 Eid is a generic word in Arabic which means 'festival'. There are two main Islamic festivals Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid ul-Adha. Eid ul-Fitr comes on the end of the holy month of Ramadan. Eid ul-Adha which is also known as Eid-e Qurban is celebrated in order to keep a live the memory of Prophet Ibrahim's sacrifice for God.
Eid ul-Fitr
Eid ul-Fitr is a fast breaking festival which comes after Ramadan. It is a big Muslim Festival. It is believed that the Koran was revealed to Prophet Mohammed in the month of Ramadan. For Muslims, Eid ul-Fitr is a joyous occasion with important religious significance, celebrating of the achievement of enhanced piety. It is a day of forgiveness, moral victory, peace of congregation, fellowship, brotherhood and unity.
Eid-ul-Adha or Eid e-Quurban
Eid-ul-Adha is a festival comes about ten weeks after Eid-ul-Fitr. It marks the completion of Hajj (Holy pilgrimage to Mecca). It is the festival of Sacrifice that commemorates the obedience of Hadhrat Ibrahim and his son Hadhrat Ismail to the commandment of Allah. It is celebrated at the same time as the pilgrimage to Makkah. An important feature of the pilgrimage is the circumambulation of the Kabba which holds the 'black stone' sacred to all Muslims.
Ramadan is the 9th month of the Islamic year (which is lunar) and marks the anniversary of more than one significant event. It was during Ramadan that the Koran was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad.
Ramadan is the month during which the Quran was revealed, providing guidance for the people, clear teachings, and the statute book. During Ramadan, it is common for Muslims to go to the Masjid (Mosque) and spend several hours praying and studying the Quran. In addition to the five daily prayers, during Ramadan Muslims recite a special prayer called the Taraweeh prayer (Night Prayer). The length of this prayer is usually 2-3 times as long as the daily prayers. Some Muslims spend the entire night in prayer
As the fundamental aspect of Ramadan is fasting, it is believed the name 'Ramadan' may signify the burning desire for drinking water and food. It may also refer to the belief that fasting with a pure intention and with religious blessings burns away the earlier sins. More on Ramadan
The exact day and month of any festival varies every year because the Muslim calendar (Hejira) is based on a lunar month cycle, which also means that the exact day of a given festival will differ from country to country.
- There are a number of festivals each year but you need only concern yourself with the two most important.
- Ramadan lasts for a full lunar month. All Muslims are required to abstain from food, drinks and tobacco and all other pleasurable pursuits between sunrise and sunset.
- Naturally you should show consideration and not eat, drink or smoke in the presence of a Muslim during daylight hours. In any case, you will probably find it is a punishable offence to do so in some Arab countries. A Western woman should, in addition, dress soberly, i.e., she should not wear a short skirt.
- On the occasion of both, the Eid Al Adha and Eid Al Fitr greetings cards are sent (to arrive a day or two in advance) and often you will receive a card of thanks in reply. The greetings card which you should send will look like this.
- You should not forget to sign the card.
- The card you may receive in reply will look like this.
- When you meet an Arab on the day of an Eid or in the days closely following it you would shake hands and use a special greeting: - Eid Mubarak! Allah yubaarak feek or Ayaamak Saeeda.
- On the occasion of both Eids it is the custom for important persons to hold audience in their places or home. You should enter the house, greet them, take coffee and leave after a suitable interval.
- Arab families will visit each other at Eid time and any visiting foreigner will be equally as welcome during this periods.
- You may also give a small present to the children of an Arab family if you do visit one.
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