Apr 21 2023 News The MPA would like to wish all of our Muslim members Eid Mubarak “Blessed Eid”/ Happy Eid 0 shares After 29-30 days of fasting, Muslims come together with family, friends and their community to enjoy Eid-Ul-Fitr. This year Eid-Ul-Fitr falls on Thursday 20th April 2023 and will last between 1-3 days. The day starts with prayers at the local mosque and then sharing of food, sweets, wearing of new clothes and handing out gifts (‘Eidi’) given mostly to young children. What is Eid-Ul-Fitr? Eid-Ul-Fitr is a celebration for all Muslims around the world which marks the end of Ramadan. It originates from the Arabic phrase ʿīd al-fiṭr’, which means “festival of the breaking of the fast.” The festival is celebrated on the first three days of ‘Shawwāl’, the 10th month of the Islamic calendar. Eid-Ul-Fitr commemorates the success of devotion and self-control during Ramadan fasting. Celebrating Eid-Ul-Fitr The day begins with ‘Fajr’, dawn prayers with the family and then bathing ‘ghusl’, cleansing and purifying of the entire body. Wearing the finest and new clothes is traditional. *https://islamonline.net/en/what-is-the-sunnah/ Visiting the local community mosque for Eid prayers commences after greetings. Traditional greetings include, ‘Eid Mubarak’, which translates to ‘Blessed Eid’ or ‘Happy Eid’ and is shared with everyone after which Eid prayers commence. Charitable donations known as Zakat-Ul-Fitr or Fitrana need to be made at this time. This donation is given to homeless people and charities that help vulnerable people so they can celebrate and partake in the holy festival. Please see below for links, blogs & further information. https://www.ukim.org/ramadan/eid-ul-fitr/ https://zamzam.com/blog/eid-ul-fitr/ https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/z4cmkmn For further information, please contact Helen in the DEI team: Helen Choudhury Head of Diversity, Equality and Inclusion MPA Champion for Menopause Mental Health First Aider [email protected] PREVIOUS POST NEXT POST