• History

• Timing

• Traditions and practices

• Imam Ali ar-Ridha & Eid Prayer

• Ramadan around the world

 History

The first Eid was celebrated in 624 CE by The Prophet Muhammad (s.a.a.w.) with his companions and relatives after winning the Battle of Badr. This very occasion is celebrated annually in the lunar calendar as Eid Ul Fitr.It is celebrated on the first day of Shaw\'waal, at the completion of Ramadan. Shaw\'waal is the 10th month of the Islamic calendar.

Timing

Because the day depends on the sighting of the moon, the sighting can only be possible just after sunset. Most Muslims check with local mosques or other members of the community to see if the moon has been sighted by authoritative parties. In Malaysia, they use both sighting of the moon and astronomical calculation to verify the date. But the calculation is only used to verify the sighting of the moon (i.e. the exact time of the visibility of the moon). For this reason there may be regional differences in the exact date of Eid, with some Muslims fasting for 29 days and some for 30 days.

Eid ul-Fitr commemorates the end of the month of Ramadan. Fasting is forbidden on this day as it marks the end of the month-long fast of Ramadan. A Muslim is encouraged to rise early and partake of a light snack such as dates before then attending morning prayers with family members in the local community mosque.....

Many people wonder why we celebrate Eid at the end of Ramadhan

 Are we happy that Ramadhan has finished? How can we be happy that such a great month of Allah, with all its blessings and mercies, has gone away? The actual reason we celebrate Eid is not because we are glad the holy month is over, but because we are thankful to Allah for giving us the chance and the strength to carry out His commands in the blessed month. We are happy that we were able to fast and pray in Ramadhan, and have hopefully attained Taqwa, the goal of fasting.

In the holy Qur\'an Allah talks about Eid. He says in Sura al-Baqarah, ayat no.185: You shall complete the number (of days) and you may glorify God for His guiding you, and that you may be thankful. Imam Ali (a) has a very beautiful hadith about Eid in which he says: Eid is for him whose fasts have been accepted by Allah, and whose worship has been appreciated by Allah. Everyday in which you do not disobey Allah is a day of Eid. This hadith is something to think about. Every day in which we do not commit a single sin, is actually a day of Eid for us. The Holy Prophet (s) and our Imams celebrated Eid and encouraged all Muslims to do so. They told Muslims to wear good clothes, put on perfume, and go to the mosque to recite the Eid prayer. They also said we should exchange Eid greetings, visit each other, and generally pass the day joyfully. We are supposed to remember the poor by taking out the fitrah before Eid, and visiting them and sending them gifts if we can. The day of Eid is meant for remembering Allah. The Holy Prophet (s) says: "Give beauty to your Eid by doing Takbir". It is said that the Prophet (s) himself used to come out of his home on the day of Eid, reciting the Takbir and glorifying Allah in a loud voice.

Traditions and practices on Eid

Common greetings during this holiday are the Arabic greeting ‘Īd mubārak ("Blessed Eid") or ‘Īd sa‘īd ("Happy Eid"). In addition, many countries have their own greetings based on local language and traditions.

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. When Muslims finish their fast at the last day (29th or 30th Ramadan), they recite Takbir (Arabic audio clip with English meaning).

God is the Greatest, God is the Greatest, God is the Greatest

There is no deity but God

God is the Greatest, God is the Greatest

and to God 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 every Muslim (man, woman or child) must 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 typically collected at the mosque. This is distributed to needy local Muslims prior to the start of the Eid prayer. It can be given at any time during the month of Ramadan and is often given early, so the recipient can utilise it for Eid purchases. This is distinct from Zakat based on wealth, which must be paid to a worthy charity.

Eid ul-Fitr 2005 at Dublin Mosque, Ireland

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 oneself as well as ones relatives, friends and acquaintances.

