Eid ul-fitr is an important religious festival of Muslims. The day of Eid marks the end of the fasting month, Ramadan. The word ‘Eid’ means ‘Celebrations’ and ‘Fitr’ means ‘to break.’ It not only means the celebrations of breaking the fast but also the celebrations for marking the end of all evil habits and irreligions tendencies in one self.

Eid is celebrated on different dates in different countries. The exact date depends on the sighting of the moon. This year Eid is celebrated on 21st September 2009 or on 22nd September 2009 in Eastern hemisphere. In Arab and American countries, Eid is celebrated a day before, that is on 20th September 2009 or on 21st September 2009.

The Concept of Eid

Eid is the first day of the Islamic month Shawwal. This is the tenth month of the Islamic calender which begins by sighting of the new crescent moon. Eid is a sacred function of the annual celebration of the Quran’s revelation. Quran glorifies God as:

“He is Allah—the Creator, the Maker, and the Giver of Form. To Him belong the Most Beautiful Names. Everything in the heavens and Earth glorifies Him. He is the Almighty, the All-Wise.” (Surat al-Hashr, 24)

Islam is the path of submission by obedience to the Divine Laws of Allah. The Laws are legitimate and for the well-being of all humans. Muslim is one is who is submitted to Allah and believes in His word Quran. In the month of Ramadan Muslims bear the intense pangs of hunger and thrist all day so that they know the value of One Who provides humans with food and water. The month of Ramadan can be compared to an Annual Training Course which teaches one to reflect Lord with new inspiration. It is the training that all Muslims should faithfully follow for next eleven months of the year and thus restrain themsleves from sin. It is also meant to see how much one has marched ahead on the path of Allah. Eid is the conclusion of the contemplation on Ramadan. It is the day to start a new life of deeper and sincere submission to Allah. For the sincere souls the gift of God mentioned in Quran is:

“As for those who believe and do right actions and humble themselves before their Lord, they are the Companions of the Heaven, remaining in it timelessly, for ever.” (Surah Hud, 23)

Eid – The Celebrations

Islamic world celebrates Eid with great fevour and enthusiam. The celebrations are the symbols of the greatness of Almighty Allah on this earth. This Holy observation is a gigantic acheivement for all those who believe in Allah and that is the reason the Allah Himself asked the believers to celebrate and enjoy this occassion to the fullest. The Holy Quran reveals in this respect:

“Say in the grace of Allah and in His mercy in that they should rejoice.” (Chapter Yunus, Verse 58)

This is the special day when all the Muslims prepare themselves for the best. All wear new clothes. Men wear white silk clothes to spread peace and tranquilty. Women dress in colorful clothes and apply mehandi on their hands. Children rejoice Eid to the fullest. All the houses of muslims get a special touch on the day of Eid. All markets remain open and decorated on the occasion. All muslims exhange warm greetings and gifts. Special dishes and eateries make the occassion unforgettable.