‘Id al-Fitr and Ramadan

‘Id al-Fitr is preceded by Ramadan. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Muslim calendar. It is the month of fasting. It is said, that during this month, the Koran was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. Also, during this month, the first battle between the idol worshipers of Mecca and the Muslims of Medina occurred. The Muslims won this Battle of Badr.

During the month of Ramadan, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset. Since the Islamic calendar is a lunar calendar, the month of Ramadan can be at any time in the Christian calendar.

Ramadan, the ninth month, begins with the sighting of the new moon. Muslims climb to the top of their houses to see the moon. Once it is sighted, they go back into their houses, pray, and eat their early morning meal called Suhur. It consists of bread with mutton or pancakes.

All Muslims over the age of 12 are required to fast. Those who are old or sick are not required to fast, but they are obligated to feed a poor person instead. Pregnant women, nursing mothers, and travelers are not required to fast either, but must fast at a convenient time later.
The fast continues from dawn to dusk. After the sun has set, Muslims set the dinner table, and break their fast by eating a single date or drinking a sip of water. After that, they leave the table, pray, and return to finish their evening meal called aftar. This consists of foods that are specially prepared as per Islamic customs.

The festival-Lailatul Qadr (The Night of Power) occurs during the month of Ramadan. Muslims believe that this is when God plans their fates and destinies. This festival is celebrated only by certain sects of Islam.

After the month of Ramadan has passed, the month of Shawal (the 10th month) begins. The first day of Shawal is called ‘Id al-Fitr, or just ‘Id for short. This festival signifies the end of Ramadan. Preparations for ‘Id usually begin around the last 10 days of Ramadan, and continue until ‘Id day. This includes decorating houses and buying gifts for relatives. ‘Id begins with a trip to the mosque. Alms are given to the poor, and everyone rejoices on this day. There is usually a party on the evening of ‘Id. Since Islam bans dancing or drinking, there are no "dance parties" or alcohol beverages served. Instead, soft drinks and sherbet are served with the food. Mostly sweet foods are served on this day. One drink, Sekanjabin, which is a sweet mint drink, is served at most ‘Id parties.

Above: Egg paratha; one of the foods eaten at the evening meal during the month of Ramadan.

Above: A mosque-the place of worship for Muslims. Devout Muslims will pray at the mosque five times a day. Muslims visit the mosque prior to starting 'Id celebrations.