Muslims spend the day thanking the Creator for all their blessings, as well as simply having fun and enjoying them. Children are normally given gifts or money. Women (particularly relations) are normally given special gifts by their loved ones. Eid is also the time for reconciliations. Feuds or disputes, especially between family The glory of the auspicious day of Eid is evident in the mass prayers for which the faithful gather in the early hours. They raise their hands in unison for the Qonout and pray for the dignity and honor of Muslims. The English translation of the Qonout reads:

\'OAllah, Lord of magnificence and greatness: and Lord of generosity and overwhelming power; and Lord of pardon and mercy. We implore You for the sake of this day which You have appointed as a Festival for the muslims and for Muhammad and his progeny as a reminder, a distinction, an honor, to bless Muhammad and his progeny and admit me to all the bounties to which You have kept away Muhammad and his progeny. May Your blessing be upon him and his progeny. I beg of You of the best which has been asked for by Your virtuously good servents, and I seek Your protection from all those evils from which Your sincere servent have Your protection."

Britain’s Horace Leef is one of those who embraced Islam. He considers the cause behind his interest in Islam to be observing the beautiful and glorious scene of Eid Fetr. He says: “I have seen many churches and temples of the world where there is no equality. I thought that the same discrimination prevails at mosques. But on the day of Eid Fetr in a mosque in London I saw the highest type of equality and the most interesting shape of worship among Muslims and I was amazed. I saw that different ethnic groups and classes of people joined shoulders together in prayer and worship. They sincerely shook hands with each other and exchanged congratulations on the auspicious day of Eid. I saw a similar scene in a mosque in an African country. All Muslims considered themselves equal before God. When the prayer leader said that all Prophets were righteous there remained no doubt that Islam is the only religion with a global and universal message in the real meaning of the word.”

These were the remarks of a British Muslim on Eid Fetr as a manifestation of Islamic unity. This great feast is held with specific traditions in Iran. In many Iranian cities, at evening on the last day of Ramadhan people go to their roofs to try sight the crescent. People in Saqqez city of Iran’s Kurdistan Province hold a mirror in their hands and try to see the new moon in the mirror, for according to them seeing the moon in a mirror is a good omen. Those who succeed in seeing the moon light fire on mountains overlooking the city in order to inform others that the moon had been sighted.

In Yazd Province in central Iran on the morning of Eid Fetr three reciters of the holy Quran go to the top of the mosque and in their good voices recite the verses of the Holy Book. They then call the people to prayer. In Tehran, the capital of the Islamic Republic of Iran, on the morning of Eid Fetr large number of people flock to the grand Mosalla named in honour of the late Imam Khomeini (may his soul rest in peace). Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei, leads the Eid prayer in Tehran. Of course, those who cannot make it to the Mossalla converge on mosques in their localities for the Eid prayer. In the streets and alleys the majestic cry of Allaho Akbar is heard and so also Salawat or sending of blessings on the Prophet and his infallible household. This is a token of the people’s thanksgiving to God for having granted the opportunity to fast and pray for a whole month. The Eid Fetr prayer is thus a crowning moment for the faithful. Many in Tehran visit the Behesht-e Zahra cemetery after the Eid prayer to remember the martyrs and their dear ones. They take along with them candles to light on the tombstone and sweets to distribute. People also visit family members, friends and acquaintances.

It is said that the followers of Prophet Moses (PBUH) used to adorn themselves on a determined day and decorate markets on a specific day as Eid. This feast commemorated the day on which Prophet Moses, through divine assistance, aborted the sorcery of the magicians in the court of the Pharaoh and returned victoriously. It is also related that one day Prophet Jesus (PBUH) beseeched God to send food from heaven, praying, as is mentioned in Ayah 114 of Surah Ma’edah:

In response to the prayer of Prophet Jesus (PBUH), a banquet of heavenly food was descended and this was the day of Eid. In Islamic culture Eid is thus a special occasion, when needs to thank God for His bounties and to desist from sins and frivolities. The Prophet’s first infallible successor in one of his sermons likened the Day of Eid to the Day of Resurrection, saying: “O people this day of yours is a day when the pious people are awarded and the losers are disappointed and this has a great similarity to the Day of Resurrection. So when leaving your homes and setting out for the Mosalla reflect on your coming out of graves and your going towards Allah. O you the servants of God the least thing which is given to the fasting men and women is that an angel on the last day of Ramadhan calls them saying: O the servants of God, tidings to you that your past sins have been forgiven. Now think of your future and how to spend the rest of the days.

