Year: 2017

Eid is a day filled with feasting and celebrations. We bring for you great Eid greetings that are sure to make the celebrations much more special. Here are the Eid Greetings:

• This is much more than just a simple wish or message for Eid. It is the love and warm thoughts that I have just for you. These greetings are meant for you only. Eid Mubarak!
• I am far away from you this Eid. But hope my greetings reach you to give you the hug. Hope Allah’s blessings are with you now and forever. Eid Mubarak!
• Just like Earth does not forget to rotate, birds never forget to fly and the heart does not forget to beat, I can never forget to wish you Eid Mubarak!
• Let the holy aura of EID illuminate your life and guide you to reach for the stars. Hope that all your prayers are answered. Eid Mubarak!
• As the new moon rises in the sky, let us remember the sacrifices made by all great people to give us happiness and peace of mind. Happy Eid to my friends!
• Blessings of Allah have always led me on the right path. Hope his blessings do the same for you and much more. EID MUBARAK my brother!
• The moon has already been sighted, the delicacies are ready to be shared with all and the elder’s blessings have been spread among all. Wish all my friends a very happy Eid!
• As the new moon rises, the sky is filled with a silver shine and reminds of all that has happened in the past month of Ramadan.  Now it is a time to celebrate the past and the future that awaits us. Eid Mubarak to all.
• On the occasion of Eid I wish you all the best with roses, holy water and fragrances to refresh your journey. I wish a very HAPPY EID TO YOU!
• Upon completing the month of Ramadan successfully, you get a lot of good wishes. Along with that you are recognized for your good deeds and get good tidings in return. Happy eid dear friends!  
• Many celebrations fill our life but the day od Eid is the best and fill our lives with happiness and joy. Happy Eid to all my dear friends!  
• The wishes I send for Eid are not just wishes but also my blessings and love. So here they are for so that you gain health, wealth and more. Happy Eid!  
• This day comes around just once a year when the moon shines upon you to remind you of the past month of Ramadan and the celebrations that await you tomorrow. Eid Mubarak!
• On the occasion of id take time out and thank Allah for all that He has done for you. Thank Him and ask for His blessings so that you continue to live a happy life. Happy Eid!
• Brotherhood and Togetherness are the main teachings on the day of Eid. May your life be filled with both. Happy Eid!
• Let the warmth of the new moon’s shine reach you and guide you toachieve all that you wish to in life. Eid Mubarak!
• May the warmth of my Eid wishes fill your life with happiness and love. Happy Eid dear brother.
• Eid is just an excuse to wish you happiness, peace and all things good. I actually want your full life to be filled with all of these. Eid Mubarak!

Eid al-Fitr marks the end of the holy month of fasting for Muslims called Ramadan. The date on which Eid al-Fitr is celebrated usually falls on the first day of the month of Shawwal.

Date for Eid al-Fitr falls on the same date of the Islamic Calendar but in the Gregorian calendar the date falls on different dates. This is due to the fact that Islamic Calendar is a lunar calendar while the Gregorian calendar is a solar calendar.

Traditionally it is celebrated on the day when the crescent moon is first sighted just after sunset. If for some reason the moon is not sighted on the 29^th Day then it is celebrated on the following day.

During the month of Ramadan, Muslims undergo a period of fasting from dawn to sunset. On the first day of the next month, Shawwal, Muslims observe Eid al-Fitr. This day was originated by The Islamic Prophet Muhammad. On the day of Eid al-Fitr, fasting is strictly forbidden.

The celebrations of Eid al-Fitr continue for 1, 2 or 3 days. On this day, a practicing Muslim usually wakes up before sunrise to offer Salatul Fajr, the pre-sunrise prayer. The common greetings on this day are “Eid Mubarak” or Eid Sa‘īd. Many countries have their own greetings in local languages, for example,

In Turkey, a common saying is Bayramınız kutlu olsun or “May your Bayram – Eid – be blessed.”
Here are the dates in the Gregorian calendar for Eid al-Fitr for the next decade, i.e. till 2027.

The dates are based on astronomical calculations, so the dates may vary according to The High Judiciary Council of Saudi Arabia.

