Yesterday was the last day of Ramadan (رمضان), and today is the Eid (عيد الفطر). Today, Muslims celebrate the end of their fasting, and enjoy the pleasures that they have given up for a month. It is a very happy time indeed!

Most people celebrate the Eid in similar ways. In this post, I will tell you about how I celebrate it!

Image from flickr.com

Preparations for the Eid begin about a week before. They include shopping for a lot of foods, particularly desserts and nuts. Heavy meals are also common on the Eid, e.g. ducks, meat and fish. This Eid, I bought lots of desserts, nuts, fish and a duck!

Traditionally, all kids have to get new clothes for the Eid. They usually wear the new clothes and go to the Eid prayer (صلاة العيد) with their families first thing in the morning. Eid prayer is a very early prayer, around 5 a.m., which many people take part in. It is often performed in open air and followed by special prayers and supplications (تكبيرات العيد).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HmQhIdwMSmo

Two days before the Eid, I made special Eid cookies (كعك العيد)! This is a very nice dessert we make with flour, butter, nuts and Turkish delight, etc. They are usually very fun to make, as the whole family gets together prepare them!

Image from flickr.com

I cleaned the house thoroughly for the Eid, and went to bank to order some brand new money! On the day of the Eid, all kids get special Eid money (العيدية). They then decide on how to use their money whether to buy toys, go to the cinema, etc.

Image from flickr.com

Before the Eid begins, everyone who fasted must give charity money or foods called (صدقة الفطر). It is usually a small amount of money that everyone has to give to the needy, even poor people has to give it, but of course, the better off you are, the more you can give, though only the minimum is required by everyone!

Eid involves lots of greetings (تهاني), visits to family and friends, outings with the family, etc. This year, we are going to a park for a fun day out!

عيد سعيد

عيد مبارك

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