KL NEWS NETWORK
SRINAGAR
Kashmir shall be celebrating Eid-Ul-Fitr on Saturday thus marking the end of Ramzan – a month of fasting in Islamic calender. This year, Ramzan ended with 29 days.
The much awaited Shawaal moon has been sighted.
The government backed Islamic Scholar, Mufti Bashir-Ud-Din confirmed on state run Doordarshan (Kashir) Channel that Shawal Moon has been sighted and Eid-Ul-Fitr shall be celebrated with religious fervour in Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday.
In Islamic calendar, sighting of new moon means either completion of half of a month or beginning of a new month.
Major Muslim countries Saudi Arabia and UAE celebrated Eid today.
In South Asian context, Pakistan too officially announced sighting of moon Friday evening.
Chairman, Central Ruet-i-Hilal Committee, Mufti Muneeb-ur-Rehman announced the sighting of moon in a meeting held in Islamabad here on Friday evening.
“Shawal moon has been sighted in Islamabad and other regional Ruet-i-Hilal Committees also confirmed the sighting of moon in various parts of the country. Keeping in view these confirmations, Ruet-i-Hilal Committee announces to observe Eid-ul-Fitr on Saturday, 18th July, 2015,” said Mufti Muneeb.
There are two religious holidays in Islam. The first one starts immediately after the fasting month of Ramzan. It is called “Eid Ul-Fitr.” Muslims observe the ritual of sacrificing an animal during the second religious holiday “Eid-Ul-Adha.” It starts 70 days after the first one and is three and a half days long. The Hajj, Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca Mukarama, ends at the end of this holiday.
So here you all you need to know about the festival Eid-Ul-Fitr 2015…
What is it? Eid-Ul-Fitr is a celebration which marks the end of Ramzan. It is a time to show kindness to others and love for Allah.
When is it? After the last day of Ramzan, on the first day of Shawwal. This year, Eid Al Fitr is predicted to begin on Saturday July 18.
How do we know when Ramzan is over? The moon-sighting committee in Pakistan (for South Asia) will announce the end of Ramzan. The announcement automatically signals the start of Eid-Ul-Fitr.
What does it mean? Roughly translated, Eid-Ul-Fitr means “festival of breaking the fast”.
How long does it lasts? Technically, Eid-Ul-Fitr lasts for one day, although the celebrations can last for up to three days.
Is it a public holiday? Yes! Eid-Ul-Fitr is a public holiday. However, how many days off work you are granted varies year on year.
What is the greeting? Greet people by saying “Eid Mubarak”. This translates into “Happy Eid”.
Join the celebrations by using the hashtag #EidMubarak and #EidUlFitr.
What do Muslims do during Eid? It is customary for a Muslim to wake before sunrise and clean themselves and dress in smart clothes before going to offer the Fajr prayers.
As fasting is forbidden during Eid, Muslims will have a light breakfast, often signified with dates. After this they attend special prayers called Salaat.
It is also essential that Muslims donate to charity to help the poor and needy before the Eid prayers. It is obligatory on Muslims to pay Sudqai-e-Fitr. And well off Mulsims pay “Zakat”, as well and the amount which is given to charity is calculated based on one’s personal possessions.
Muslims are required to walk to Eid prayers and forgive and forget any arguments that they may have had over the last year.
Prayers: The Eid-Ul-Fitr prayers are called “Salat-Ul-Eid” in Arabic. There is no audible call to prayer for the Eid prayers. Muslims will gather in a mosque or open space en masse and offer two units of prayer – called “Rakaat”. A sermon follows, which asks Allah for forgiveness, mercy, and peace for every being across the world.
Eid-Ul-Fitr for non-Muslims: There are no special requirements for non-Muslims during Eid-Ul-Fitr, although they are encouraged to greet others with “Eid Mubarak” and join the festivities.