The Islamic Calendar is a Lunar calendar and in that calendar the ninth month is called Ramadan. It is a holy month as well as Prophet Muhammad received the word of Allah in this month. Traditionally it is customary for all Muslims to fast during this month from dawn to sunset.

During the month of Ramadan, Muslims all over the world also participate in various acts of charity.  Ramadan is celebrated by following a few rituals for every day throughout the month.

Rituals during the month of Ramadan

• Fasting

Ramadan helps to improve your spiritual reflection and devotion for Allah. The fast starts at dawn. Fasting means restraining oneself from all desires, this includes food, drinks and sexual activities and sinful speech as well.
Fasting is practiced by all. Children also learn to fast as soon as they reach adolescence so as to imbibe the discipline in them. The only condition for fasting is that the individual should be healthy and have no illnesses or disabilities. Individuals who are exempted from fasting include:

1. If the individual is travelling
2. Menstruation
3. One with severe illness
4. Pregnancy
5. Breastfeeding

The Hadith recommends that individuals with illnesses should not fast due to development of complications but many persist on fasting to get spiritually enlightened. If for some reason an individual cannot fast you can make up for the missed days of fasting later.

• Suhur

During the month of Ramadan fasting starts at dawn, so the individuals get up before dawn and have a meal before staring the fast till sunset. This meal is known as the Suhur. Once dawn breaks, Muslims start the fast and begin Fajr, the day’s first prayer.

• Iftar

Fasting during Ramadan ends with sunset. As the sun sets, fasts are traditionally broken with dates. Following this, the fourth prayer of the daily five prayers called Maghrib prayer is prayed. After the prayers the meal called Iftar is served.
At Iftars you will find traditional dishes and desserts. /drinks include water, juices and milk. Iftar meals in the Middle East consist of

• Water
• Juices
• Dates
• Appetizers and Salads
• Main dishes
• Desserts of various kinds

Main dishes include delicious options like lamb that has been stewed with wheat berries, roast chicken with rice pilaf that has been studded with chickpea, or lamb kebabs with grilled vegetables. While the popular traditional desserts include baklava, luqaimat or kunafeh helps give a perfect finish to the scrumptious meal.
Iftar meals have grown to become a time when the whole community comes together to celebrate and enjoy a meal together.

• Charity

Charity is an important part of Ramadan celebrations. According the teachings of Islam a
part of your earning is supposed to be donated for the poor, Zakāt. An option to donate more than the obligatory donation, Zakat is called Sadaqah. If you want you can donate more. The amount of donations usually increases during the month of Ramadan because according to Islamic teachings, rewards or the person who donates during time increases on the day of Last Judgment.

• Nightly prayers

A nightly extra prayer called Tarawih is conducted by Muslims during the ninth month of Ramadan. It is not compulsory but most Muslims practice it. There are two versions regarding this prayer:

1. Many scholars believe that this is neither a Sunnah nor a fard. It is a night prayer called Tahajjud that has been preponed to ease the difficulty of the people
2. Most Sunni scholars consider the Tarawih prayers to be Sunnat al-Mu’akkadah. This is a salaat that was conducted by the Islamic prophet Muhammad regularly.

During the course of the nightly prayers the whole Quran is read. Each night during Tarawih a part of the Quran is read so that the whole Quran is completed by the end of the month of Ramadan. This is not a rule but it is a common practice.

Eid-ul-Fitr is a grand celebration that is celebrated each year at the end of the month of Ramadan. It is also called “Festival of the Breaking of the Fast”.

Islam is considered to be the second largest religion followed by approximately 1 billion people, and Ramadan is the holiest month for the Muslims spread all over the world.

It is also known as Ramazan, Ramzan, Ramadhan or Ramathan. The word Ramadan arises from the word ramiḍa or ar-ramaḍ which means dryness or absolute scorching heat.

This is a month where the Muslims fast from dawn to dusk worldwide to commemorate the teachings of the Quran.

Ramadan is the ninth month of the 12 month of lunar calendar followed in the traditional Islamic calendar. As the lunar calendar is short by of the solar calendar by 11 days, Ramadan does not start on the same date every year. In 2019, Ramadan will start on the 5^th of May.

