Daily Times

Eidul Fitr is expected on June 5, 2019 in Pakistan. The date upon which Eid falls is dependent upon the sighting of the moon. In the 12 months of the Islamic calendar, Eid comes after Ramadan on the 1st of the month of Shawwal. Muharram marks the beginning of the Islamic Calendar.

The month of Ramadan is full of celebration, joy and festivity as Muslims immerse themselves in recitation of the holy Quran and duas and spending maximum time doing zikr (remembering the Almighty). The Muslims fast the whole month as it teaches them the true meaning of perseverance and tolerance while being empathetic towards the poor and needy.

Eidul Fitr is a reward from Allah to Muslims all across the world after abstaining from the nafs or desires of the body. After fasting for a month, the festival of Eid comes as a gift from God. It’s a joyous occasion where one meets neighbours, relatives, family and friends and exchange gifts and Eidi.

In Pakistan it is also referred to as ‘Meethi (Sweet) Eid’ or ‘Choti Eid). Zakat ul Fitr (obligatory charity) will allow everybody to share the joy of Eid and not feel depressed or left out.

Eid begins with the traditional breakfast ofsheer khurma (dessert) which is made of vermicelli, milk, butter, dry fruits and dates, etc.

Media also cover Eid festivities all day and air various special programmes on TV for all age groups.Games and outdoor amusements such as fairground rides are enjoyed on the third day ofEid.

Women make new clothes, buy traditional shoes such as khusas and wear bangles (choorian). They also apply mehndi or henna which has been taken from the culture of India. Before partition India and Pakistan were united in what is called the sub-continent. Consequently, the culture of Hindus and Muslims is similar.

There are variations, because a large part of the Indian subcontinent was ruled as one nation during the days of the British Raj.

Men on the other hand wear a crisp, white kurta shalwar with the Balochi chappal commonly known the Peshawari chappal. Boys and girls wear traditional clothes (shalwar kameez) and children are excited about collecting eidi.

On Eid day before prayers, people distribute a charity locally known as fitrana. Many people also take this opportunity to distribute Zakat, an Islamic obligatory tax (alms) of 2.5 percent of one’s annual savings, to the needy.

Eid al-Fitr has a particular salat (Islamic prayer) consisting of two rakats (units) and generally offered in an open field or large hall. It may be performed only in congregation (jam??at). And it is only compulsory for me. Zakat ul Fitr must be paid before Eid. Muslims begin the day of Eid with prayer.

A nine-day Eid holiday has been announced by the Government of Pakistan. An important fact is that it is forbidden to fast on Eid.

People throng the market place to shop for Eid. The level of excitement is insatiable. Shopkeepers offer discounts in an attempt to attract people. Eid is the golden opportunity for shopkeepers to sell more. It seems as if they are not well off but in fact it is a marketing technique. Just like in Ramadan the prices soar high the same is applied on all different occasions such as Bakra Eid, Independence Day, Christmas, Easter, Valentine’s day, May Day and so on and forth.

Edi ul Fitr is celebrated with a great deal of joy and anticipation in Saudi Arabia. The most important way to greet is to say ‘Eid Mubarak” which means ‘Blessed Eid’. A significant trait of the Saudis is their generosity and hospitality. They make delicious mouth-watering meals for those who come to visit them. Eid celebration may vary according to the culture in different regions of Saudi Arabia. Saudis gather in the patriarchal home and then the festivities of Eid begin! The shop-keepers in Saudi Arabia give free gifts to children such as candy or chocolate. Men buy large amounts of rice and other staple food to share with the neighbours and community.

In Egypt, all shops are shut for 3 days & people go on a cruise on River Nile in Cairo. Government offices, schools, universities, stores and even a few restaurants are closed on Eid. The Egyptians enjoy the second day of Eid by going to cinemas, parks and beaches, etc.

In Iran, Eid holiday is for 1 or 2 days. The representatives of the office of Ayatollah Khamenei (supreme leader of Iran) go to the different zones of the country to determine the date of Eid according sighting of the moon i.e. the lunar cycle.

The night before Eid is called Chaand Raat, which means, “Night of the Moon”. Muslims of countries of the Middle East will often visit bazaars and shopping malls with their families for Eid shopping. The traditional Eid greeting is Eid Mubarak, and it is frequently followed by a formal embrace. Children say salam to parents and adult relatives in anticipation of eidi.

After the Eid prayers, it is a common practice for some families to visit graveyards and pray for the salvation of departed family members.

Eid is a beautiful Muslim festival. It gives out the message of peace, happiness, unity, health and most importantly being forgiving. The significance of tying the family knots, especially with those who want to cut out blood relations is better than any form of worship. After all Eid is a chance to reunite broken relations. And that is a better form of worship than any other. For Allah forgives Haqooq Allah (rights of Allah) but not Haqooq ul Ibaad (Human Rights)

Therefore, purify your hearts during the month of Ramadan and start out with a fresh perspective and don’t forget to watch ‘Wrong No 2’! A Lollywood film is releasing on the first day of Eid! Happy Eid!

The writer can be reached at beenishmhmd@gmail.com