Muslims to celebrate Eid al-Fitr under lockdown measures

Adarsha Barta Desk:

Muslims around the world are going to celebrate the festival of Eid al-Fitr on Thursday, 13 May. Some countries will celebrate the Eid on Friday. Due to current lockdown restrictions, celebrations will be somewhat limited than before lockdown.

Eid is one of the biggest celebrations in the Muslim calendar and it is celebrated at the end of the holy month of Ramadan – a month of fasting. The month of Ramadan is considered one of the holiest Islamic months. It’s also one of the Five Pillars of Islam.

The name “Eid al-Fitr” translates as “the festival of the breaking of the fast”. Eid begins with the first sighting of the new moon.

Muslims will attend Eid prayers at their mosque, early in the day just after Fajr – the morning prayer.

Photo: Getty

As part of the celebration, Muslims wear new clothes, eat something sweet like a date before they go to the mosque and recite a prayer called Takbeer – Allahu akbar, Allahu akbar, La ilaha illallah, Wallahu akbar, Allahu akbar wa lillahil hamd. The translation of the takbeer is: “Allah is the greatest, Allah is the greatest, there is no god but Allah. And Allah is the greatest, Allah is the greatest and to Allah belongs all praise.”

Before Eid prayers, Muslims are required to give Zakat al-Fitr which is a form of charity given to the poor at the end of Ramadan.

During Eid, Muslims enjoy meals with friends and family and exchange gifts. In many Muslim majority countries, Eid al-Fitr is a public holiday.

The greeting of Eid is “Eid Mubarak”. Eid Mubarak to you all.

AB/SA