Wednesday 6 July 2016

Lazoi wishes everyone happy Eid ul Fitr

Among Muslim festivals, Eid-ul-Fitr, the 'fast-breaking' festival stands out in its popularity and religious significance. Eid-ul-Fitr is a celebratory day that generates the deep devotion and surrender to Allah during Ramadan. It refers to the breaking of the month-long routine of fasting from sunrise to sunset. 'Eid' itself implies a 'festive' occasion that spreads joy and happiness all around. It is the momentous day of Eid-ul-Fitr that hails the Shawwal month. Eid is a three-day long celebration that reaffirms the ideals of piety, empathy, charity and solidarity among Muslims all over the world. It is celebrated with tremendous enthusiasm and affection.

Eid-ul-Fitr Significance

The importance of Eid-ul-Fitr is associated with an actual event in the history of Islam. Allah sent an angel to reveal his words over a period of 23 years. These teachings formed the Holy Quran. Following the successful completion of the month of Ramadan, Eid-ul-Fitr becomes a great occasion to thank Allah for giving believers the will-power and endurance to observe the month-long fast and follow rules in personal conduct. It is also a time to renew one's faith in Allah and seek his blessings. The Islamic practice of giving 'zakat' is also upheld during this time. Just before Eid, Muslims part with some portion of their earnings and grains for the poor, so that they too can celebrate Eid with full fervour.

On this fortunate day of Eid-ul-Fitr festival, morning prayers are followed by a sermon and a congregational prayer at the mosque. Muslims offer Eid prayer 'Do Rakat Namaz' on this day. Then, dressed in new clothes they proceed to greet their family, relatives and friends 'Eid Mubarak'. This is done through friendly embraces and handshakes, as good gestures of unity. The ritual of distributing alms on this day is observed throughout the ongoing celebrations. 

Celebrating Eid-ul-Fitr

Men typically wear white clothes that stand for purity while women and children are attired in especially tailored, bright-coloured clothes. Children also receive gifts or money by relatives. The festival is also associated with extravagant and lavish decorations, dinner parties and enjoyment. Muslim families host gatherings of and relatives, friends and neighbours and serve them sumptuous meals. The festive meals comprise a lavish spread of dishes along with the popular milk-based sweet preparation called 'seviyan'. The spirit of Eid transcends community and religious barriers, and the sight of even non-Muslims partaking of Eid celebrations is a common one.

Great importance is attached to Eid-ul-Fitr in India, as it is an important public holiday. All schools, colleges and public institutions remain closed to mark the significance of this day. Also, there exists a considerably large population of the Muslim minority, which adds to the cultural demographics of India. With time, these traditions have strengthened their interaction and intermingling with the Indian culture. Eid-ul-Fitr has, thus, seeped into India's cultural milieu and is looked forward to by everyone.

Lazoi Lifecare wishes everyone a happy and prosperous Eid-ul-Fitr!

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