Muslims in India celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr after the sighting of the moon last night. Firecrackers and hugs were seen in plenty all across the country reverberating a sense of joy amongst the Islamic community as they bid goodbye to holy month of Ramadan.
One of the most celebrated festivals of the Islamic community is here. Eid-ul-FItr marks the end of the holy month Ramadan. Muslims celebrate Eid with grandeur and joy by preparing delicacies, families gathering together for Eid and splurging on new clothes.
The spirit behind the observance of Eid-ul-Fitr is to express thanks to Allah for giving Muslims the courage to observe fast for the entire month of Ramadan.
Ramadan
This is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar in which Muslims throughout the world fast for the entire month. It is believed that the first revelation to Prophet Mohammed was sent down during the month of Ramadan. Furthermore, God proclaimed to Mohammed that fasting for His sake was not a new innovation in monotheism, but rather an obligation practiced by those truly devoted to the oneness of God. |
Ramadan is treated as a month that tests your truthfulness, sincerity, self-control, patience and human dignity. It is not just restraining from having food but also to abstain from all kinds of evil and unlawful practices in Islam.
The all-day fasting added with prayers five times in a day for the entire month makes it a rightful reason to celebrate.
As the Muslims follow Lunar calendar, the fasting month of Ramadan will come to an end with the sighting of the moon.
The date for the start of any lunar Hijri month varies based on the observation of new moon by local religious authorities, so the exact day of celebration varies by locality. However in most countries, it is generally celebrated on the same day as Saudi Arabia.
Eid-ul-Fitr literally means 'festival of breaking the fast' therefore declaring an end to the fasting month of Ramadan.
At the break of dawn, on the first of Shawwal(next month after Ramadan in the Islamic calender), practicing Muslims wake up before sunrise, offer Salatul Fajr (the pre-sunrise prayer), and in keeping with the traditions of the Prophet Mohammed clean their teeth with a toothbrush, take a shower before prayers, put on new clothes (or the best available), and apply perfume.
Muslims recite the takbir( raising of the hands to the ears while saying Allahu Akbar, which means 'God is greatest'), a declaration of faith and give special charitable contributions known as Zakat al-Fitr.
The festival encourages charity, expecially to the poor on this auspicious occasion.
They wear the best of clothes and exchange good wishes of the festival with neighbours, friends and family. Women apply henna on their hand as a mark of happiness and merriment. They clean the house, decorate it and prepare delicious food for guests.
Food is an essential part of the festival. Muslims prepare delicacies like Sevaiyyan and Sheerkhurma as a tradition.
Eid gifts, also known as Eidi is given to children and immediate relatives.
History
The first Eid al-Fitr was celebrated in 624 CE by the Prophet Mohammed and his companions after the victory of the battle of Jang-e-Badar.
Anas ibn Malik, a companion of the Prophet Mohammed has written in a hadith that Eid al-Fitr was instituted by the Prophet after his journey from Mecca to Medinah.
A common greeting during this holiday is Eid Mubarak, which means, “Have a blessed Eid!”
Sheer khurma
This delcacy is often prepared by Muslims on Eid-ul-Fitr and is served during breakfast. THis is also served to all guests who visit on that day to share the joy of Eid.
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons ghee
100 g vermicelli (Known as 'sevain' in Hindi)
2 tablespoons raisins
1 cup water
1 1/2 liters fresh milk
100 g condensed milk
1 teaspoon green cardamoms, powdered
2 tablespoons chironji
2 tablespoons pistachios, chopped
2 tablespoons almonds, chopped
Add milkmade to taste
Recipe:
Soak vermicelli in water and keep aside. Heat milk on low flame, stirring frequently, and cook till the 1 1/2 ltrs milk reduces to only 1/2 ltr. Add milkmade to the milk to make it sweet. Heat ghee in a small wok. Add drained vermicelli to the ghee. You may break the vermicelli into smaller portions when adding with your hands, or, better still, buy the small vermicelli from the market. Saute briefly. Add raisins and water. Cook on medium flame for 2 minutes. Increase heat and bring to a boil. Add the 1/2 ltr of milk. Mix well. Add the cardamom powder, chironji, pistachios and almonds. Mix well.
Remove from stove, pour into individual bowls and serve immediately.
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