Traditions and Practices

Muslims are encouraged to dress in their best clothes, new if possible, and to attend a special Eid prayer that is performed in congregation at mosques or open areas like fields, squares etc. Before the prayer the congregation recites the Takbir(the takbir is an Arabic name for the phrase "Allahu Akbar", a common Arabic expression, which can be translated as "God is Great," "God is Greater," or "God is the greatest"):

Allahu akbr, Allahu akbr
la illaha ila Allah,
wa Allahu akbr, Allahu akbr
wa lillah hilhamd

God is Greatest, God is Greatest
There is no deity but [the One] God
God is Greatest, God is Greatest
and to Him goes all praise

The Takbir is recited after confirmation that the moon of Shawwal is sighted on the eve of the last day of Ramadan. It continues until the start of the Eid prayer. Before the Eid prayer begins, it is customary for every Muslim to pay "Zakat al Fitr", an alms for the month of Ramadan. This equates to about 2 kg of a basic foodstuff (wheat, barley, dates, raisins, etc.), or its cash equivalent, and is collected at the mosque. This is distributed by the mosque to needy local Muslims prior to the start of the Eid prayer. It can be given anytime during the month of Ramadan and is often given early, so the recipient can utilise it for Eid purchases.

The Eid prayer (salah) is followed by the 'khutba' (sermon) and then a prayer (dua') asking for forgiveness, mercy and help for the plight of Muslims across the world. It is then customary to embrace the persons sitting on either side of you as well as your relatives, friends and acquaintances.

Eid is also the time for reconciliations. Family feuds or disputes are often settled on Eid.

'Eid', which means"festivity" in Arabic, is celebrated after the sighting of the new crescent on the previous evening. Since Éid is celebrated with gift-giving, the highly decorated shops and markets are open till late at night for last minute shoppers. On the eve before Éid, women and children get together to decorate their hands with henna. Staying up late preparing food for the next day, the whole house becomes a hub of activity and excitement.

The 'Eid prayer is important for Muslims as it has the merits of the daily prayers and the weekly gathering. On the day of Eid, fasting is forbidden since this day marks the end of the month-long fast. Eid is a family and social event, and so after the Eid prayers people visit each other, exchange gifts, spend time socializing, visiting the sick and offering prayers for the deceased. For those who fasted during the month of Ramadhan, there is a sense of triumph and accomplishment. The month of restraint and spiritual growth followed by this day of extravagance, festivities and celebrations.