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Id-ul-Fitr means the 'festival of breaking the
fast'. Fitr is derived from the word fatar meaning 'breaking'. Another connotation
suggests that it is derived from fitrah or 'alms'. Certain Sunni Muslims believe
that fitr comes from fitrat meaning 'nature' and Id-ul-Fitr is the celebration
of god's magnanimity in providing nature to man.
Celebrated on the first day of the new moon in Shawwal, it marks the end of Ramzan.
In the morning everyone bathes, wears new or clean clothes, applies perfume, eats
dates or some other sweet before walking to the mosque for Id prayers. Men wear
white clothes because white symbolizes purity and austerity. On this day, according
to the Quran, Allah has ordained a dole for every Muslim who is free and is in
possession of alms worthy capital. This charitable gift, called Sadaqah Fitr,
is a dole to break the fast. It is to be given to a needy person as thanksgiving.
Even one who has not kept the rozas is expected to give alms. |
| The amount to be gifted must be in excess of one's
essential needs and free from all encumbrances of debt. Food grains or their cost
are donated. The Quran also specifies the grain and their quantities. A person
should give 3.5 lb of wheat or its flour per head, or 7lb of barley per head or
their cost. |
Do Rakat Namaz is performed in the mosque. These
prayers can be read anytime between sunrise and just afternoon. In India, it is
customary to say them in the morning. Even women in purdah attend the namaz prayers
in special chambers in the metropolitan cities. Id milans are part of the rituals
in which people embrace each other three times, as is laid down in the Quran.
The festival originated when after proclaiming Ramzan as the period of fasting
and austerity, Prophet Muhammad announced a day for celebrations to reaffirm the
feeling of brotherhood. |
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| Women prepare sweets at home. Sevian, or vermicelli
cooked in sweetened milk, is popular. People then go for Id milans. Some people
visit cemeteries and stay there for many hours, often even camping out overnight.
This is perhaps to honor their ancestors and to be with their spirits. To a devout
Muslim, Id is a time to forget all past grievances. |
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