Eid-alFitr, The feast after end of Ramadan is one of the most-awaited & celebrated Feast in Muslim countries, and Kuwait is far by no exception.

I have always look forward to this Eid during my Middle East days.I have fondest memories that we would have a long break from work especially if Eid and the sighting of the crescent moon falls on weekend. Everyone is looking forward for family gathering, get-together with friends, there is food & sweets everywhere, and I could really see Avenues full-packed! There is sale on most shops as well.

People flocked into the malls wearing their best dresses, the sea-side along Gulf road is jam-packed too, and of course, there is a long lines in restaurants.

But What is the essence of this feast? Is this another  excuse to indulge & procrastinate?

Does this change in any way the overspending and overeating habits that becomes a norm?

Just to give you an insight of what is supposed to be happening on this Eid, it shold be like this. After observing a stringent lifestyle during the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims around the world are preparing to celebrate Eid al-Fitr. Also known as the festival of breaking the fast, the day will mark the end of the month of sacrifice and self-purification and will herald the beginning of festivities.

Eid ul-Fitr is one holy festival for Muslims, which marks the end of Holy Month, Ramadhan. It is an Arabic word, juvenile amalgamation of Eid and Fitr, which means festivity and the breaking of fast, respectively. The festival is celebrated on the conclusion of the fasting during the month of Ramadhan. This joyful and blissful day is celebrated to thanks Almighty for his blessings in the holy month of Ramadhan. Muslim grace with presence at the congregational prayer service that held in morning. Eid-ul-Fitr has a meticulous Islamic prayer, which consists of two raka’ah or simply units in a large hall or an open field. Muslims of all age group wear new clothes, cook some delicious and tasty food, invite relative, neighbors and friends to celebrate the auspicious day with them. To fast in Ramadhan encourages sympathy for needy and hungry and motivates Muslims for donating very generously to all underprivileged. According to Muslim belief, they are commanded by Almighty God to do the fasting until the conclusion of Ramadhan as mentioned in Holy Qur’an and also pay Zakat-al-fitr before offering the Eid prayer.

Normally, Muslims wake relatively very early in the morning of Eid-ul-Fitr i.e. always before sunrise and offer pre-sunrise prayer (Salatul Fajr). In addition, Muslim keep in view the Sunnah (actions and traditions of Prophet Muhammad) follow it and clean teeth with toothbrush or Miswaak, and take shower or “Ghusul” before the Fajr prayers, put new clothes or the best available cloth, and also apply perfume.

Many Muslims attend communal prayers and listen to akhutba or sermon on the first day of the month of Shawwal. These prayers are held outside or in large venues, such as sports arenas, in some places. Many Muslims may travel far to participate in these activities. Some communities organize different festivities, such as communal meals or events for children, on this day.

If a Muslim has not given zakat al-fitr during Ramadan, he or she can give this on Eid-al-Fitr. Zakat al-fitr is a form of charity consisting of a quantity of food, such as barley, dates, raisins or wheat flour, or its monetary equivalent given to the poor. Many Muslims may also prepare festive meals to share, wear new clothes, visit relatives and give presents or candy to children. Cards can also be sent, often featuring the words “Eid Mubbarak” (blessed Eid).

But do these Eid-alFitr rituals really happens?

Do you have an Eid-alFitr experience?

I just wish  for a blessed and peaceful Eid to all my Muslim Friends. May this festivities gives the credit it deserves and the spiritual harmony it should have in all our hearts.

My prayers for the victims of the recent blast near the Prophets Mosque in Saudi Arabia.

To all my Muslims friends back in Kuwait, Eid Mubarak!