A short guide to Eid al-Fitr The Eid al-Fitr celebration
Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar is a month dedicated to fasting, prayer, and spiritual rejuvenation, providing a unique opportunity for self-discipline, purification, empathy, and compassion. Eid al-Fitr, celebrated tomorrow, marks the end of Ramadan.
It is a practice not widely understood by non-Muslims. The Pittsburgh area has from 10,000 to 20,000 Muslims. Many came in the 1960s and 1970s from countries like Syria, Afghanistan, Lebanon and Palestine, while in the 1980s and 1990s, Bosnian Muslims fleeing the war in Bosnia and Herzegovina came to the city. Many others are African American.
The third Pillar
Fasting is one of the Pillars of Islam, the others being the profession of faith, prayer, giving alms and pilgrimage. It is obligatory during Ramadan for all adult Muslims, with exemptions for those facing health risks and others. They are encouraged to feed a needy person for each day they missed.
Throughout the fasting hours, Muslims abstain from eating and drinking, as well as avoid intoxicants, sexual activities, malicious acts, and unkind conduct. An important aspect of Ramadan is the belief that the spiritual rewards of fasting are multiplied during this holy month.
Fasting begins with Sahri, the pre-dawn meal to sustain them through the day’s fast. At sunset, families gather for Iftar, the meal that breaks the fast. Following the practice of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), the meal starts with dates and water and then features a hearty cuisine. Iftar sees individuals and communities distributing free food, beverages, and desserts.
One of the hallmarks of Ramadan is the heightened focus on spiritual practices, including nightly prayers at the mosque, featuring extensive recitations from the Quran.
For example, Laylat al-Qadr, the holiest night, marks the initial revelation of the Holy Quran to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Many Muslims dedicate this night to prayer and Quranic recitation believing prayers made are especially potent.
Different cultural practices reflect the spirit of the month, with daily life and working hours adjusted to allow more time for reflection and prayer. I will share some the practices from my tradition as an Afghani Muslim.
In Afghanistan, Ramadan is a festive season. A unique tradition on the 15th of Ramadan involves children and youngsters participating in Ramazani, visiting homes with drums to collect gifts like dry fruits and money. This tradition, blending celebration with charity, fosters community belonging and shared joy.
Eid al-Fitr begins with the sighting of the new moon, and the celebration lasts for three days, during which people engage in prayers, feasting, and communal gatherings.
The morning of Eid the special prayer, known as the Salat al-Eid, is performed in large congregations in open areas like fields or inside mosques. This prayer is a vital element of the celebration, symbolizing unity and gratitude. Following the Eid prayers, family members greet one another by saying, “Happy Eid. May your fasting and prayers be accepted.”
It is customary for Afghans to visit the graves of loved ones to pray for the deceased and remember them by placing flowers and offering Fatiha, a prayer for guidance and mercy taken from the first chapter of the Quran.
Another central aspect of Eid al-Fitr is forgiveness, reconciliation, and charity. People visit relatives, friends, and neighbors, often wearing new clothes as a sign of renewal and joy. It’s a time to settle differences, with individuals seeking forgiveness from one another and distributing Zakat al-Fitr, a form of charity given to people in need to ensure that they enjoy the festivities.
One tradition involves boiling, painting, or coloring eggs in vibrant colors. These beautifully painted eggs are then arranged in baskets and offered as part of the celebratory meals or used for egg-fighting games.
In Afghan culture, as part of pre- wedding festivities, the groom’s family arranges lavish gifts for the bride on Eid, known as Eidi. This tradition involves an extensive range of seasonal cuisines, clothes, accessories, and jewelry, symbolizing the groom’s family’s affection and generosity toward the bride and her family. The Eidi ceremony is accompanied by the groom’s female family members and relatives playing a tambourine and singing local songs.
The henna application is gender-specific; women and girls prefer intricate designs on their hands and feet. Men and boys might choose simpler patterns, like a palm circle or colored fingertips, though this is less common.
A time of joy
The celebration extends into the night, with campfires illuminating entire valleys, creating a spectacular view. Celebratory fireworks add to the festive atmosphere in densely populated areas, reflecting a blend of tradition and exuberance.
Eid al-Fitr in Afghanistan is a time of joy, reflection, and community, marked by prayers, feasting, and the reaffirmation of social bonds. Despite the country’s challenges, Eid represents a moment of peace, happiness, and hope for Afghans, embodying the spirit of generosity and unity central to the celebration.