Eid Around the World

Eid Around the World

Muslims offer prayers in front of the Taj Mahal in Agra on the occasion of `Eid Al Fitr.

As the sun rises on the first day of Shawwal, Muslims celebrate the coming of `Eid Al-Fitr, which some call "the day of the prize and compassion."

`Eid Al-Fitr is named after breaking the fast, being the first day after Muslims finish their month-long fast of Ramadan. Muslims spend the three days of this feast in continuous joy, delight, and most importantly communicating with one another.

Shortly after sunrise on the morning of the first day in Shawwal, Muslims in all parts of the world wake up to perform the congregational `Eid Prayer, gathering the rich and poor, the young and old, in a state of unity and harmony.

In Muslim countries, it is customary in `Eid to eat dates or kahk (Arabic for "cookies") and then visit families, relatives, and friends. During these visits, people exchange greetings that differ from one country to another.

How Muslims celebrate `Eid varies from one community to the other, and this has proved to be a source of cultural richness and diversity. `Eid is an essential part of the Islamic identity and culture that dictates all the practices of celebrations — the dresses you wear, the songs you sing and listen to, and what you say to one another .