Arab American Muslims Welcome Eid al-Fitr
Saturday evening marks the last day of Ramadan, the Muslim holy month wherein able-bodied Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset and abstain from negative behavior, such as gossiping or becoming aggravated with others. On Sunday, May 1st marks the celebration known as Eid al-Fitr, which is observed all around the world, normally with elaborate feasts, festivals, and celebrations. The Eid al-Fitr celebration lasts for three days and is treated as an official holiday in Muslim majority countries to allow citizens to travel and visit family.
Eid al-Fitr, translating to “celebration of breaking fast,” begins with a special morning prayer. Following the prayers, Muslim families and friends, at this time, will conduct, also their gatherings outside in the open air to share fantastic feasts packed with delicious main dishes and traditional desserts. Women begin preparing and displaying the delicacies, normally Mamoul and dates and the Arabian Kahwa (Arabian coffee) on the tables of their guests’ room.
The end of Ramadan marks the end of a month of fasting, goodwill, and charity. The typical Ramadan greeting is “Ramadan Kareem” (generous Ramadan, in Arabic). Muslims have spent the month experiencing the life of the less fortunate and making efforts to shape the world around them into a more peaceful, generous one. Of course, just because the month of Ramadan ends does not mean you cannot give to charities and be kind to others, but rather this month allows Muslims to break all their bad habits and help them become more consistent in their better ones.
Eid al-Fitr celebrates the fruition of these efforts and connects Muslims around the world in one spirit of love, giving, and the submission to the will of Allah/God.
Compiled by Arab America
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