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Eid al-Fitr is the usual name for the Turkic peoples for the sacred holiday of Eid al-Fitr, also known as the “Feast of Breaking the Fast”. On this day, faithful Muslims celebrate the end of the longest and most difficult fast in the month of Ramadan. For three dozen days, believers refused to eat and drink during daylight hours. Only after the morning prayer on the day of Eid al-Fitr are strict restrictions removed, and any dishes allowed by Islam can be put on the table.
When is Eid al-Fitr in 2023
Muslims focus not on the solar, but on the lunar calendar, so the date of Eid al-Fitr is shifted annually. In 2023, the feast of breaking the fast is celebrated 21 April, to be more precise, it begins at sunset on the night of April 21 – the first day of the new moon.
In Muslim countries, Uraza Bayram, as well as Eid al-Adha, is a day off, and in some countries it is celebrated for several days in a row. In Our Country, regional authorities can independently introduce a separate day off during religious holidays. Thus, April 21, 2023 was declared a public holiday in Tatarstan, Bashkiria, Chechnya, Dagestan, Ingushetia, Karachevo-Cherkessia, Kabardino-Balkaria, Adygea and the Republic of Crimea.
history of the holiday
Eid al-Fitr is one of the most ancient Muslim holidays. It was celebrated as far back as the time of the Prophet Muhammad, in 624. In Arabic, it is called Eid al-Fitr, which translates as “the holiday of breaking the fast.” In the Turkic languages, it got its name from the Persian word “Ruza” – “fast” and the Turkish word “Bayram” – “holiday”.
The tradition of celebrating Eid al-Fitr has spread along with the advancement of Islam, since the time of the Arab Caliphate. Festive tables on Eid al-Fitr were laid in the Ottoman Empire, Egypt, North African countries, Afghanistan, Pakistan and other countries. At the same time, the holiday of breaking the fast is equally important for both Sunnis and Shiites.
Holiday traditions
There are many traditions around Eid al-Fitr. So, believers congratulate each other with the famous expression “Eid Mubarak!”, Which means “I wish you a blessed holiday!”. A very important tradition is the payment of special alms – Zakat al-Fitr. It can be both food and money that the Muslim community sends to the most disadvantaged people in the same area – the sick, the poor, and those who are in a difficult life situation.
Perhaps the most important symbol of Eid al-Fitr is a crowded table. After a long and very difficult fast, during which Muslims refused food and water, they get the chance to eat and drink anything, anytime. Of course, excluding non-halal foods and alcohol prohibited in Islam. But you can start the meal only after the collective prayer – Eid-namaz.
Sut Uraza-holiday
In addition to common traditions, a number of rules should be observed during the celebration of Eid al-Fitr.
Preparations for the holiday begin the day before. Believers clean their houses and yards and prepare festive dishes. Before the holiday, Muslims perform a full bath, put on their best outfits and go to visit relatives (including the graves of the deceased) and friends, giving them gifts, smiles and congratulations.
Collective prayer usually takes place not only in mosques, but also in the courtyards in front of them, and sometimes in large squares in the city center. The holiday prayer ends with an appeal to Allah, when the imam asks the Almighty to forgive sins and bestow blessings.
After the prayer, believers go to their homes, where tables with food and drinks are already waiting for them. There are no separate guidelines or rules that govern the holiday menu. But it is believed that on Eid al-Fitr it is customary to cook their best dishes. It goes without saying that the ban on non-halal food, such as pork, is still in effect. Alcohol for a believing Muslim is also completely prohibited.
What you can and cannot do on Eid al-Fitr
After the day of breaking the fast, Muslims are allowed many of the things that were forbidden during fasting in the month of Ramadan:
- you can eat and drink during the day,
- you can smoke and sniff tobacco during the day, but it is worth remembering that religion calls for taking care of your health and it is advisable to avoid these actions.
What not to do during the holiday of Eid al-Adha:
- don’t do household chores
- should not work in the field,
- relations with relatives and friends should not be spoiled; swearing during Eid al-Fitr is condemned in Islam.