Hello Local Guides, I’m Zuhra after a short break again here with you.
In some countries of the world, we are going to Celebrate Eid Al Fitr today on Friday, but in many other countries it will be on Saturday.
So first of all, I want to say to my whole Local Guides family " Happy Eid Al Fitr"
Wishing you a very Happy Eid! May the magic of Eid bring lots of happiness and fill your life with different colors. Have a prosperous Eid!
Now, Let me share a short introduction of Eid Al Fitr.
Eid-Ul-Fitr, the Festival of Breaking the Fast, is a joyous and significant holiday celebrated by Muslims all over the world. It marks the end of Ramadan, the month-long period of fasting, prayer, and reflection, and is a time for Muslims to come together to celebrate their achievements and renew their faith.
The Beauty of Eid:
Eid Ul-Fitr is a time of great beauty, both in the spiritual and cultural sense. It is a time for Muslims to come together, to celebrate their faith, and to enjoy the many traditions and customs associated with this special occasion.
Applying Henna:
One of the most popular traditions associated with Eid al-Fitr is the practice of applying henna. Henna is a temporary dye that is used to create intricate and beautiful designs on the skin. This is a popular activity for women and girls, who often gather together to apply henna and create intricate designs on their hands and feet.
Cooking Different Foods:
Another important aspect of Eid al-Fitr is the food. This is a time when families come together to prepare and share a variety of delicious dishes. Many of these dishes are traditional to the region, and they vary from country to country. Some popular dishes include biryani, samosas, kebabs, and halwa.
Giving Zakat ul-Fitr:
Zakat ul-Fitr is a mandatory charitable donation that is given by Muslims at the end of Ramadan. This donation is typically given in the form of food, and it is meant to help those in need. Giving zakat ul-fitr is an important part of the Eid al-Fitr celebrations, and it is seen as a way of sharing the blessings of the month of Ramadan with others.
Wearing New Clothing:
One of the most visible signs of the Eid al-Fitr celebrations is the tradition of wearing new clothing. This is a time when families and individuals dress up in their best clothes to celebrate the occasion. It is seen as a way of showing respect for the occasion and for the community.
Having New Household items:
In addition to wearing new clothes, many families also purchase new household items like bedsheets, curtains, carpets for the occasion. This is seen as a way of refreshing the home and creating a sense of newness and renewal. It is also a way of creating a welcoming and comfortable environment for guests who may be visiting during the Eid al-Fitr celebrations.
Sharing with Friends and Family:
Perhaps the most important aspect of the Eid al-Fitr celebrations is the opportunity it provides for families and friends to come together. This is a time when people put aside their differences and come together to celebrate their faith and their community. It is a time for laughter, for sharing stories, and for making memories.
Eid al-Fitr is a time of great beauty, both in the spiritual and cultural sense. It is a time for Muslims to come together to celebrate their faith, to enjoy the many traditions and customs associated with this special occasion, and to create lasting memories with friends and family. Whether it is through applying henna, cooking delicious foods, giving zakat ul-fitr, wearing new clothing, having new bedsheets, or sharing with friends and family, Eid al-Fitr is a celebration of joy, love, and togetherness.
Eid Celebration around the world :
In different parts of the world, Eid always celebrate in different & Unique styles like :
Middle East: In countries like Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Kuwait, Eid ul-Fitr is a public holiday, and people celebrate with feasts, family gatherings, and gift-giving. They also decorate their homes with lights and colorful lanterns, and some cities hold parades and fireworks displays.
South Asia: In India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, Eid ul-Fitr is a three-day holiday, and people celebrate by wearing new clothes, visiting friends and family, and exchanging gifts. They also prepare special dishes like sheer khurma, a sweet dessert made with milk, vermicelli, and dried fruits.
Southeast Asia: In Indonesia, the largest Muslim country in the world, Eid ul-Fitr is known as Lebaran, and it is celebrated with special prayers, feasts, and visits to the graves of loved ones. People also decorate their homes with flowers and lights, and they wear traditional clothing like batik and sarongs.
Africa: In countries like Egypt, Tunisia, and Morocco, Kenya, Nigeria Eid ul-Fitr is a time for family reunions and festive meals. People decorate their homes with colorful lights and lanterns, and they also give gifts to children and the less fortunate.
Europe and North America: In Muslim communities in these regions, Eid ul-Fitr is a time for prayer, reflection, and celebration. People often gather in mosques or community centers for special prayers and sermons, and they also share meals and exchange gifts with friends and family.
How My friends and amazing Local Guides Celebrate Eid UL Fitr (Including me) in different parts of the world?
A couple of days ago, I asked a question to my dear friends From different parts of the world, how they celebrate Eid Ul Fitr in their countries, and I love what they shared. That’s why I’m sharing their answers about Eid Celebrations in their countries by their Permissions!!!
New Zealand: @indahnuria (Indah Nuria)
Eid Mubarak, Eid Mubarak
First of all, allow me to wish all my dearest family and friends, wherever you are, a wonderful and joyful Eid Al-Fitr!
