Introduction
Given the fact that Islam is, by far, the most prominent and widely spread religion in the Middle East, it is only understandable that many celebrations associated with the region are Muslim. One of these is Eid al-Fitr, which is celebrated at the end of the holy month of Ramadan. It is a celebration of community and social ties as well as a reminder of the simple joys of life that demonstrates the jovial and life-asserting side of Islam.
Main body
Eid al-Fitr is one of the principal holidays in Islam and marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan. Since Islam uses a lunar rather than a solar calendar, neither Ramadan nor Eid al-Fitr has a fixed date in the Gregorian calendar. Eid al-Fitr literally translates as “The Festival of Breaking the Fast,” and its essence is exactly what the name suggests (“Information Sheet”). After having fasted for a month from dawn till dusk, the Muslims gather in the morning of the last day of Ramadan for a special player called Eid (“Information Sheet”). After it, they continue with it a communal celebration, including food, games, and an exchange of gifts. The latter is a particularly prominent part of the celebration, and gifts for children are one of its most notable and persistent features (“Information Sheet”). Breaking the fast includes collective meals, whether on the family, extended family, or communal level.
The importance of Eid al-Fitr is manifold, and people celebrate it for numerous reasons. On the one hand, it is a day of jovial relaxation and simple pleasures of life, such as eating, playing games, and socializing. Fasting during Ramadan is meant to remind Muslims about the hardship of the poor and the hungry and the importance of not taking good things in life for granted (Sulaiman). In this sense, the holy month of fasting teaches us to appreciate these things, and when believers break the fast on Eid al-Fitr, they do so with a newfound recognition of life’s simple pleasures. Apart from that, people celebrate Eid al-Fitr to strengthen and reinvigorate community ties. It is not a coincidence or accident that celebrations are largely communal, and many Muslims visit their relatives and reconnect with their acquaintances during the holiday (“Information Sheet”). Eid al-Fitr is as much about social ties as it is a reminder of valuing simple things in life, and people celebrate it for both reasons.
One important thing about Eid al-Fitr is that it demonstrates the jovial and life-affirming side of Islam to an outside observer. In non-Islamic countries and cultures, the public imagination may sometimes stereotype Islam and Muslims as solemn and even dour people. Similarly, people outside the Middle East may sometimes perceive it as a region of perpetual turmoil. Eid al-Fitr contradicts these perceptions by showing how Muslims, including those from the Middle East, unite in a peaceful celebration of family, friendship, and community (“Information Sheet”). As such, apart from its own cultural importance, it is also a valuable lesson about not stereotyping other regions, cultures, and religions.
Summary
To summarize, Eid al-Fitr, or “The Festival of Breaking the Fast,” is a religious holiday that marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan in Islam. People celebrate it with a special prayer followed by an entire day of gift-giving and festivities. Eid al-Fitr teaches people to value simple things in life with renewed strength and also prompts them to foster and maintain communal ties.
Works Cited
“Ramadan Information Sheet.” Islamic Networks Group, Web.
Suleiman, Omar. “Religion News Service: Ramadan Fasting Isn’t About Hunger. It’s About Living Mindfully.” Yaqeen Institute, 2021, Web.