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Keystage 1 - Festivals

Eid ul Fitr

When the new moon is sighted and the month of fasting (Ramadhan) comes to an end, the first of the new month (Shawwal) is the day of Eid ul Fitr. 'Fitr' means to break and it is called thus as God has permitted the breaking of the fast on this day.

It is also a 'festival of charity'. It is incumbent upon all Muslims to begin the day by paying Zakat ul Fitr - a special religious tax. This is paid before the prayers. It is an act of worship just as important as the prayers.

The special Eid congregational prayer consists of a brief two unit prayer followed by a sermon.

After the prayers, it is the norm to visit relatives and friends, exchanging greetings.

Culture dictates the food that is prepared for Eid. However, in many parts of the Muslim world a special kind of sweet is prepared with thin vermicelli. It is said (no religious reason) that it was to signify harmony and unity amongst Muslims. The strands of vermicelli despite the diversity of size, colour and thickness all intertwined.

Eid ul Fitr becomes a means of strengthening family and friendship ties as well as serving to be an occasion for a get together for the community at large.

Eid ul Adha

Eid ul Adha means the major festival. It is also called the Eid of sacrifice or the Eid of Hajj. Eid ul Adha is a commemoration and a reminder to Muslims of several things:

The story of Prophet Ibrahim (p.b.u.h.) and Prophet Ismaeel (Ishmael) (p.b.u.h.) and their willingness to make great sacrifices for God.

To be ready to make sacrifices for religion.

For those who have not gone for Hajj, it is showing support for their fellow Muslims who are completing the Hajj on that day.

In remembrance of the aspect of sacrificing all for God as Prophet Ibraheem & Prophet Isma'il did, the Muslims who are in Hajj sacrifice an animal at a place called Mina, near Makka. Muslims around the world join them in making a sacrifice if possible on this day.

Like Eid ul Fitr, there is a special congregational prayer followed by visiting family and friends, exchanging greetings and sharing a meal together.