Before ending let us recount to you a very interesting incident concerning Eid Fetr. It was the city of Merv in Khorasan, a city that is presently in the modern Republic of Turkmenistan. It was the era of the oppressive Abbasid caliphate that had forced the Prophet’s 8^th infallible successor Imam Reza (AS) to leave Medina and come and reside at the court in that city. The caliph Mamoun, as part of his plot to discredit the Imam pressured him to lead the Eid Fetr prayer in the belief that the people when they see the Prophet’s infallible successor acting according to the instructions of the caliph would either change their view on the illegitimacy of the Abbasid caliph or at least lose confidence in the Imam. He though he would benefit both ways. Imam Reza (AS) seeing no way out made it clear that he would lead the Eid Fetr prayer but in the manner of his ancestor the Prophet. On the morning of the Eid, immediately after sunrise the Imam set out barefoot with a staff in his hand towards the Mosalla of Merv. The caliphs courtiers and commanders were on horseback but when the saw the Imam barefoot and walking, they immediately got off their mounts, took off their shoes and joined the procession. Every few steps the Imam stopped and recited the majesty cry of Allaho Akbar or God is Great. People heard the cry and flocked towards the Imam and soon tens of thousands of people joined the procession. The cry of Allaho Akbar was so vociferous that even women and children on rooftops joined the chorus. It seemed the earth and heavens were echoing with the cry of Allaho Akbar. The people were enthusiastic that the Prophet’s successor was to lead the prayer and not any corrupt caliph. The agents of the caliph became alarmed and reported to Mamoun that his rule was in danger. He immediately sent a message to Imam Reza (AS) to turn back and not to lead the prayer. The Imam smilingly stopped, got on horseback and returned home. This was a wise move. It saved the position of the imamate and made the people more repugnant of the Abbasid caliphate.

(1)  

Today is first of Shawwal, the day of Eid Fetr or the Feast ending the month long fasting of Ramadhan. The soul and life of the faithful is filled with the fragrance of spirituality and sincerity. The inhabitants on the earth thanks to a whole month of worship and prayer are celebrating with hopes pinned on God’s rewards. On this auspicious occasion we offer our congratulations to all Muslims of the world. Today is the day of prayer and joy of the people who have got close to God. From the early hours of Eid Fetr the pleasant voice of the Moazzen who invites the faithful to the Eid Prayer fills up the city’s atmosphere. The faithful glorifying God Almighty for His bounties set out towards the mosque or the Mosallas for the congregational Eid prayers. They seek divine mercy and forgiveness and recite: 

“O My Lord I have come to You with all my heart in the hope of benefiting from Your mercy. O My God today is one of the days of celebrations for Prophet Mohammad and his blessed progeny. O my Great God, forgive my grave."

On Eid Fetr the cry of Takbir of the Greatness of God as is expressed with the recitation of the words Allaho-Akbar softens the soul and gives new hope to the life of the faithful. On the eve of the Eid, the majestic cry of Allaho Akbar echoes from the mosques at the sighting of the crescent. Early the next morning the Muslims gather for the prayer as thanksgiving to the One and Only Creator for his spiritual blessings of Ramadhan. The Eid Prayer is manifestation of Islamic solidarity. It is indication of the human beings humbleness in the presence of the Omnipresent Lord, to Whom all bow and prostrate. In some Islamic states the sound of drums and trumpets at the sighting of the crescent creates a wave of happiness. The people in these countries prepare themselves in advance for the Eid celebration. They wear new clothes on Eid and prepare special types of foods. Indonesia with its population of 220 million people, of whom 85 percent are Muslims, is supposedly the largest Muslim country, although the Muslims in India number more. During Eid Fetr days the train and bus stations are extremely crowded with people planning travel to meet their relatives. The people of Afghanistan who for years have been under the clutches of oppression enforced by aggressors hold Eid prayer in their own unique manner and then visit relatives. In Lebanon the drummers who announce the advent of Eid go from house to house to collect gifts.

