Eid Al-Fitr is an important religious holiday celebrated by Muslims (lasting for three full days) as it marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan. We Muslims are not permitted to fast in the first day of Eid Al-Fitr because it is considered as festival of breaking the fast. This day celebrates the conclusion of the 29th or 30th day of fasting during the entire month of Ramadan. The start of the first day of Eid is based on the observation of new moon by the local religious authorities which means that the exact date of that day varies by the country’s locality. Traditionally, it is the day of the first sighting of the crescent moon shortly after sunset. If the moon is not observed immediately after the 29th day of the previous lunar month then it is the following day. For this reason people in Turkey celebrated 29th day of fasting while people in Qatar had to fast for 30 days this year! Eid Al-Fitr has a particular Islamic prayer consisting of two Rakats (units) and generally offered in an open field or large hall. It has an additional extra twelve Takbirs (raising of the hands to the ears while saying "Allāhu Akbar" which literally means “God is great”). Each country has its on tradition of celebrating this holiday, but most of the Middle East countries have similar Eid traditions. In Qatar, this day is celebrated with a great pomp as people decorate their homes and prepare sumptuous meals for their families and friends. New Abiyas (women’s traditional wearing in GCC), dresses and traditional clothing are often shown off in Eid. After the Eid prayer, the celebration of the first day of Eid starts by visiting the relatives and friends. When the families start gathering at each other’s houses, the children will begin to line up with happy faces and big smiles to receive money (Eidiyyah) from the adult relatives and neighbours. Not only children, but sometimes adults are getting Eidiyyah from their uncles and close relatives such as grandfathers, uncles, and aunts. The Corniche (which is along the seafront), malls as well as major souks (markets) are designed with lights, banners and displays greeting people with this special day. Mostly at night, Qatari musicians and actors start performing concerts and plays as a way of celebrating. Another common tradition is where some men go and buy large amount of rice and other food necessities, and leave them anonymously at the doors of those who are less fortunate. Also complete strangers greet one another at random saying “Eid Mubarak” to each other. Some photos from the Eid gatherings in my houseThis was my Eid experience for this year, I hope you guys enjoyed reading this post. Eid Mubarak! :)
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Quick Start!Hello everyone, my name is Sara and I am a student in Bilkent University. Living in Ankara as student opened my eyes and made me recognize lots of things which I never thought I will! My story started one day when I was checking my email and there was a message from Bilkent University. They were informing me that I got accepted in Bilkent and they are welcoming me to be one of their students. At this moment I understood that my life will change 360 degrees and I will start a new life from zero. And this is exactly what happened! ArchivesCategories |