Eid ul Fitr is the religious celebration marking the end of the fast during the month of Ramadan. It is celebrated the first day of the Shawwal month which is based on the visibility of the crescent moon either on the 29^th or the 30^th day of the Ramadan. Eid ul Fitr is celebrated on the 10^th month of Hijri, the Islamic calendar. Muslims rejoice after a month of fasting and sacrifices.

Mauritius celebrated Eid ul Fitr on Wednesday 31 August 2011 following the apparition of the moon the previous day. It is said that following the tradition as in the time of the prophet Muhammad, the Muslims attend a special prayer called Salaad Eid-ul-Fitr on this special day. They then wish ‘Eid Mubarak’ (that your Eid be blessed’ to their kiths and kins with hugs in a spirit of brotherhood as prescribed by Islamic traditions. Thereafter the Muslims offer charity to the poor (called the Zakaat ie 2.5 % of their assets (money, goods and jewels)) before paying tribute to those who are no more by visiting their tombs. On this special day, following the Azan ie the call for the prayers given by the Muezzin, the Muslims attend the morning prayers. Following the first ‘Namaz Fijar’, the men wear their ‘kurta’, white trousers and a cap (topee’) while women wear their Churidars and ‘Salwar kameez’ with ‘hornis’ with their hands nicely decorated with mehendi. Afterwards, the Muslims meet for a copious family lunch. The ‘Seer Kuma’ a special sweet dish made of vermicelli to all the close ones. While Ramadan focuses on the sacrifices, the ‘Fitra’ is more geared towards social celebrations and about helping the poor.

In 2012, Eid ul Fitr is expected to be celebrated on the Sunday 19th of August subject to the visibility of the moon.

Sep 1, 2011

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