Web Designer & Developer Ahmed's Musings

 Eid-ul-Fitr, is the festival that marks the end of Ramadan (holy month of fasting) for Muslims worldwide.

The festivities actually begin the night before Eid, after the new moon of shawaal is sighted, indicating the end of month of ramadan. This night is also often called the “chaand raat” or the moon night and is filled with activities of cooking special Eid dishes, preparing clothing for the next mornings Eid prayers and for most women includes late night application of mehndi/henna to hands and selection of bangles to match their eid outfits.

The Eid day begins with an early rising and dressing up in new clothes, followed by a small (usually sweet) breakfast and offering a special Eid prayer performed in large congregation at mosques or open areas. Remainder of the Eid day is filled with visting families, special lunches/dinners, music and Eid parties.

Muslims are instructed to remember the poor through out the season of ramadan and offer zakat/fitrana, to help them  celebrate this season of holiness.

Eid-ul-Fitr 2009, has finally arrived and I want to wish all muslims around the world a a heartfelt EID MUBARAK!!!

Eid in Pictures

Ramadan, the 9th month in the Islamic calendar is perhaps better known as the month of fasting (29/30 days) . Observed by all  muslims across the world, this month is the month of peace, prayer, inner reflection and intense spirituality marked by acts of self-restraints and purity of thought and deed. 

During this month, muslims around the world begin their fast by partaking a predawn meal (just before the morning/Fajr prayers),  and end their fast at sundown (by the 4th prayer/Maghrib). No food/drink is taken bewteen dawn and sunset. Idea is to teach one self tolerance, patience/self discipline and sacrifice by denying the worldy goods and  immerse oneself in deep personal worship to seek closeness with god. Ultimate goal is to cleanse the soul, beg forgiveness of sins, develop empathy of the less fortunate and to become charitable and tolerant towards others.

Exemptions from fasting includes: chronic illness, mental illness, pregnancy, mensturation, travelers (must make up)

The Islamic festival of Eid-ul-Fitr, marks the end of Ramadan and is marked by sighting of the new moon of the new month.

More on Eid-ul-Fitr later …..

For now Wishing everyon Ramadan Kareem Mubarak. May Allah(swt) grant us all a blessed month.

some useful links

• World Wide Prayer Times 
• Ramadan and Eid-Ul-Fitr
• Learn More about Islam

Recitations/Na’at (Islamic poetry to praise Allah (swt) and/or prophet Muhammad (pbuh)

• Ramazan Asalaam – Dr. Aamir Liaquat Hussain
• Allah Hoo – Qari Waheed Zafar
• Ya Nabi – Qari Waheed Zafar