Magzoid Magazine - Luxury Magazine in the Creative Space | April 2023

SPECIAL DAY
Eid al-Fitr is a special day among
families and friends throughout the
Islamic world. This three-day festival
takes place immediately following
the end of the month of Ramadan and is
the most significant and joyous observance
of the Islamic faith.
Eid Al Fitr, Arabic for ‘Festival of Breaking
Fast,’ is an important Islamic festival that
marks the end of the Holy Month of Ramadan.
Muslims observe it during the first three days
of Shawwal, the 10th month of the Islamic
calendar. The Eid Al Fitr holidays in the UAE
usually fall between the 29th day of Ramadan
and the third day of Shawwal. However,
depending on the moon’s sighting, it can
also begin on the 30th day of Ramadan.
In essence, Eid al-Fitr allows the faithful
to thank God for having been granted the
strength and conviction to complete the
obligatory fast and obey His commandments
during the holy month of Ramadan. By
doing so, Muslims rejoice in returning to
a state of fitra (innocence/purity), having
been pardoned of all their transgressions,
thus starting life anew.
Eid Al-Fitr Celebration in the
UAE
In the days leading up to Eid al-Fitr, Emirati
homemakers dust and clean their houses.
The day begins early with morning prayers
at home or a nearby mosque. At lunchtime,
the Arabs feast on traditional dishes.
In the past, on the first day of Eid, Bedouin
men would shoot their guns in the air as an
expression of joy, and this tradition is still
carried on in some parts of the country. Men
also perform popular traditional dances,
including Al Razfah.
The Emirati children celebrate Hagg Al-
Layla, where they dress in their best clothes
and recite songs and poems around their
neighbours’ houses. In return, the neighbours
reward them with sweets and nuts they will
put in their traditional cloth bags.
As the Islamic faith mandates, the Zakat al
Fitr must be completed before the morning
Eid prayer. Those with the financial means
of doing so must donate either money or
items such as rice, barley, dates, and other
similar provisions. This mandatory donation
must be distributed to the poor before the
celebrations to ensure that all souls can
enjoy a joyous holiday.
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