Eid al-Fitr is a special day among families and friends throughout the Islamic world. This three-day festival takes place immediately following the end of the month of Ramadan and is the most significant and joyous observance of the Islamic faith.
Eid Al Fitr, Arabic for ‘Festival of Breaking Fast,’ is an important Islamic festival that marks the end of the Holy Month of Ramadan. Muslims observe it during the first three days of Shawwal, the 10th month of the Islamic calendar. The Eid Al Fitr holidays in the UAE usually fall between the 29th day of Ramadan and the third day of Shawwal. However, depending on the moon’s sighting, it can also begin on the 30th day of Ramadan.
In essence, Eid al-Fitr allows the faithful to thank God for having been granted the strength and conviction to complete the obligatory fast and obey His commandments during the holy month of Ramadan. By doing so, Muslims rejoice in returning to a state of fitra (innocence/purity), having been pardoned of all their transgressions, thus starting life anew.
Eid Al-Fitr Celebration in UAE
In the days leading up to Eid al-Fitr, Emirati homemakers dust and clean their houses. The day begins early with morning prayers at home or a nearby mosque. At lunchtime, the Arabs feast on traditional dishes.
In the past, on the first day of Eid, Bedouin men would shoot their guns in the air as an expression of joy, and this tradition is still carried on in some parts of the country. Men also perform popular traditional dances, including Al Razfah.
The Emirati children celebrate Hagg Al-Layla, where they dress in their best clothes and recite songs and poems around their neighbours’ houses. In return, the neighbours reward them with sweets and nuts they will put in their traditional cloth bags.
As the Islamic faith mandates, the Zakat al Fitr must be completed before the morning Eid prayer. Those with the financial means of doing so must donate either money or items such as rice, barley, dates, and other similar provisions. This mandatory donation must be distributed to the poor before the celebrations to ensure that all souls can enjoy a joyous holiday.