Eid – An Overview

Eid is a festival of joy and thanksgiving celebrated by Muslims around the world that marks the end of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. A time of celebration and sharing, Eid is a time for friends and family to come together in joyous celebration and reflection. For many Muslims, Eid serves as a reminder of both faith and community.

The couple of days of Eid are the most joyful days for all Muslims. On the first day, Muslim families wake up early and offer an early morning prayer before having a family breakfast. Once these prayers are complete, gifts are exchanged and special activities such as dinners, parties, and outings are enjoyed.

Eid Traditions and Celebrations

Eid is marked by special traditions and rituals that vary from region to region. Typically, however, the traditional greeting of Eid Mubarak (“Blessed Eid”) is exchanged, and it’s customary to wear new clothes on the day of Eid or to give generously to charity. Celebrations may also include parades and dances, the distribution of sweets and treats, and the exchange of cards and gifts.

The practice of fasting (or sawm) during Ramadan gives Muslims a chance to reflect, contemplate and disconnect from the worldly concerns of everyday life, and Eid is a celebration of the rewards of Ramadan and the grace of Allah.

What’s for Dinner?

Food is a significant aspect of Eid celebrations, and each region has its own special traditional dishes. For example, in North and East Africa, Eid is celebrated with a small fried pastry called sambusa, which is stuffed with vegetables, cheese, or minced meat. In some parts of the Arabian Peninsula, where dates are plentiful, many types of sweets are served including zalabia, a syrup-covered fried dough, and qatayef, a type of stuffed pancakes. Similarly, in Kashmir, India, special foods are prepared for the occasion such as sheer kurma, a type of vermicelli pudding usually served with dates and nuts, or notlach, a type of sweet dumpling.

Eid is an occasion of joy, hope, and celebration and is celebrated by a variety of traditions depending on the region. When Muslims around the world celebrate Eid they are participating in a shared history and culture of faith.