History of Ramadan

It is believed by Muslims that Quran was first revealed to Muhammad during the month of Ramadan. A vast part of the history of Ramadan independent on the Islamic folklore, which mixed with history gives details about Ramadan. Prophet Muhammad, who was the founder o Islam was born in the year 570 CE and grew up to be a shepherd and a merchant. According to the Islamic legends, one night at the age of 40, when Muhammad was fasting at the Mount HIra, in the month of Ramadan in the year 610 AD,  he envisioned an angel.  This angel was Gabriel or Jibril, who revealed to Muhammad that he was the last and the chosen one amongst a long line of messenger from Allah. The angel also revealed that he was born to be a prophet.

A greatly confused Muhammad confided this to his wife Khadija, who took him to her learned uncle called Waraqa ibn Nawfal; who was certain that Muhammad was indeed the Prophet as Jibril was none other than the divine angel who had visited Moses. In the 23 years that followed, Jibril imparted numerousholy knowledge through verses to Muhammad, which were later compiled to Holy Quran.

The auspicious night in which this divine knowledge was imparted to Muhammad is known as the Laylat al-Qadr; or the night of power.  Thus the Laylat al-Qadr is considered to be the holiest night of the month when salvation and knowledge for mankind was revealed to Muhammad according to the Islamic beliefs. According to Hadith, all the holy scriptures were received during Ramadan.

Thus, as a mark of respect for towards Allah for the immense gift of knowledge that he had bestowed upon Muhammad for him to pass on to his sons and daughters and generations, Prophet Muhammad asked the followers of Islam to pass the month of Ramadan in fasting and making penance and praying. The dictum to observe fasting during the month of Ramadan was sent after 18 months of Hijra, during the month of Shaaban, during the second year.

Rituals and Fasting of Ramadan

Ramadan as prescribed by the Prophet is a time for reflection, self rectification and increased devotion. Muslims are supposed to fast from dawn to dusk during this month. The five pillars of Islam is to be worshipped and maintained during this period. During this period Muslims are prohibited from eating, drinking, smoking or getting engaged in any kind of sexual activity. All the Muslims, who have attained puberty and sport good health are supposed to do it, exemption being pregnant women, lactating mothers, the sick and the infirm. Apart from fasting, the Muslim people are also supposed to refrain from cursing, lying, and back biting etc, as the Arabic word for fasting is Sawm, which literally means to refrain. There should be increased amount of salat or prayers and reading of Quran during this period. Fasting is also mandated, as it is looked up to as a way to cleanse one’s soul

The first pre-dawn meal of Ramadan is called Suhoor and the breaking of the fast is called Iftar. According to traditions, a date is eaten to break the fast post which families and friends can get together for elaborate meals. The conclusion of Ramadan is with Id-Ul-Fitr.

Eid al-Fitr is a holy festival in the Islamic Calendar celebrated by Muslims all over the world. It symbolizes the end of the month of Ramadan.

Ramadan is the month of fasting observed by Muslims. Eid al-Fitr is celebrated as also known as the ‘festival of breaking of the fast’.

It falls on the first day of the month of Shawwal and fasting is strictly prohibited on this day. It is celebrated as a conclusion to the 29 or 30 days of fasting that Muslims observe throughout Ramadan from dawn to sunset.

• Before The Origin of Eid al-Fitr

Before Islam arrived in the Arab countries, a festival similar to Eid was celebrated in the Arab world. It was called yawn al-sabasab and yawn al-sab’. Mentions of some other festivals can also be found. People of Israel also had similar festivals but these were celebrated to pay respect and tribute to certain dates in history. This evidence can be found with the help of Old Testament and some other scriptures.

• The History of Eid al-Fitr

This day was originated by the Islamic Prophet Muhammad. It is believed in Islamic tradition that in the year 610 A.D., while Prophet Muhammad was meditating in Mount Hira, angel Jibril appeared in a vision on a night during the month of Ramadan. The angel declared Prophet Muhammad to be the messenger of God.

