By As Ramadan comes to an end, Muslims from all over the world start to look forward to celebrating the blessing of making it till the end of Ramadan through Eid al-Fitr, a one-to-three-day Islamic holiday depending on the country’s policies. The traditions of Eid al-Fitr can differ from one Muslim to another. For example, some Muslims may celebrate the first day by performing the Eid prayer in a congregation, whether at their local mosque or at home. Other Muslims may celebrate this Eid by visiting their family and friends.
At Muslim Girl, we’re prepping for Eid by talking to some Muslims about their Eid al-Fitr traditions, and we’re here to spill the tea!
Sarah McGirr, Muslim Revert
Sarah, a money mindset coach based in London, UK, explains: “On the morning of Eid, [my family and I] have breakfast together and we open our Eid presents.
“We call my husband’s family abroad and wish everyone an Eid Mubarak.
“Then (British weather permitting!) we head off to pray salah outside at a local park arranged by the masjid.
“All the congregation comes together and it’s great to see the buzz in the air.”
Sarah also says that although she feels relieved to celebrate another Eid, it’s inevitably tinged by the bittersweet feeling of Ramadan ending.
She says: “After the Dhuhr prayer, the fun really begins as the funfair opens up.
“The local masjid book a funfair every year that is held in the same open space next to where we pray Eid salah.
“Our daughters love the funfair and we stay all day, it’s great to see families unwind and have fun.”
She also shares that her family has created their own Eid al-Fitr traditions too since her family is non-Muslim and her husband’s family lives overseas.
Sarah says: “We send boxes of sweets to our family here in the UK, full to the brim, so the sweetness of Eid lasts a long time for them too.”
“While we celebrate Eid in the UK, we often notice cultural groups break off and very often reverts sit together,” she explains.
“It feels bittersweet, as this continues to divide us, even if others don’t realise this.
“Alhamdulilah, not everyone is like this but it is important to acknowledge this and do what we can to break down these barriers.”
Zainab Jagot Ahmed, Indian traditions
Zainab, founder of Pretty Sassy Lady, Leicester, UK says: “We start the day with something sweet to eat like kheer and puri.
“After breakfast, the women read the Eid prayer at home and the men head off to the mosque and the cemetery to pray for our late relatives.
“By the time they’re back, all the ladies are dressed in traditional clothing and we visit our families.”
Zainab explains: “Since I come from a big family, we visit my mum’s side in the morning (which involves a lot of eating – biscuits and treats are on offer at every house), and then we spend lunch with my dad’s side.”
This year, it’ll be the first time Zainab spends Eid with her extended family since the Covid pandemic.
“As an Indian Muslim, Eid is all about spending time with our big families; including brothers, sisters, cousins, aunts, and uncles,” Zainab says.
“There’s always at least three generations celebrating together under one roof!”
Tawfiq khawas, afghan traditions
Tawfiq talks us through his Eid al-Fitr traditions: “We wake up in the early morning to go for the Eid prayer at our local mosque, while the women in our family get dressed for the day.
“In total, there’s 24 of us and 56 of my extended family all in one house.”
He says that food is a staple when celebrating Eid and it’s prepared the night before.
“Mantu is always the star of the show,” Tawfiq explains.
“It’s basically soft, tender meat wrapped in a thin dumpling and drizzled with a yogurt base and sauce topping.
“There’s also a hierarchy for where we dine; with the eldest sitting at the dining table, and everyone else sitting on the living room couch, in the kitchen, and in the second living room where there is a toshak.”
Tawfiq says that it’s tradition for the eldest family member to host Eid celebrations at their house.
He says: “My grandmother was the main cornerstone of our gatherings.
“After her passing, we felt confused, but soon after my mum was elected as the next hostess as she is the eldest out of her siblings.”
What about you? How are you going to celebrate Eid al-Fitr? Share with us @muslimgirl on either Twitter or Instagram and let us know.
We wish you a blessed Eid al-Fitr in advance!