May Allah SWT continue bestowing us with endless blessings.
Aamiin Ya Rabbal Alamiiin.
Selamat Hari Raya Idul Fitri, that’s how we say Eid Mubarak in Bahasa Indonesia. The victory day is celebrated by Muslims all over the world, including in Indonesia, after the end of the holy month of Ramadan. As Ramadhan homes and heightens our observances towards the Almighty’s commands, including through some hardships and self-restraint, Idul Fitri is wholeheartedly welcomed as the victorious day with so much joy and happiness.
Back home in Indonesia, we have many beautiful traditions that stem from the family spirit as well as sharing and caring. Let’s take a look at some of them, at least in my family’s tradition.
First, Mudik, or heading back home in order to reunite with the big family. This becomes one of the traditions towards Lebaran for most Indonesians. As many of us live across the nation and separately from parents, we take the moment of Lebaran to go home and spend precious time with the big family. I usually go home to Lampung, where my mom and the big family gather. No matter how far we are, how crazy the traffic is (during the peak it can be absolutely frustrating), no matter how much it costs us, the urge to be with your loved ones makes us strong enough to endure all these hurdles. Just to see your parents’ and families’ faces, hug them, share laughter and stories… , even writing this warms my heart!
Then, on the big day, after putting on our best dresses and look, we all go for Idul Fitri prayer together. Depending on where you live, you can go join the prayer at the mosques, stadiums, big fields and even the streets. The Muslims are solemnly gather, pray, listen to the khutbah or the sermon, and then after that we go salam-salaman or shake hands and ask for forgiveness to others. For the family members, we usually do it at home and slightly ceremoniously, which some people call , where you go down on your knees, bow deep, lean on the laps and kiss your parents, grandparents and elderlies’ hands, asking for their forgiveness.
Directly after the Eid prayer, I usually go to do ziarah, or pay a visit to my late father, father-in-law, late grandparents and late relatives cemeteries to pray and pay tribute to them. Remembering them during this victorious day completes this special day indeed.
After this rather formal part of lebaran, here comes the joyous part, especially for the kids, the youngsters, and the young-at-heart. It’s time to receive some presents, mostly in the form of cash. We colloquially called it THR, short for Tunjangan Hari Raya, or freely translated as Idul Fitri allowance. Presented in colorful envelopes, the kids will patiently line up waiting for their gifts. Sometimes we, the adults, just directly distribute the money and the kids will jump up with joys receiving their ransoms. So much fun!
Finally, we spend the day (and the following days) pay visits to families and friends, eat a lot of lebaran special food (I will need a special section to explain them all LOL) which usually consist of ketupat (rice cake), rendang (Indonesian spicy braised beef, the best food in the world!), opor ayam (chicken stew in coconut milk) and more. And of course, never ending photo sessions with your best looks, together with your loved ones! That is why, every lebaran day is a memorable one. Hope you have one too!
Selamat Hari Raya Idul Fitri, mohon maaf lahir dan batin.
Turkiye: @Gezendunyali Burak Tabaginoglu)
Turkey Eid al-Fitr. First of all, many preparations are made before the feast. A few days before the feast, the whole family goes to the market to buy new clothes. Candies are bought to be given to the guests who come later.
If you live in a place far from your family, it is very important to go to the family house during the holiday. For this, you go to the family house a few days before the holiday.
On the first day of the holiday, the whole family goes to the mosque for the holiday prayer. After the prayer in the mosque, everyone gets in line and celebrates with each other.
Then they go home. A feast breakfast is made together at home. The little ones celebrate their holidays by kissing the hands of the elders.
The little children in the neighborhood visit all the houses to collect candy and money. Therefore, they do not go out of the house much during work days.
From the second day of the holiday, families go to the homes of the elders and celebrate their holiday. There is a friendly atmosphere with nice conversations.
Holiday culture is very important in our country. Because it is seen as one of the most important elements that ensure unity and solidarity. Therefore, all public and private institutions have a holiday for 3 days.
It is very nice to know how different holidays are in different countries on such a beautiful day. Therefore, I would like to thank all my friends. I congratulate you on your Ramadan holiday.
Indonesia: @DeeDesty (Desty Hotifatruwosa)
There are several traditions that are always carried out when celebrating Eid al-Fitr in Indonesia
Homecoming Tradition (it call “Mudik” in Indonesia)
Many people in Indonesia migrate to Java islands, especially Jakarta and West Java, to seek income.
They move from the island of Sumatra, Central Java, and East Java to work or have a household in Jakarta and its surroundings.
Approaching the Eid al-Fitr holiday, it is a tradition for them to return to their respective villages to gather with their families.
Due to the large number and the simultaneous number of people going home, jamming is one of the traditions of Eid al-Fitr as well.
CLEANING (not only soul but also house)
As has been the tradition in welcoming Hari Raya in Indonesia, it is used as an opportunity to organize the house. From renovating, buying new furniture to even just painting and arranging the house in preparation for welcoming guests on Eid al-Fitr.
Flower bouquets are one of the important ornaments to decorate the house.
