How to Make Eid al-Fitr Special for Family?

Eid al-Fitr is a religious festival celebrated by Muslims all across the globe. A sacred celebration in the Islamic calendar, Eid al-Fitr means ‘the festival of breaking the fast’ that marks the end of Ramadan- the holy month of fasting and charity. This year, Eid celebrations will begin in the evening of 9th April and continue till the evening of 10th April. The dates may vary in different countries according to the sighting of the moon.

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This festival brings joy among people and gets them in the mood of celebration. At the same time, it teaches the true meaning of perseverance and how to be compassionate towards the poor and the needy. Eid is considered an auspicious festival to thank Allah for his blessings and ask for his forgiveness for all our sins. It is best celebrated with people who mean the world to us. Here are some amazing Eid celebration ideas to make it even more special and memorable for family and friends.

Get Back to Your Folks

Being away from loved ones can make one feel lonely during festivals. People who live in a different city/country for work purposes need to take a break and travel to their hometown to meet their parents, siblings, and grandparents on Eid. It will allow them to bond with family and create memories that can be treasured forever. For example, take the case of Indonesia, a Muslim country where Mudik is the first tradition of Eid celebration where people go back to their home cities to celebrate with their family members. This tradition sends a very powerful message of getting back to one’s roots and spreading happiness in one’s community.

Celebrate With Delicious Food

As Eid al-Fitr translates to ‘the festival of breaking the fast’ so celebration without yummy food can never be considered complete. Different countries have different signature dishes for Eid. People in the UAE like to savor ouzi, a local dish of slow-cooked lamb or goat mixed with rice and garnished with fried pine nuts and chicken machboos, which is chicken thighs cooked in herbs, tomatoes, and onions and served with basmati rice. While in Indonesia, people love to relish rendang, opor ayam, and sambal ati on Eid. One can also help in preparing traditional Eid cuisines for family members and guests to add flavor to the festivities.

Visit the Mosque

Eid al-Fitr has a particular Islamic prayer called salat that is generally offered in open fields, community centers, or at mosques. One can visit the mosque with family on Eid to offer prayers to Allah and meet and greet others on this occasion. One can also participate in Eid activities held in Mosques like making prayer arrangements, working with the administration, or volunteering as a representative of the Mosque. Working closely with people from different communities will help broaden one’s horizons spiritually.

Spread Happiness with Gifts

A famous Muslim saying ‘tahaabu, tahaadu’ means ‘to give gifts to spread love to one another.’ The blessed occasion of Eid can be made more joyous by offering unique and thoughtful Eid gifts to friends and loved ones. One should choose long-lasting gifts that can be used on an everyday basis. And one should also keep in mind the taste and preferences of the loved ones while buying Eid gifts.

Share Eid with Loved Ones & Needy People

The auspicious festival of Eid is all about spreading happiness and doing charity. Exchange Eid wishes with relatives and neighbors or invite them over and serve them great food. Arrange a gathering to get loved ones together. Spending quality time with them would help one know their close ones better and strengthen one’s relationship with them. Donate food and new clothes to the needy so that they can also celebrate this festival like everybody else.

Ask For Forgiveness

Festivals bring people closer and allow them to forget their sorrows and celebrate their joys and happiness. In many Muslim nations asking for forgiveness or forgiving those who have hurt you in the past is a major tradition of the Eid celebrations. One can also ask for forgiveness from friends, family members and others for all the faults and mistakes that have been done in the past. Doing so will help eliminate differences in relationships and strengthen it.

The festival of Eid is a great opportunity to reconnect with people one might have forgotten in the journey of life. This Eid, get family, friends and loved ones together to wish them love and peace.