Family’s First Eid Gathering in Suva
EID celebrations this year for Dr Nadeem Farooq and his family will be extra special as the family will mark the auspicious day in their newly renovated home. Originally from Lautoka, the family moved Suva this year set up a private surgery ‘Farooq Medical Centre’.
The move to the capital city has been a long term plan the family embarked on since they arrived in Fiji.
Hence this will be the family’s first Eid celebration in Suva.
Farooq Medical Centre Iocated in Valelevu, Nasinu Road, Suva.
“This year Eid is different for my family and myself and we are looking forward to celebrate Eid with full passion because we have achieved our goal / dreams by the grace of Allahswt and hard work done by me with the support of my family members,” Dr Farooq said.
Dr Farooq said the religious holiday is celebrated by Muslims worldwide because it marked the end of the month-long dawnto-sunset fasting of Ramadan.
“It falls on the first day of Shawwal in the Islamic calendar; this does not always fall on the same Gregorian day, as the start of any lunar Hijri month varies based on when the new moon is sight.”
He said traditionally, Eid is observed during the first three days of the month of Shawwal.
“On the morning of Eid, Muslims do a ritual called ghusl, wherein they cleanse their body and fit the best dress before morning prayers.
“They greet each other with “Eid Mubarak”, which means “have a blessed Eid”.
“Eid al-Fitr traditions differ by country, but they all include visiting family and friends, giving gifts, eating feasts, donning new clothes, and visiting the graves of relatives. In Pakistan [ My Homeland], Eid is observed as a public holiday. The celebration begins when the new moon appears on Chand Raat.
“The celebration of Eid al-Adha begins with a special prayer, ‘Salat alEid’, followed by a sermon called a khutbah. Traditionally, this is followed by the sacrifice. The rest of the day is devoted to visiting the houses of friends and family.
“The end of Ramadan is a big celebration called ‘Eid al- Fitr’: The Festival of the Breaking of the Fast. Muslims celebrate the end of fasting and thank Allah for the strength that he gave them throughout Ramadan. Eid al-Fitr officially begins when the first sight of the new moon is seen in the sky.
Eid-al-Fitr is regarded as a time to celebrate, with Muslims gathering their friends and family to show gratitude toward God following the previous month of reflection,”
Dr Farooq added that the family plans to do their morning prayers at the mosque on the day of Eid.
He said after prayers, the family will indulge in sweets and food with