On Eid Fetr there is life everywhere and the pure hearts under the blessing of Ramadhan are hopeful of divine mercy. In Bahrain after the end of blessed Ramadhan, the drummers accompanied by boys walk on streets and people give them Eidi and cookies. Bahrainis celebrate Eid for three days. It is also customary for Bahrainis to visit the tombs of great Islamic scholars after the Eid prayer.

According to a Hadith, God Almighty says to angels on Eid Fetr: “Do you know what is the reward of those who have fulfilled their duties? The angels say: O My Lord their reward is in Your hand. God Almighty says: You angels be witness that on this day I forgive My servants. “

Praying with sincerity, sympathizing with the deprived, giving to the oppressed their rights, and being kind towards relatives bring internal joy and happiness for mankind. A glance at religious teachings indicates that joy and happiness are part of faith. Seeking the shelter of God Almighty, Who is the source of all existence, creates a special joy in hearts. Thus, happiness is not limited only to transient material values. Refraining from sins is a beautiful experience and this is the real meaning of Eid. A saying from Imam Ali (AS), reads: the day you have not committed any sin is a day of Eid for you.

Eid Fetr is therefore the day of salvation and gladness but we should not neglect fellow humans and their problems. One of the obligatory acts of Eid Fetr is to give Zakat Fetrey or a specific amount to the poor before the start of the prayer so as to cleanse oneself of all impurities. By this deed, a person insures his life and soul and keeps himself away from calamities. Zakat Fetreh means growth, cleansing and goodness. Therefore, like prayer it is a factor responsible for boosting the morale, purifying life and strengthening brotherly relations in society.

Although Eid Fetr marks the end of a month of fasting, it also ushers in a march in the right direction for the next eleven months till Ramadhan comes again with more divine bounties. Once again we congratulate the auspicious Eid Fetr to all Muslims of the world, and goodbye until we meet again tomorrow for the second and concluding part of this special programme.  

members, are often settled on Eid.

Ramadan around the world

Eid ul-Fitr in North America

North American Muslims typically celebrate the day in a quiet way. Because the day depends on the sighting of the moon, often families are not aware that the next day will be Eid until the night before. Most check with members of the community to see if the moon has been sighted by anyone. Different methods for determining the end of Ramadan and the beginning of Shawwal are used in each particular community. Because the day is determined by the natural phenomenon of sighting the crescent moon, North Americans on the eastern coast of the continent may celebrate Eid on a different day than those on the western coast.

The crescent moon can be sighted directly, or the sighting can be determined based on scientific calculations. Typically, the end of Ramadan is announced via e-mail, postings on websites, or chain phone calls to all members of a Muslim community. Working persons usually attempt to make arrangements for a lighter work day on the days that may possibly be the Eid day, but many North American Muslims are often noted to not be able to take the entire day off.

Typically, a Muslim family in the West will wake up very early in the morning and have a small breakfast. Everyone is encouraged to dress in new and formal clothing. Many families wear traditional clothing from their respective home countries. Next the family will go to the nearest congregational prayer group to pray. The prayer may be held at the local mosque, a hotel ballroom, local arena or stadium. The Eid prayer is very important, and Muslims are encouraged to pray in a large gathering because of the rewards. After the prayer there is a Khutba (speech) in which the Imam gives some sort of advice to the Muslim community and usually Muslims are encouraged to end any past animosities they may have. After the prayer and Khutba people hug and wish each other a Happy Eid.

After the Eid prayer many people call friends and family from all over the world wishing them a Happy Eid or Eid Mubarak. The rest of Eid is spent with close family and friends. Depending on their community some Muslims have open-house parties during the day in which people exchange gifts, and wish family friends a blessed Eid. Because North American Muslims come from all parts of the world, one particular type of food cannot be identified as served on this day. Many Muslim North American families visit the homes of others to congregate on a day of celebration. Since many North American Muslims are immigrants, traditions described below may be celebrated by immigrants of these countries in their respective homes in North America.

