EID CELEBRATION

Eid-ul-Fitr is one of the most widely celebrated festivals in the Islamic calendar and it occurs after the sighting of the new crescent moon which signals the end ofthe month of Ramadan. Eid is celebrated over a three day period in Islamic countries. It is a joyous occassion for all Muslims, particularly children. It is a time when Muslims give thanks for the blessings they have received from Allah, celebrate the victory of the forces of good over evil, and forgive their neighbours for old grudges and ill feelings. It is also a time for spreading peace, sharing with others and giving thanks for completing another period of fasting for the month of Ramadan.

Eid celebrations are marked by fervent preparations within Muslim communities. Families decorate their homes, Eid cards and gifts are bought to distribute to friends and family, sweets and other delicacies are prepared, and new clothing is bought or made to celebrate the occasion. Before the social celebrations begin however, the day begins with prayer.

The morning of the first day of Eid-ul-Fitr begins with an early meal, followed by a special charity in the form of money, food, or produce which is given to the needy or to Islamic organizations. Thousands of Muslims around the world then gather at their mosques (usually the largest mosques) or large open meeting sites, and turn towards the holy city of Makkah (Mecca) to share in prayers of thanksgiving for completing their fast during the month of Ramadan. At the end of the morning prayers, families and friends engage in a special Salat, whereby they visit each other and exchange gifts and greetings.

The Islamic year is guided by the lunar calendar, rather than the (solar calendar. Ramadan is the 9th month in the Muslim lunar calendar. As a result of the lunar cycle, Ramadan typically falls approximately twelve days earlier than the previous year. Since the twelve month cycle takes thirty three years to complete, Ramadan falls at different seasons of the year, but is always celebrated in different countries throughout the world at the same time.

PILGRIMAGE TO MAKKAH

Ramadan is believed to be the month in which the prophet Muhammad received and memorized the words of the Qur'an from Allah near the holy city of Makkah in Saudi Arabia. Every year millions of Muslims from around the world journey to Makkah in commemoration of this sacred occasion. This journey, known as Haj, is a great achievement for Muslims, with any person completing the journey earning the right to add the title of Haji or Hajin to his or her name. It is the goal of every Muslim to make at least one journey to Makkah in his or her lifetime, since it is a pilgrimage which strengthens his or her love and devotion Allah.

Ramadan is a time of great religious and social significance for Muslim communities around the world, and all devotional activities during the month of Ramadan are carried out either individually or as part of a group. It is the period prescribed by the Qur'an for fasting which occurs each day, with the intention of teaching self discipline and self restraint to all Muslims.

NIGHT OF POWER

During Ramadan, Muslims read a part of the Holy Qu'ran every day until they complete the entire book. Many participate in extra prayer sessions or Taraweeh Salaat at the Masjid or mosque, and spend the night praying, especially during the Lailatul-Qadr or Night of Power. The Night of Power is the night on which the Prophet Muhammad was first visited by the angel Gabriel on Mount Hira. Although the exact date of this occurence is not known, it is generally believed to have occured within the last ten days of the month of Ramadan.

Today, many Muslims spend these last ten nights in devotional prayers at mosques, until the final night of Ramadan when the moon is sighted. The sighting of the moon signifies the end of the month of Ramadan and signals the beginning of the celebration of Eid-ul-Fitr.