Eid Mubarak! We wish our Muslim community a Happy Eid.
Once Ramadan is over Muslims then celebrate Eid al-fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan, with a feast. The celebration means ‘festival of the breaking of the fast’.
Eid al-Fitr is subject to sightings of the moon. While the celebration comes around a month after the beginning of Ramadan, the date also depends on the sighting of the crescent moon. The moon will not be visible at the same time across the world, so countries will celebrate the occasion over two days.
The day itself has a long history, originating from the Islamic prophet Muhammad, with some traditions believing they were initiated in Medina after his migration to Mecca, which dates back to 622 AD.
Muslims celebrate the day with a specific salat – or Islamic prayer – which has two rakats (units).
What food is eaten on Eid al-Fitr?
Food is also a huge staple of this celebration. These tend to be of a more sweeter nature, with Eid al-Fitr also dubbed “sweet Eid”.
There are a wide range of foods eaten on this day, largely depending on where in the world it is being celebrated.
However, some of the favourites include:
- Boeber – A sweet milk drink made by cooking vermicelli with dates, originating in South Africa
- Ghraybeh – These are a Middle Eastern shortbread cookie, which contain a pistachio on the top
- Sohan Asali – This is an Iranian pastry or sweet, made with honey, sugar, saffron, almond or other nuts
