Eid'l Fitr

It took a while before Muslim leaders found out when exactly the Eid would start.

For Muslims around the world, Eid'l Fitr is their most important holiday. "It is the start of the end." After 30 days of fasting from sunrise 'til sunset during the holy month of Ramadan, it is now time for them to celebrate. It is now time to break the fast.

Some people thought that the Eid would fall on the 21st but it eventually fell on the 2oth of September. The basis would be the position of the moon. (The Islamic calendar is lunar).

As a foreigner in a Muslim country, it was interesting to see the activities that were involved in the celebration of Eid't Fitr.

During the 30 days prior to the Eid, groceries were already packed with goodies/food that people may buy as gifts for the upcoming holidays. The Eid holiday will last for one week as everyone who comes from the province would go home and be with their families.

As early as Friday afternoon, I saw hundreds of people waiting for buses that would haul them back to their hometowns. Traffic became light by Friday evening as everyone had already embarked on their respective trips back home.

By Saturday evening, prayers from the different mosques surrounding my flat were heard. It signaled the onset of the Eid. Imams recited Islamic prayers in Arabic which of course I didn't understand. I heard firecrackers exploding. There were also fireworks that lit the sky that evening. It was like New Year's day in the Philippines.

On the day of the Eid, Muslim families gathered together and shared a meal. It is also a time for gift giving. I was told that this is their "Christmas."

Happy Eid'l Fitr to all Muslims around the world! Eid Mubarak!