Angel Jibril embraced him three times and that is when Prophet Muhammad learned the words of God that the angel had recited to him. Prophet Muhammad’s age was 40 years at that time. Throughout the next 23 years Angel Jibril visited him many times and taught him the holy verses, these were actually the code of conduct that Allah wanted his people to follow. These verses were later compiled in the form of the holy Qur’an, the most sacred book for all Muslims.

• The Ritual of Fasting throughout the month of Ramadan

It is believed that the holy verses were revealed to Prophet Muhammad throughout the month of Ramadan. So to commemorate this month and pay respect to Allah for gifting all the true knowledge, the prophet wanted his followers, the followers of Islam to fast throughout the month of Ramadan. To end this month of non-indulgence, Eid al-Fitr was observed with grand celebrations and festivities.  This is how Eid al-Fitr was created and it is a celebration of three days that symbolizes the end of Ramadan, the ninth month and the beginning of Shawwal, the tenth month.  This festival is celebrated to promote peace and reinforce the feelings of brotherhood.

• Prophet Muhammad’s arrival in Madinah

According to certain traditions, Eid al-Fitr was initiated in Madinah when Prophet Muhammad migrated to Madinah from Mecca. As noted by Anas:
As Prophet Muhammad came to city of Madinah, he saw some people celebrating two days in which they amused and entertained themselves. When he asked about these festivities, the people informed him that these days were celebrations were for the days of Jahilliyah. It is at this time that Prophet Muhammad told them that the Almighty God had sent them two days of holidays called Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha, that are far better than what they celebrate.

• Traditions of celebrating Eid al-Fitr

According to ancient traditions all Muslim are supposed to fast each and every day from dawn to sunset throughout the month of Ramadan.  Fasting involves refraining from all things one desires from food to drinks. These days are about paying respect to Allah and thus renouncing all that you desire intensely. Even children are taught to observe fasting throughout the month of Ramdan and then feast on the day of Eid al-Fitr. Celebrations of Eid al-Fitr and observing the month of Ramadan are inter-twined because one symbolizes the month of fasting and the other symbolizes the end of fasting and beginning of the celebrations.

Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims when they pay their respect to Allah and fast from dawn to sunset each day of the month. During this month they also participate in various pious activities and at the end of this month they celebrate Eid al-Fitr for three days.

So Eid al-Fitr is actually the end of Ramadan and celebrated on the first day of Shawwal. In many Muslim countries, these three days have been declared a holiday. In countries Eid al-Fitr is a holiday.

The list of countries includes Iran, Egypt, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Singapore, Bangladesh and Brunei to name some.

Greetings to Celebrate Eid al-Fitr:
On this day people greet each other with Arabic greetings:

• Eid Mubārak which means Blessed Eid
• Eid Sa‘īd meaning Happy Eid

Greetings in local language are also exchanged among people of various countries. For example:

• In Turkey they say ‘Bayramınız kutlu olsun’ meaning “May your Bayram – Eid – be blessed.”

Practices Followed by Muslims to Celebrate Eid al-Fitr:

• On this pious day, practicing Muslims typically wake up before offer a prayer before sunrise called Salatul Fajr.

• Then they clean up, have a bath and put on good clothes or new clothes before heading out for offering prayers.

• It is prohibited to fast on Eid al-Fitr. In the morning Muslims usually have something small for breakfast but it has to be sweet preferably a fruit like dates before attending Sallat, a prayer for the special occasion of Eid al-Fitr

General Rituals Followed by Muslims to celebrate Eid al-Fitr
       On the day of Eid al-Fitr some rituals need to be followed:

• Happiness needs to be shown

• Try to be as charitable as possible

• The Masjid in the locality is visited by Muslims to pray Fajr

• Attend the Sallat early on the occasion of Eid al-Fitr

• Takbirat needs to be read in an open field

• Attend the prayer of Eid by walking on foot

• Even if you are not in the mosque for the prayers but the exact rules apply for the prayers

• While the prayer is being read, no one should speak other words than the words of Allah that is being recited by the Imam

• Wish fellow Muslims Eid Mubarak

• While going to attend the Eid prayers Muslims must recite the following: Allāhu Akbar, Allāhu Akbar, Allāhu Akbar. Lā ilāha illà l-Lāh wal-Lāhu akbar, Allahu akbar walil-Lāhi l-ḥamd. Recitation can cease once the Imam starts the prayers or you have reached the place of Eid prayers.