Eid ul-Fitr in Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei

In Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei, Eid is also commonly known as Hari Raya Aidilfitri or Hari Raya Puasa. Hari Raya literally means Grand Day i.e. The Day. Muslims in Malaysia and Singapore celebrate Eid like other Muslims throughout the world. It is the biggest holiday in Malaysia, and is the most awaited one. Shopping malls and bazaars are filled with people days ahead of Hari Raya, causing a distinctive festive atmosphere throughout the country. Many banks, government and private offices are closed for this holiday, which usually lasts a week.

The night before Eid is with the takbir which is held in the mosques or musallas. In many parts of Malaysia, especially in rural areas, oil lamps or pelita/panjut are lit up in house compounds. Eid also witnesses a huge migratory pattern of Muslims, from big metropolitan cities to rural areas. This is known as balik kampung — literally going back to home town to celebrate Eid with ones parents. Special dishes like ketupat, dodol, lemang (a type of glutinous rice cake cooked in bamboo), and other Malay delicacies are served during this day.

It is common to greet people with "Selamat Hari Raya" or "Salam Aidilfitri" which means "Happy Eid". Muslims also greet one another with "maaf zahir dan batin" which means "Forgive my physical and emotional (wrongdoings)", due to the fact that Eid ul-Fitr is not only for celebrations, but also the time for Muslims to cleanse their sins and strengthen their ties with relatives and friends.

It is customary for Malays to wear traditional Malay cultural outfit on the Eid. The outfit for men is called baju melayu which is worn together with songket while the women\'s are known as baju kurung and baju kebaya. It is also common to see non-Malay Muslims wear costumes of their culture.

Once the prayer is completed, it is also common for Muslims in Malaysia to visit the graves of loved ones. During this visit, they clean the grave, recite Ya-Seen, a chapter (surah) from the Qur\'an and also perform the tahlil ceremony. All these are done to ask for God to forgive the dead and also those who are living.

The rest of the day is spent visiting relatives or serving visitors. Eid ul-Fitr is a very joyous day for children for on this day adults are especially generous. Children will be given token sums of money, also known as "duit raya" from their parents or elders ^{[1] [2]}.

Eid ul-Fitr in Indonesia

In Indonesia the feast is named Hari Raya Idul Fitri or informally, Lebaran. Hari Raya literally means The Great Day of (Celebration) . Sometimes, there are different statements on when the day falls, especially between Muhammadiyah and Nahdlatul Ulama, because people use different techniques to determine it. Almost all of the people follow the government of Indonesia\'s statement and such differences do not get in the way of people celebrating. This event is recognized as a national holiday, starts a few days before Eid ul-Fitr, and lasts until days after it. Schools also have different schedules for the holiday as many Islamic schools usually make it a longer holiday.

Muslims in Indonesia usually ask forgiveness from their relatives and friends after the special prayer. Another interesting Eid ul-Fitr tradition in Indonesia is mudik that usually applies to urbanites who came to Jakarta from the other provinces of Java or other islands in Indonesia. Before Eid ul-Fitr comes, people will go back to their hometowns where their relatives, sometimes including their parents, reside. This event often causes crowding in airports, seaports, and bus stations while some who are traveling by car are trapped in the traffic jam for hours. For little children, asking for money as well as forgiveness from relatives is common to motivate them. Many, especially in the cities, also use the term angpau for the money just like Chinese people do.

It is common to greet people with "Selamat Hari Raya" (Indonesian) or "Salam Aidilfitri" (Malay) which means "Happy Eid". Muslims also greet one another with "Mohon maaf lahir dan batin" which means "Forgive my physical and emotional (wrongdoings)", due to the fact that Eid ul-Fitr is not only for celebrations, but also the time for Muslims to cleanse their sins and strengthen their silaturrahim with relatives and friends. The term "fitr" in Eid ul Fitr, coincides with the word "fitrah" of the Indonesian language which means the purity of birth, just as babies are pure when they were born. Many Indonesian muslims acknowledge that on the day of Eid when they forgive each other, their sins with each other are cleansed and they are without sin just as they were at birth. Another term in addition to "Mohon maaf lahir dan batin" mentioned earlier, is "minal aidzin wal faidzin" (alternate spelling, minal aizin wal faizin) . The origin of this phrase is suspectedly Arabic and has loosed meaning of "may you be part of the people who return to purity and part of the people who are granted glory"^[3]. The latter phrase is usually used in conjunction of the former; thusly, "Minal aidzin wal faidzin, mohon maaf lahir dan batin."

