual. It also means to return, to repeat. In short, it means an event that is recurring or repeating. People encounter this blessed event every year, and Eid brings Delight. The word ”Fitr” literally means to break the fast. In a nutshell, the combined meaning of Eid-ul-Fitr is ”Festival of breaking the Fast”.
Why Do Muslims Celebrate Eid ul Fitr?
Eid ul-Fitr is a distinctive festival. There is a spiritual purpose behind celebrating this occasion. Muslims celebrate Eid-al-Fitr to thank Allah for providing them with the determination, stamina, and endurance necessary to keep fast and carry out His commandments during the holy month of Ramadan. This day is a cause for great joy and gladness in the Muslim world. However, the reason for the celebration is not the departure of Ramadhan; instead, this festival provides a sense of encouragement and satisfaction a person feels after finishing a difficult task successfully.
Eid ul Fitr in Pakistan is a bittersweet occasion when Muslims experience sadness due to the departure of the holy month of Ramadan. However, there is also a sense of fulfillment in completing the challenging task of fasting with steadfastness.
How Long is Eid ul Fitr?
In the Muslim faith, Eid-ul-Fitr is a celebration on the first day of Shawwal, the 10th month of the Islamic calendar. It celebrates the completion of fasting for 30 days during the holy month of Ramadan. However, Muslims in various countries celebrate this prestigious festival for up to three days. On this beautiful day, Muslims gather with their friends and family, greet one another, exchange gifts, enjoy delicious foods, and express gratitude to Allah for everything they have.
How Many Days is Eid Public Holiday?
In Pakistan, people celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr in the entire first week of Shawwal. Eid Holiday usually lasts for three days. Eid Public holiday is when all educational institutions, offices, and other organizations are closed. There is a huge crowd of passengers at the railway stations traveling to their hometowns to spend Eid in the company of their loved ones.
Islamic History of Eid ul Fitr
The tradition of Eid-al-Fitr dates back centuries to the time of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon HIM), who established it as an essential part of Islamic observance. According to Anas – one of Muhammad’s companions – when Prophet Muhammad migrated towards Medina from the city of Makkah, he witnessed people of Madina celebrating on certain days by playing games or other amusements. He told them that Allah had designated two celebrations for Muslims- one commemorated after the end of Ramadan (called Eid al-Fitr), and the other one is Eid al Adha- Eid of sacrifice.
For Muslims worldwide, Eid al Fitr is a cherished celebration recognizing Allah’s revelation of the Holy Qur’an to the noble Prophet Muhammed (peace be upon him). Eid-ul-Fitr is a reward for Muslims after going through a hectic phase of fasting during the blessed month of Ramadan. Allah mentioned in the Holy Quran: ”Indeed, after every hardship, there is ease”.
Chaand Raat Celebrations
Eid al-Fitr traditionally starts around dusk on the night of the first crescent moon sighting. Eid ul Fitr in Pakistan begins the next day if the moon cannot be seen directly after the 29th day of the preceding lunar month (either due to clouds blocking the view or because the western sky is still too bright when the moon sets). After the last day of Ramadan, families and friends gather on the rooftops of their homes to observe the new moon, which heralds the beginning of the Islamic month of Shawwal and the day of Eid.
As soon as the moon is visible, people greet one another with ”Chaand Raat Mubarak” (“Have a blessed night of the new moon”) or Eid Mubarak Wishes by saying “Eid Mubarak” (“Blessings of the Eid day”). Women and girls use Mehndi (henna) to decorate their hands and feet with beautiful designs and will flock to beauty parlors. On the other hand, men rush towards barbershops to get themselves a decent haircut. On Chaand Raat, people also make delicacies to enjoy the following day of Eid.
Upon the announcement of the moon sighting, many people rush to shopping malls to purchase festive outfits that they can flaunt on the day of Eid. The country will have a cheerful appearance, and shops and marketplaces with colorful decorations will be open until late at night. The celebrations start nearly immediately after the moon sighting and last all night till the Fajr prayer in the morning. In South Asia, Muslims celebrate Chaand Raat with great joy and enthusiasm.
Rituals of the Morning of Eid-ul-Fitr
Muslims rise early in the morning following the Sunnah, the Prophet Mohammad’s teachings collection. They recite Salat ul-Fajr (obligatory morning prayer), take a bath, wear their best clothes, and wear attar (perfume). Holy Prophet (PBUH) considered it ideal for Muslims to eat something sweet before performing the Eid prayer. For this purpose, it is a custom followed in all Pakistani homes to eat a suitable amount of dates before Eid Prayer.
Eid is a time for celebration with family and friends, introspection and rebirth, and recognizing those less fortunate. It’s a time to reflect on our blessings and give to those in need. Fasting fosters compassion and empathy for poor people. During this time of year, Muslims can practice their religion and feel closer to Allah by helping the less fortunate and doing good deeds.
