What we celebrate and why: Reflections on Eid

The Covid-19 pandemic has turned our lives upside down. How we live, work, love, practice our faiths – much has changed. The virus has made some problems visible for the first time, while we now see some topics from a different perspective. Here, you can read contributions from our current and former participants telling the story of their lives in times of corona. Stories of upheaval, of new insights, and serene realizations. 

In today’s post Hicham is explaining Eid traditions. Have a read!

Eid-ul-Fitr literally means “the festival of breaking the fast” and takes place every year right after a month-long dawn-to-sunset fasting during Ramadan. It begins with the sighting of the crescent moon, which is the reason why the exact date of Eid can only be verified an evening before.
Traditionally, Eid is celebrated for three days and is started with a prayer in the morning of the first day in every mosque. After the prayer people congratulate one another and communities or families come together while eating traditional sweets and homemade desserts that are prepared for that speacial day.
This year many Muslim-majority countries have cancelled Eid prayers due to measures against the spread of Coronavirus. Time again to be thankful for various opportunities to get in touch online especially on important days like Eid.
Keep safe, stay home and have a blessed Eid with your loved ones!