Id-ul-Fitr means the
'festival of breaking the fast'. The fast of Ramadan is broken
with special prayers and festivities. 'Fitr' is derived from the
word 'fatar' meaning 'breaking'. Another connotation suggests
that it is derived from fitrah or 'alms'. Certain Sunni Muslims
believe that fitr comes from fitrat meaning 'nature' and Id-ul-Fitr
is the celebration of god's magnanimity in providing nature to
man. Celebrated on the first day of the new moon in Shawwal, it
marks the end of Ramadan.
In the morning everyone takes a bath, wears new or clean
clothes, applies perfume, eats dates or some other sweet before
walking to the mosque for Id prayers. Men wear white clothes
because white symbolizes purity and austerity. On this day,
according to the Quran, Allah has intended a dole for every
Muslim who is free and is in possession of alms worthy capital.
This Id-ul-Fitr alms are given to the poor on Id-ul-Fitr.
Do Rakat Namaz, the Id-special prayer is performed in the
morning in the mosque. Charitable gift, called Sadaqah Fitr, is
a dole to break the fast. It is to be given to a needy person as
thanksgiving. Even one who has not kept the rojas is expected to
give alms. The amount to be gifted must be in excess of one's
essential needs and free from all encumbrances of debt. Food
grains or their cost are permitted to be donated. The Quran also
specifies the grain and their quantities. A person should give
3.5 lb of wheat or its flour per head, or 7lb of barley per head
or their cost. Do Rakat Namaz is performed These prayers
can be read anytime between sunrise and just afternoon.
Even women in veil attend the prayers in special chambers.
The 30-day fast is broken on Id-ul-Fitr with sumptuous feasts
which people embrace each other three times, as is laid down in
the Quran. The festival originated when after proclaiming
Ramadan as the period of fasting and austerity, Prophet Muhammad
announced a day for celebrations to reaffirm the feeling of Id-ul-Fitr
brotherhood. Women prepare sweets at home. Vermicelli cooked in
sweetened milk, is popular. People then go for Id get together
and socializing. Some people visit cemeteries and stay there for
many hours, often even camping out overnight. This is perhaps to
honor their ancestors and to be with their spirits. To a devout
Muslim, Id is a time to forget all past grievances.
