Eid ul-Fitr, also known as the Festival of Breaking the Fast, is a major celebration in the Muslim calendar that marks the end of Ramadan. In the UK, Eid ul-Fitr is a time for Muslims to come together with family and friends, to eat, pray and celebrate. In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at the traditions and customs of Eid ul-Fitr in the UK.
Preparation for Eid ul-Fitr in UK
The preparation for Eid ul-Fitr in UK begins several days in advance. Muslims usually clean their homes decorate them with lights and colorful banners and purchase new clothes for themselves and their families. This is a time for families to get together and go shopping for gifts and food items.
Eid ul-Fitr Prayer in UK
On the day of Eid ul-Fitr, Muslims wake up early in the morning, take a shower and wear their new clothes. They then attend the Eid prayer, which is usually held in a large hall or a mosque. The prayer is led by an Imam and is followed by a sermon that focuses on the importance of Eid and its significance in the Islamic calendar.
Greetings and Celebrations
After the Eid prayer, Muslims greet each other with "Eid Mubarak" which means "Blessed Eid" in Arabic. They hug each other and exchange gifts, sweets and food items. This is also a time when people visit their relatives and friends, sharing food and enjoying each other's company.
Food and Feasting
Food plays a significant role in the celebration of Eidul-Fitr in the UK. Special dishes are prepared and shared with family and friends. Some of the popular food items include biryani, kebabs, samosas and sweets like baklava and gulab jamun. In some areas of the UK, street food vendors offer special Eid menus.
Charity and Donations
Charity is an important aspect of Eid ul-Fitr. Muslims are encouraged to donate to those in need, especially during this time of celebration. Many UK mosques organize food drives and fundraising events to help those in need. It is also common to give gifts to children and the less fortunate.
In conclusion, Eid ul-Fitr is a time of joy, celebration and gratitude in the UK. It brings together families and friends, and provides an opportunity for Muslims to express their faith and share their traditions and customs with others. By following these traditions and customs, Muslims in the UK can celebrate Eid ul-Fitr in a meaningful and fulfilling way.