Eid Ul Fitr

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Almost two billion Muslims around the world celebrate Eid ul-Fitr (eed al-fitter), the three-day festival commonly known as “Eid." “Eid ul-Fitr” literally means “the feast of the breaking/to break the fast.” The holiday marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting and is a culmination of the month-long struggle towards a higher spiritual state. The end of the holy month of ramadan is marked by the night of the moon, where the sighting of the moon determines the last day of fasting and it also marks the following day as Eid...it is referred to as Chand raat or the night of the moon


Ramadan holds special significance for Muslims, since the Quran, the book of Muslim scripture, was revealed during this month. It is also the time when Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset every day, refraining from food and water. Fasting is not only a symbol of sacrifice and purification, but also a measure of self-restraint and to teach humility and patience and for encouraging compassion for those less fortunate. Charity and service are particularly emphasized during Ramadan, and Muslims are required to donate food and a percentage of their wealth to the poor.
The first Eid is considered to have been celebrated in 624 CE by Muhammad after winning the Battle of Badr. At that time, there had been a fast by the armies that was broken after their success in this battle.
As the Islamic calendar follows the lunar cycle, Eid begins with the sighting of the new, crescent moon at the end of Ramadan. Each year, the holiday moves back approximately ten days in accordance with the movement of the lunar cycle.





On Eid morning, which is the first day of Shawwal - the tenth month in the Islamic lunar calendar - families offer a special prayer of thanks, called an Eid prayer, for the help and strength received to practice self discipline during Ramadan. Before the Eid prayer, every Muslim man, woman and child must pay Zakat al Fitr (a charity) for the month of Ramadan. The Zakat al Fitr is a special offering given in thanks for one's own prosperity and for having faithfully observed their fast throughout Ramadan.. This equates to approximately 4 1/2 lbs. of wheat, barley, dates, raisins; or, the cash equivalent, and is typically collected at the mosque to be distributed to those who are less fortunate in the Islamic community.
After breaking the fast, offering prayers and alms, families begin their celebrations with food and family and friends gathering. In most parts of the Islamic world, Muslims give each other small gifts and wear new clothes, children receive money from their parents, relatives and older friends, special feasts are held, and desserts adorn the table for days while families and friends reunite.



and on Chand Raat (night of the moon) which is the night before Eid. Girls in pakistan, India, and bangladesh wear nie clothes, gather in a hall and have dholki, singing, and dancing, and they also apply mehndi,

 
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