Feast and fashion for Muslims at ‘the most exciting time of the year’
FOR Muslims, Eid alFitr is the most exciting time of the year. Beautiful clothing, delicious feasts and thoughtful gifts are all part of the threeday celebrations, which mark the end of Ramadan.
After a month of fasting and reflection, Eid is a time to spend with family and friends. The end of this period of fasting was especially poignant for Greater Manchester’s Muslim community this year.
The attack on the Manchester Arena by mass murderer Salman Abedi was followed by a spike in Islamophobic hate crime in Greater Manchester and beyond.
And Muslims were also in shock when a van mounted the pavement, killing one man and injuring nine others outside the Muslim Welfare House in Finsbury Park, London.
So when families gathered at mosques across the region at the weekend Eid prayers, there was be plenty to reflect on.
But the festival – which is seen as a time of forgiveness – offers the opportunity to give thanks to Allah and spend time with cherished loved ones.
For solicitor Tasnim Khalid, Eid is all about making time for family and friends. She said: “There are times when I don’t get to see my wider family because we’re all so busy, so it’s really lovely to see everyone at this time of year.”
Tasnim, 35, this year introduced her husband Alvin to the traditions she has followed since she was a little girl. She said: “The day starts with us all getting our glad rags on, joining a congregation for Eid prayers. In my family we also have an Eid Fairy who brings gifts for the kids.”
Tasmin, a partner at JMW Solicitors, says fasting during Ramadan can be challenging, but offers Muslims a chance to reflect on the past year.
It’s a sentiment echoed by sales executive Bilal Chawala. He said: “I think the month itself has been a time of reflection and that’s kind of reinforced by everything that has happened.
“With Eid it’s a celebration of having fasted for such a long time.
“We can enjoy good food and be grateful for what we have got.”
Muslims begin Eid by making the ghusl or wudu – ablutions to perform the prayers before donning their best attire which usually includes traditional clothing.
It is customary to eat something sweet before worshipping at the mosque for Eid al-Fitr. Traditionally, Muslims will eat an odd number of dates before praying, but the sweet dishes varies between cultures.
“We try to have something sweet before because that’s what the Prophet did. So in my family we have a sweet rice pudding,” says Bilal.
Muslims gather together at the mosque for Eid prayers and give a compulsory charity donation known as fitrana.
They then shake hands and embrace each other three times wishing one another ‘Eid Mubarak,’ or ‘Blessed Eid.’
Bilal, 37, said: “After prayers that’s actually when Eid starts. We come home and have some food.
“This is the one time of year no Muslim will go to a restaurant because there’s just so much food at home. It’s the equivalent of Christmas. We look forward to it each year.”