At the night of the last day of Ramadan, Indonesians usually do \'Takbiran\'. Takbiran is a big celebration where people, from little children to old men, recite the takbir with a microphone in a parade. They travel around the town and usually they hit \'beduk\', a large drum, as a background music of the takbir.

Eid ul-Fitr in South Asia (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka)

At the end of the Holy month of Ramadan, in which the Muslims are asked to observe fasting from dawn to dusk and do extra prayers and observe religious values rigidly, the Muslims celebrate the sighting of the new moon (start of the new Muslim month). In Bangladesh,India and Pakistan, the night before Eid is called Chand Raat, or night of the moon. People visits bazaars and shopping malls, with their families and children, for last momemts Eid shopping. Women, especially young girls, often paint each others\' hands with traditional "henna" and wear colourful bangles.

The popular way of greeting in Bangladesh, India & Pakistan during celebration of this festival is to say Eid Mubarak to others.Children are encouraged to meet and greet the elders. In exchange of this they also expect to obtain some cash money, called Eidi, from the elders.

On the morning of Eid ul-Fitr, after taking a fresh bath, every Muslim is encouraged to wear new clothes, if they can afford so. Alternatively, they may wear clean washed clothes.Men and boys go to mosque or open fields called Eidgah for special Eid prayers, thanking God for enabling a Muslim to observe the holy month meaningfully. The Muslims are ordained to pay Zakat al-Fitr (special charity money) or fitra to the poor and needy before the Eid prayer, so that they can also join others to celebrate the Eid.

After the prayers, the congregation is dispersed and the Muslims meet and greet each other including family members, children, elders, friends and neighbours.

Some Muslims especially go to graveyards to pray for the salvation of the departed soul. Usually, children visit elder relatives and neighbours to pay respects and greetings.

One of the special dishes in India, Pakistan and Fiji is sivayyan, a dish of fine, toasted vermicelli noodles ^[4]. In Bangladesh, sivayyan is called shemai, and is an integral item of Eid dishes.

After meeting the friends and relatives, many people go for attending parties, feasts, special carnivals and festivities in the parks (with picnics, fireworks, etc.). In Bangladesh and Pakistan, many bazaars, malls, and restaurants witness huge crowd & high attendance during this principal muslim festival.

Some people also avail this opportunity to distribute Zakat, the obligatory tax on ones wealth, to the needy.

In this way, the Muslims of South Asia celebrate their Eid ul-Fitr in festive mood by thanking the Almighty and bringing their families, friends and the poor and needy people closer in a praiseworthy eagalitarian manner.

Eid ul-Fitr in Iran

In the predominantly Shia culture of Iran, Eid is a highly personal event, and celebrations are often more muted. Called Eyde Fetr by most Iranians, charity is important on that day. Typically, each Muslim family gives food to those in need. Often meat or ghorbani (literally translated as sacrifice, for it is usually a young lamb or calf that is sacrificed for the occasion), which is an expensive food item in Iran, will be given by those in wealthier families to those who have less. Payment of fitra or fetriye is obligatory for each Muslim.

The one exception in all these celebrations is Iran where, although the day is marked as a public holiday, there are no specific dishes made to mark the occasion. This is perhaps because, unlike most Muslim countries, the climate varies widely from season to season, especially on the high Iranian plateau. The winters are very cold and the summers very hot, and the moveable feasts of the lunar calendar preclude the preparation of annual dishes.

In Iran, Ramadan moves back by ten or eleven days each year, and so there are few festive dishes marking Muslim days of celebration. Also, unlike most Muslim countries which follow the Sunni branch of Islam, Iran is Shi’a, a branch which tends to mark the Islamic festivals in a different and less celebratory way. In the case of Ramazan, the breaking of the fast is quite a personal event. Those who have fasted will go to the mosque to attend special prayers, and those close to them will congratulate them on their successful fast.

