Eid is the largest Muslim festival and celebrated across the globe. Eid-ul-Fitr means the “festival of breaking the fast.” It marks the end of the fasting month of Ramadan or Ramzan. Devout Muslims across the world fast the entire day through the month of Ramzan and pray five times a day. The end of the fasting period is determined by the first sighting of the new moon. The date is often not verified until the night before Eid.
Eid is celebrated by offering prayers at the mosque, giving alms to the poor and then, feasting with family and friends. Children are given gifts of money also known as ‘Eidi’ by elders and everyone wears new clothes.
Also Read: Celebrate Ramzan Iftar with these delicious treats
It is a festival of joy and sharing that is awaited by everyone for the famed Eid meals at homes of friends and families. Not only other Muslims but, non-Muslim friends are also often included in the celebrations.
The most common Eid greeting is, Eid Mubarak which means, Blessed Eid.
Since Eid is celebrated in many countries and cultures there are several local language greetings as well. Like, in Indonesia Eid is called Lebaran, so Indonesians would say, “Selamat Lebaran” which means Happy Eid. Other variations of Happy Eid are “Mutlu Bayramlar” in Turkish and “Barka da Sallah” in Hausa, a Nigerian language.
In India and the subcontinent with a huge Muslim population Eid is a commonly celebrated festival. Cutting across religion and language barriers people get together to celebrate Eid especially because Eid means great food on the table for most people.
Also Read: Treat your hungry soul this Eid, not just your stomach
It is no doubt a festival of love as people greet each other Eid Mubarak by hugging and then, sharing their happiness by sharing food from their kitchen. It is not for nothing that it is said that the way to a man’s or woman’s heart is through food. Eid truly mirrors this adage.
In keeping with the tradition of love and generosity, many world leaders and social influencers took to the social media to greet people on the eve of Eid-ul-Fitr.
Here are some,
The most unique one was from the Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau. Take a look,
The community spirit felt at Ramadan food banks in Montreal & Toronto reminds us all: no matter our backgrounds, we’re in this together. pic.twitter.com/OcqvWmBaKK
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) June 25, 2017
Apple CEO, Tim Cook,
Eid Mubarak to everyone celebrating around the world! Wishing you and your loved ones peace, joy and prosperity.
— Tim Cook (@tim_cook) June 24, 2017
The London Mayor, Sadiq Khan’s video message and pictures from celebrations,
To everyone celebrating in London and around the world, happy Eid al-Fitr! From my family to yours – #EidMubarak. pic.twitter.com/PJuLtmI1kE
— Sadiq Khan (@SadiqKhan) June 24, 2017
Thank you to the North Kensington community for inviting me to celebrate Eid alongside you today at Al Manar Mosque. #EidMubarak pic.twitter.com/kFfAeqAOd7
— Sadiq Khan (@SadiqKhan) June 25, 2017
Pakistan’s Fatima Bhutto the firebrand writer and niece of the late Benazir Bhutto has to say this,
Eid Mubarak to all but especially those alone, uncertain and afraid. May everyone be safe and protected this Eid
— fatima bhutto (@fbhutto) June 24, 2017
President Mohamed Nasheed of Maldives
Eid Mubarak to all my fellow Muslims around the world
— Mohamed Nasheed (@MohamedNasheed) June 24, 2017
Many from the Indian film industry also shared their greetings,
Rishi Kapoor
Wishing all an “Eid Mubarak” in advance before the Twitter gets busy! God Bless you with Health,Peace and Prosperity! pic.twitter.com/ELEXMEMhTP
— Rishi Kapoor (@chintskap) June 25, 2017
Sophie Choudry
To my friends celebrating today, #EidMubarak Allah aap ki har dua qubool ata farmayien! And to those still fasting, aakhri roza Mubarak 😇❤️ pic.twitter.com/IYNIxkFyHs
— Sophie Choudry (@Sophie_Choudry) June 25, 2017
Gauhar Khan
Eid Mubarak to all!!💐💓Indians Pakistanis Bangladeshis will wish us tomorrow… Lol !! May Allah bless mankind n may peace rule!! Aameen
— Gauahar Khan (@GAUAHAR_KHAN) June 25, 2017