- Eid ul-Fitr symbolises that by being patient and steadfast, Muslims can earn great rewards.
- It is celebrated as a reward for completing a month of fasting from dawn to dusk.
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Muslims around the world and in Kenya are gearing up to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr.
Eid al-Fitr marks the end of the month of Ramadan, a period of month-long fasting for Muslims around the world.
It is referred to as the "festival of breaking the fast".
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki gazetted Wednesday, April 10, 2024, as a public holiday to mark Eid-ul-Fitr.
"In exercise of the powers conferred by section 2 (1) of the Public Holidays Act, I declare Wednesday, April 10 2024, shall be a public holiday to mark Idd-ul-Fitr," Kindiki said.
Sighting of the crescent Moon marks the beginning of the Islamic lunar month.
An Islamic month can have either 29 or 30 days depending on when the new crescent Moon is first visible.
According to an article by Islamic Relief Island, the Islamic calendar operates on the lunar cycle.
All significant days in the Islamic calendar appear to shift forward approximately 11 days each year. Therefore, the sighting of the moon determines the end of the month-long period of Ramadan and the beginning of Eid.
What Eid-ul-Fitr symbolises
Eid ul-Fitr symbolises that by being patient and steadfast, Muslims can earn great rewards.
It is celebrated as a reward for completing a month of fasting from dawn to dusk.
Eid ul-Fitr also symbolises the importance of remembering Allah on all occasions.
Common Eid greetings
The most popular greeting is "Eid Mubarak" (Blessed Eid) or "Eid sa'id" (Happy Eid).
Research shows, Eid greetings also vary depending on the country and the language.
For instance, in Indonesia, Eid is called Lebaran, so Indonesians would say, "Selamat Lebaran", which means Happy Eid.
Key traditions of Eid
Muslims attend special Eid prayers in the morning.
They also attend a mandatory charity given to the poor and needy before Eid prayers.
Muslims conduct feasts and celebrations in various forms depending on local traditions.
What to do on Eid
Muslims begin their celebrations by partaking in prayers, followed by a short sermon soon after dawn.
Eid is not only a time for celebration with family and loved ones but also, a period of rest and good tidings.
Prayers can take place in mosques, large halls or in open places.
Muslims are encouraged to pray the Eid prayer in congregation with their community.
They have also been encouraged to share with the community in the celebration.