• While going to or coming from the grounds where the Eid prayer is held Muslims should take different routes.

• Women should also join the Salat of Eid

• Fasting on the day of Eid al-Fitr is strictly prohibited

The Festivities of Eid al-Fitr Celebrations:
The prayers for Eid al-Fitr are held in huge congregations in open places like fields or at the mosque. Many Muslims bring prayer rugs to the Eid prayer. This prayer does not involve a call to pray and has 2 units of prayer along with six additional incantations. After the prayers, the Imam gives a sermon and an appeal to Allah asking for peace, blessings, mercy and forgiveness for all. The sermon contains instructions to perform the rituals of Eid like Zakat.

Once the prayers are over and the sermon has finished, Muslims visit friends, relatives and family members as well as acquaintances. They also hold huge celebrations in the communities, homes or halls that have been specially rented for the occasion. Gifts for Eid called Eidi are also given to children and exchanged between immediate relatives.

Celebrate the end of Ramadan with these special with beautiful Eid al-Fitr Wishes. Send your loved ones these beautiful wishes and make this Eid more special for them.

Here are some great wishes that are sure to make this Eid al-Fitr special:

• Eid Mubark to all. May this Eid be filled with happiness and joy. Enjoy yourself and help those who need your help!
• Happy Eid. May this holiday be filled with luck and happiness. Happy Holidays to all of my loved ones!
• Eid Mubarak my friend. Hope that the blessings of Allah may fill your life with happiness and success.
• Hope that each and every moment of your life is filled with joy and laughter. May Allah keep you and your family happy and safe. Eid Mubarak!
• Let this month of fasting end with great celebrations and mark the start of all the success in your life. Eid Mubarak my brother!
• Hope this Eid, Allah fills your home with peace, prosperity and Joy. Happy Eid, my brother!
• Allah is always looking out for his children. This Eid let us celebrate the love he has showered on us. Eid Mubarak to your family!
• The joyous celebration of Eid has brought a lot of happiness in all our lives. Hope Allahs’s blessings keep showering on us. Eid Mubarak!
• Hope that Allah can lead you to success and happiness. Happy Eid!
• With Allah’s Guidance you have come so far and reached the heights of success. Hope he continues to guide you so that you can reach new heights. Wishing you a happy Eid ul-Fitr!
• Let your path of life be strewn with flowers and good wishes. Happy Eid!
• I hope to that Allah presents you with the gift of faith, the blessing of peace and a lifetime of happiness. Happy Eid!
• Allah is forgiving. Hope he forgives your sins and eases your suffering to grant you happiness. Wishing good tidings for you this Eid. Happy Eid al-Fitr.
• May Allah grant you a long life filled with success, joy and happiness. Happy Eid, my brother!
• Allah is looking down on us from the heaven above and filling our lives with so much joy. May you stay blessed and happy. Happy Eid Mubarak To You All.
• This Eid I would like to wish you a great year ahead of you so that I can see your smiling face always. Happy Eid!
• Hope Allah fills your life with more surprises that you can treasure for life. Wishing you and your family Happy Eid!
• In the turmoil of life, Allah is the one who can grant peace and tranquility. May he fill your life with peace and tranquility. Happy Eid dear Friend.!
• Hope that all the sweet memories that you made this Eid with us stay with you forever. Hope to see you again next year. Happy Eid al-Fitr. Wish you lots of love, joy and happiness.
• Eid is a day of celebrations. Let’s celebrate your success this Eid and hope you reach the heights of success in your life. Eid Mubarak.
• May this festival of Eid be the best day of your life. Eid Mubarak my friend!
• Wishing all my Muslim brothers across the world Eid Mubarak. Let Allah’s guidance lead you to success and fill your life with happiness and joy!
• Come let us pray to Allah to shower us with his blessings and lead us on the path of righteousness. Eid Mubarak my friend!