The Muslim Community has been celebrating Eid al-Fitr on July 6, 2016, which marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan.
Ramadan, a festival of fasting, prayers and feasting is one of the most important events in the Muslim calendar
The festival is celebrated in the ninth month of Hijrah lunar calendar and considered as the most blessed month of the year, the exact beginning varies from country to country due to moon sightings.
During the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims fast during the hours of daylight, means they are not allowed to have any kind of liquid and food at all. Adding to this, they also undertake extra prayers and worship as well.
Fasting is an act of Ibadah (worship) during this month. Its basis is found in the Qu'ran which reads: “Oh you who believe fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed to those before you that you may attain Taqwa (God-Fearing).”
According to the Qu'ran, the Prophet said: "Whoever does not give up false statements and evil deeds and speaking bad words to others, Allah is not in need of his leaving his food and drink (or fasting)."
The elderly, children, pregnant women and diabetes sufferers are exempt from fasting in Ramadan.
After the whole day of fasting, families and friends gather together at sundown to break their fast, which is called Iftaar.
The month of Ramadan is full of sacrifices which goes beyond the spiritual development of the person.
The hunger they felt while fasting should enable them to feel the hunger felt by those who have less in life. The festival reminds Muslims to increase their charity works during Ramadan.
Muslims celebrated the festival of Eid al-Fitr after the end of a month long Ramadan month. They gather together at the mosque for a prayer, before spending the day with family or friends and wishing one another 'Eid Mubarak', or 'Blessed Eid'.
The preparations for the Eid al-Fitr begins from the first day of Ramadan. People buy new clothes, prepare special recipes and girls and women decorate their hands with traditional henna.
Muslims give thanks to Allah for all the blessings they enjoyed during the entire month of fasting.
Nandini