Meet Family and Share Happiness with everyone
Sending gifts to friends and family is a new trend these days. Not only to people in need, but also to people who are considered important and have helped us a lot in the past year. We called it “Hampers”.
But the most important value of all is celebrating Eid al-Fitr by gathering with extended family.
Happy Eid al Fitr Mubarak to Everyone who is celebrating, From Desty (Dee) - Indonesia.
Pakistan**: @KashifMisidia **(kashif abdul razzaq misidia)
My Eid day began with Eid Prayer and a visit to the graveyard to honor our loved ones who have passed, especially my father whom I miss dearly every day, but even more so on special occasions like Eid.
After the Eid Prayer, we indulge in a traditional Eid Breakfast since fasting is not permitted on this day. Our breakfast is unique and consists of food items that are related to the name of this Eid (Meethi Eid or Sweet Eid). Our dining table is incomplete without SheerKhurma and Meethi Siwwaiyaan, along with other breakfast items.
One of the beautiful traditions we follow is buying Glass Bangles and Mehendi (Hina) for all the females in our home. They wear it on Eid day, and it looks lovely, especially Mehendi, which is one of the most beautiful traditions. Even now, I purchase Mehendi for my daughters, and they create beautiful prints on their hands with it.
On this joyous day, we typically visit our Eid elders, brothers, grandparents, uncles, and aunties homes. We have another interesting tradition for Eid Ul Fitr called “Eidi,” which is gift money that everyone can ask their elders without any hesitation. We all prepare for it, and even I, at 46, can still ask my elders for Eidi. We also give Eidi to everyone younger than us.
After a long day of visiting relatives and distributing Eidi, I usually come back home and sleep for a long time. Later in the evening, I met with friends.
In Pakistan, we have three official holidays for Eid every year. These are the routines and traditions that we have enjoyed since our childhood, and they continue to this day.
Kenya : @Zuhralc ( Zuhra Lucie)
Eid ul Fitr is a significant religious celebration for Muslims worldwide. It marks the end of Ramadan, a month-long period of fasting, spiritual reflection, and self-discipline. The day is a celebration of purity, forgiveness, and renewal of one’s faith in Allah. Muslims observe Eid ul Fitr with great enthusiasm and joy, and the festivities vary from region to region.
For many Muslims, Eid ul Fitr is a day of purification, where they seek to purify themselves from within and from the outside. Muslims clean their homes, dress in new clothes, and indulge in a variety of delicious food and sweets. The day holds special significance for women and children, and it is often referred to as “Eid ya Watoto” in Swahili, meaning “a day for kids to enjoy and celebrate.”
Cleanliness is crucial on Eid ul Fitr, and many Muslims take great care to ensure that their homes and surroundings are spotless. They replace old household items with new ones, and there is a sense of renewal and freshness in the air. Women dress up in beautiful clothes and apply intricate henna designs on their hands, and no one is left out of the festivities.
In the weeks leading up to Eid ul Fitr, Muslims start saving money to buy new clothes and gifts for their loved ones. It is a time of generosity and giving, and many Muslims also contribute to charities and donate Zakat ul Fitr. Zakat ul Fitr is a charitable donation that is given to the poor and needy to ensure that everyone can celebrate Eid ul Fitr with dignity and joy. It is given as a way of paying for any negative actions committed during the month of Ramadan, and it is believed that by giving Zakat ul Fitr, one’s sins are forgiven, and their prayers are accepted.
On the eve of Eid ul Fitr, families and friends gather to prepare for the festivities. The following day is all about cooking, eating, and celebrating. Traditional dishes like Pilau and Biryani are a must on the Eid ul Fitr menu, and families often prepare a variety of sweets and snacks to share with their loved ones. In Kenya, Half cake or Doughnuts, Bhajia, Mahamri are a popular treat.
The celebrations last for three days, and each day has its significance. On the first day, families celebrate at home, enjoying each other’s company and indulging in delicious food. On the second day, they visit friends and relatives, exchanging gifts and greetings. On the third day, many Muslims go out for picnics or other outdoor activities, enjoying the beautiful weather and the company of their loved ones.
In conclusion, Eid ul Fitr is a day of purity, forgiveness, and renewal of faith. It is a time for Muslims to come together and celebrate their spiritual and cultural heritage. The day holds special significance for women and children, and everyone takes great care to ensure that the celebrations are perfect. Through Zakat ul Fitr and other charitable donations, Muslims demonstrate their commitment to helping those in need, and the festivities are a testament to the joy and generosity of the Muslim community. May Allah SWT help us reach the next Ramadan and Eid ul Fitr with health and happiness, InshaAllah.
Thanks to everyone who shared thier Eid celebration with me for this Post special thanks to @KashifMisidia sir for helping me to arrange all the things and helping for this post �
So my Local Guides family, How do you celebrate Eid in your country ? Please share your thoughts
… As you all know I would love to share more from you different Local guides how ever I couldn’t do so due to my time schedule . please drop down your thoughts in the comment section as we start the Eid Al Fitr 2023. Happy celebration 
.