 Eid ul-fitre in Egypt

sees four days of celebration, with preparations starting several days earlier. Special biscuits are made to give to friends and relatives on the day. The men will go to the mosque early in the morning, while the women start work on the preparation of the fish that will form the centrepiece of a great celebratory lunch.

Eid ul-fitre Palestine,

in addition to prayers and family celebrations, a special sweetmeat, k\'ak al-tamar, is made to serve with coffee.

Eid ul-fitre In Somalia,

 a three-day celebration starts with a family lunch which includes rice mixed with meat and vegetables, and pasta accompanied by anjira (a thin bread prepared liked chapatti). Halva, which in Somalia is more like a cumin-flavoured custard, is also served, along with special fried (or baked) biscuits made of flour, sugar, oil, warm water and baking powder.

Eid ul-Fitr in Turkey

In Turkey, where Ramadan is infused with more national traditions (and where country-wide celebrations, religious and secular alike, are altogether referred to as Bayram), it is customary for people to greet one another with "Bayramınız Mübarek Olsun" (same as "Eid mubarak"), "Bayramınız Kutlu Olsun" (kutlu is calque for mubarak). It is a time for people to attend services, put on their best clothes (referred to as "Bayramlık", often purchased just for the occasion) and to visit all their loved ones (such as friends, relatives and neighbors) and pay their respects to the deceased with organized visits to cemeteries, where large, temporary bazaars of flowers, water (for watering the plants adorning a grave), and prayer books are set up for the three-day occasion. Municipalities all around the country organize public shows such as concerts or more traditional forms of entertainment such as the Karagöz and Hacivat shadow-theatre or performences by the Mehter, the Janissary Band that was founded during the days of the Ottoman Empire as well as fundraising events for the poor. It is regarded as especially important to honor elderly citizens by kissing their right hand and placing it on one\'s forehead while wishing them Bayram greetings. It is also customary for children to go around the neighborhood, door to door, and wish everyone a happy "Bayram", for which they are awarded candy, chocolates, traditional sweets such as Baklava and Lokum( Turkish delight), or a small amount of money at every door, almost in a Halloween-like fashion. Helping the poor, ending past animosities and making up, organizing breakfasts and dinners for loved ones and putting together neighborhood celebrations are all part of the joyous occasion, where streets are generally decorated and lit up for the celebrations, and television and radio channels broadcast special Bayram programs.

Eid ul-Fitr in the Philippines

Ramadan, as it is colloquially known to the majority Christian population, has been declared as a regular holiday for the entire nation by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. This is meant to give more importance to the Muslim minority population of the nation, with Tuesday, October 24, 2006 being the date this came into effect. This is called in Tagalog as Wakas ng Ramadan (lit. End of Ramadan)

  Imam Ali ar-Ridha & Eid Prayer

 Let me narrate to you a beautiful story about a day of Eid during the time of our eighth Imam, Imam Ali ar-Ridha (a). Mamoon who was the Khalifa at that time, had appointed the Imam as his successor. When the day of Eid approached, mamoon sent a message to request the Imam to lead the Eid prayer. Imam refused at first, but when Mamoon insisted he said he would lead the prayer in the same way as his grandfather the Holy Prophet (s) did. Mamoon agreed. On the morning of Eid, Imam took a bath and changed his clothes. He put on a white turban and applied perfume. He came out of his home barefooted. He took a few steps, turned his face towards the sky, and said the takbir; Allahu Akber, Allahu Akber. The people of the city had flocked to see the Imam come to lead the Eid prayer. They responded loudly to the Takbir of the Imam. Allahu Akber, they said. The effect was magnetic. People began to throw off their shoes to become bare-footed like the Imam, and they all followed him to the Mosque, reciting the Takbir as they went. When Mamoon heard of the effect Imam was having on the people, he was scared. He quickly sent a message to the Imam that Imam should return to his home, and that he himself was coming to lead the Eid prayer. Celebrating Eid unites Muslims. As a community, they get closer to work together to make it a memorable occasion. Eid prayers, and other programs held to celebrate it allow Muslims to meet and enjoy the company of one another.