Ramadan is a time to show compassion and love to your Muslim brothers and sisters. To better understand the suffering of our Muslim fellows who occasionally go days without having food, we fast for an entire month. Eid-ul-Fitr in Pakistan, a celebration and reward after a month of patience and steadfastness, marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan. Every Muslim must set aside a certain amount of money, called Fitrana or Zakat-ul-Fitr, to the poor people to include the needy and underprivileged in this celebration. Anyone who has achieved puberty is sane and isn’t poor should pay Fitrana. If a household has a single breadwinner and six dependents, he is responsible for paying Fitrana by multiplying the amount by seven.
On the evening of the final fast day of Ramadan, the payment of Fitrana becomes necessary. Each person required to pay Fitrana must do so before Eid day once the moon of Shawwal is sighted.
Eid Prayer
Allah has forbidden Muslims to fast on the day of Eid-ul-Fitr. Eid prayer is a special prayer performed on this auspicious occasion. People gather in a public space like a garden, mosque, or community center to offer Eid Prayer. There is no call to worship for this Eid prayer, which consists of two Rakats/units of prayer with varying numbers of Takbirs and other components. The clergy members deliver a sermon asking for Allah’s pardon, mercy, peace, and blessings for all living things. Muslims are also given instructions in the speech on how to conduct Eid customs, including the Zakat-ul-Fitr. Compared to the Friday sermon, which is obligatory, some imams say that hearing the Eid speech is optional.
Post-Prayer Celebrations
Immediately after the completion of the Eid Prayer, all the Muslims send Eid greetings and hug each other while saying Eid Mubarak Wishes. Because it follows a month of fasting, people enjoy sweet meals and dishes during the celebration. The most famous dessert enjoyed in Pakistan on Eid morning is Sheer Khurma.
On Eid al-Fitr, the Muslim community prepares a special meal, Sheer Khurma, for this celebration. Sheer Khurma, a combination of the words “milk” and “khurma,” implies milk cooked with dried dates. And this dish is simply a vermicelli pudding with dates. Although milk and dates are the key ingredients, other nuts, raisins, and dried fruits are also used in this delicacy, in addition to vermicelli. After the Eid prayer on that particular day, Sheer Khurma is presented to the entire family during breakfast and distributed among the neighbors. This Eid falls on the day following Ramadan, a month-long fast.
The most exciting moment for people, especially children, is when elders distribute Eidi among the kids. Eidi is a special monetary gift given on Eid-ul-Fitr from elders to the children. People exchange Eidi with immense enthusiasm.
Eid ul Fitr Practices in Different Countries
Eid al Fitr 2023 is a joyous occasion celebrated by Muslims worldwide. Each country has its unique way of celebrating it, but they all share the same meaning – spreading happiness and love. Seeing how different people commemorate this particular time is fascinating whether you’re Muslim or not. Let us learn about how other countries celebrate Eid al Fitr 2023.
South Asia
Pakistan
Eid ul Fitr in Pakistan is also known as Choti Eid. For everyone to share in the joy of Eid, it is obligatory to pay Fitrana on behalf of each family member before Eid day or, at most, before the Eid prayer. Family members gather at home for a special Eid breakfast that includes a variety of sweets and pastries, such as Kheer and the iconic Sheer Khurma. Kids particularly appreciate Eid because they get gifts from their family and elders called “Eidi.” People frequently purchase crisp, new currency to give as gifts to kids. Each year, the State Bank of Pakistan issued new currency notes.
Afghanistan
Eid al-Fitr is extensively observed in Afghanistan for three days and is highly significant. Kochnai Akhtar (Blessed Eid) is the most typical greeting in the Pashto-speaking community. Up to 10 days before the celebration of Eid al-Fitr, Afghans begin cleaning their homes. Afghans shop at their neighborhood bazaars for new clothing treats like Jalebi and Shor-Nakhod (made of chickpeas) and desserts like Cake. The traditional Bolani (vegetarian flatbreads) is a well-liked Eid al-Fitr dish in Afghanistan.
Afghans will perform their Eid prayers on the day of Eid al-Fitr and gather in their houses with their relatives exchanging Eid Mubarak Wishes. Children will receive gifts and money from family elders. Children deliver cookies while walking from house to house while wishing their aunts a good Eid. Young girls and women use henna to create basic designs on their hands and feet, such as a circle in the palms or just painting the fingertips.
Bangladesh
In Bangladesh, Eid preparations begin during the final days of Ramadan. There will be a massive crowd in Markets and shopping centers. Children congregate at the Chaand Raat in an open field to observe the Shawwal moon. People have Vermicelli or Luchis for breakfast in Bangladesh. Then folks go to Eid-gah for the Eid prayer and exchange Eid Mubarak Wishes. Elders provide the children with Eidi, which is a significant factor in children’s enjoyment of Eid. Delectable cuisines like Beef Polao, Pitha, Chapli Kabab, Mutton Korma, Payesh, Carrot Halwa, etc., are served at the dining table on the occasion of Eid al Fitr 2023.
