MUSLIMS across South Africa will celebrate Eid al-Fitr on Monday, a celebration that marks the end of the holy month of Ramadaan. Literally translated from Arabic as the ‘festival of breaking the fast’, the religious holiday begins each year with the sighting of the new moon, indicating the end of a month of fasting and reflection.
It is one of the most important days in the Muslim calendar, although its significance is purely spiritual. On Eid, Muslims will gather together at the mosque for a prayer. This consists of a sermon followed by a short congregational prayer.
After the Eid prayer, Muslims usually scatter to visit various family and friends, give gifts (especially to children), and make phone calls to distant relatives to give well-wishes for the holiday.
Here is a gallery of how Eid is celebrated from around the world:
Eid Facts
- The history of the Muslim celebration dates back to 610 AD when Prophet Mohammed, while meditating, had visions of angel Jibril, the messenger of Allah.
- The day begins with an early hour bath (ghusl), after which Muslims put on their best clothes and eat dates before going to the special Eid prayer ceremonies in nearby mosques.
- In Muslim countries Eid is an official public holiday that lasts for three days.
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