calledEid al-Fitr, or the Festival of Fast-Breaking. This celebration
marks the end of the fasting month of Ramadan and falls on the first
day of Shawwal, the month directly after Ramadan.
In preparation for this holiday, Muslims give money in charity so that
every family can enjoy the festivities and have a good meal. On the
early morning of the holiday, Muslims gather in a local mosque or
outdoor spacefor the special Eid prayers (salaat-l-'Eid). Every man,
woman, and child is welcome to attend this community prayer, which is
preceded by a sermon. Following a short prayer, worshipers greet each
other and begin several days of family visits.
The festivities of the holiday traditionally last for three days.
During this time, Muslims try to spend time with family and friends,
visit the sick and elderly, and offer games and gifts to the children.
Muslims thus celebrate the completion of another fasting month, seek
blessings and forgiveness, and look forward to the opportunity to fast
againthe following year.
The two Islamic "Eid" holidays are a joyful occasion for Muslims.
Non-Muslim friends and family are usually welcome to join in the
celebration, and small gifts or kind words are appropriate. The most
common phrase of greeting at this time isEid Mubarak!(Happy Eid!).
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