Faith-Based Practices: Eid

The arabic word “Eid” means festival , feast or holiday.  There are two major Eids in Islamic Calendar per year. One is Eid al- Fitr and the other one is Eid al- Adha. Eid al Fitr  is celebrated after the month of Ramadan. Muslim fast for 29 days during Ramadan or 30 days depending on the appearance of moon. If the moon is not observed on the 29 day of Ramadan then the Eid will be celebrated the following day.

After a month of prayer, self control and fasting, muslim celebrates the accomplishment  of their religious duties during Ramadan. Fasting during the Ramadan teaches us empathy and compassion for people who do not have food or who are poor. It teaches us patience. It highlights the importance of blessings and teaches us the value of things we have (food,clothes, money etc)  and to be thankful for what we have. Donations are given to poor people or to those in need so they can also celebrate their Eid.

On Eid day, Muslims begin their day with Eid prayer and distribute money to poor kids or families. People greet each other with “Eid Mubarak” which means “Blessed Eid”.  Another Eid that is celebrated after two months of previous Eid is “Eid ul- Adha” also called festival of sacrifice. It is celebrated in the remembrance of our Holy Prophet Ibrahim sacrifice.  God told Ibhrahim to sacrifice his son Ismail to prove his faith. Eid ul Adha is to remember Holy Prophet Ibrahim’s loyalty and obedience to Allah above all others.  On Eid day we sacrifice an animal (sheep, cow, goat, buffalo or camel) and donate meat to poor people who can’t afford it.  It is a tradition to help people who are in need. It teaches the importance of blessings. Overall the main lesson Eid gives is to take care of people who can’t afford to buy good clothes, food, other necessities etc.  It teaches gratitude and helps muslims realize how blessed they are.

Fore more information about Eid visit:

https://www.muslimaid.org/media-centre/blog/eid-ul-fitr-and-eid-ul-adha-what-is-the-difference/

Recipes

Biryani

This is a famous Eid dish. To learn more about how to make this dish, click on the photo for the recipe.

Sheer Khurma

This dish is a famous sweet dish. To access the recipe, click on the link in the photo.