Central Asia
Kyrgyzstan
The day of Eid-ul-Fitr is known as Orozo Ait in Kyrgyzstan. The locals celebrate in various ways, including eating, drinking, singing, Long-distance horse racing, and other equine-based sports. People dress elaborately and colorfully while singing Jaramazan songs and receiving prepared bread, sweets, or money in exchange.
Uzbekistan
Eid al-Fitr 2023, also known as Roza Hayit, is a widely observed public holiday in Uzbekistan. The day before Eid al-Fitr, Uzbek households prepare traditional pastries such as Kush-Tili, Plov, and chak-chak for consumption. During this time, businesses frequently sell various candy and kid’s toys.
Africa
Somalia
The Muslim population in Somalia celebrates Eid al-Fitr by holding extensive feasts to commemorate the occasion and include special foods like Halwa and Buskut (Biscuit).
Tanzania
Muslims in Tanzania celebrate Eid al-Fitr by dressing elegantly and adorning their homes with lights. Children get gifts as special delicacies are made and served to family members and guests. It is common for residents to purchase brand-new apparel, with ladies typically shopping for handbags, jewelry, and other accessories. Some young people spend their Eid nights partying at nightclubs. Locals would give money in the form of coins to kids.
Middle East
Turkey
Eid al-Fitr is also known as Ramazan Bayram in Turkey. People should dress their finest, attend prayer services, visit all of their loved ones, and pay their respects to the deceased by visiting cemeteries. Young children go door to door in their area and greet everyone with a “Happy Bayram,” for which people reward them with candies, chocolates, local treats like baklava and Turkish Delight, or a small sum of money at each door. At night there is an arrangement of popular events like Sufi music concerts, dervish dancing celebrations, and Shadow Puppets shows.
Iran
Muslims in Iran participate in the Eid al-Fitr prayer and give the Eid al-Fitr Zakat. Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, leads the Eid al-Fitr prayer every year and preaches a sermon at Tehran’s Imam Khomeini Grand Prayer Grounds (Mossalla).
Iraq
People consume the traditional Iraqi snack known as Kleicha and lamb on Eid-ul-Fitr. One day before Eid, Iraqi Kurds frequently go to cemeteries to remember their deceased loved ones. Following the prayers, families of Iraqi Kurds would assemble for a hearty meal of rice and stew, along with chocolates, dry fruits, and caffeinated beverages.
South East Asia
Indonesia
Eid is a national holiday in Indonesia, and people of Indonesia call Eid ul Fitr as Hari Raya Idul Fitri or, most commonly, Lebaran. People visit their hometowns or cities to celebrate with their families. Chanting the Takbir and lighting lamps usher in the festivities of the previous evening. People assemble with family and neighbors and partake in a special Lebaran meal while dressed traditionally and paying Fitrana. Elders give Eidi to kids in eye-catching envelopes. Muslims in Indonesia frequently pay ritual cemetery visits to their relatives’ graves.
Cambodia
The Muslims of Cambodia frequently invite friends and neighbors over to eat food in their houses. Men, women, and children dress nicely, and white is the most popular color for clothing, signifying the purity of the soul following the month of Ramadan. Muslims in Cambodia have a tradition of giving 3 kilograms of rice to underprivileged people on Eid-ul-Fitr.
America
There is a public holiday on Eid-ul-Fitr in all the schools in New York. The Islamic Society of Greater Houston organizes the yearly prayers at the George R. Brown Convention Center in the heart of Houston, Texas.
After Eid prayers, many mosques in North America hold special parties, including religious gatherings, brunch buffets serving halal food items, and kid-friendly rides such as the bouncy castle, carousel, and slides.
East Asia
China Mainland
Out of the 56 officially recognized ethnic groups in mainland China, at least 10 of them—primarily Muslim ethnic groups—celebrate Eid al-Fitr. China also observes it as a public holiday. As part of a welfare program supported by governmental organizations, public and private institutions, and enterprises, they supply mutton and beef to households throughout the festival.
Taiwan
The prayer and festivities for Eid al-Fitr receive much coverage from the local media in Taiwan. Regular newspaper and television coverage of the event includes special features. These events encourage more Islamic activity in Taiwan. Muslims usually congregate near Taipei Main Station to pray, primarily blue-collar men and women from Indonesia.
FAQs
Which food is eaten on Eid ul Fitr?
In Pakistan, Sheer Khurma is the most famous food eaten on Eid ul Fitr. People enjoy many other delicacies, including mutton qorma, biryani, and nihari.
What does ”FITR” means?
The meaning of FITR in Eid-ul-Fitr is ” breaking the fast”.
What does ”Eid ul Fitr” means?
The literal meaning of Eid ul Fitr is the festival of breaking the fast.
How many Rakats Eid ul Fitr Prayers have?
Eid-ul-Fitr prayer has two Rakats. People offer Eid prayer in congregations at mosques or open spaces, eat delicious food, and spend time with their loved ones.
Conclusion
Eid Ul Fitr 2023 in Pakistan and other Muslim countries is a much-awaited religious festival as it brings immense happiness. On this day, people come together, exchanging tokens of love, gratitude, and Eid greetings to spread hope and joy worldwide.