Celebrating Eid al-Fitr with the VCC community
On May 4, VCC’s International Education department and the Students’ Union of VCC will be hosting festivities in honour of the Islamic festival, Eid al-Fitr, also known as “Festival of Breaking the Fast.”
Eid al-Fitr marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan, during which Muslims fast from dawn to dusk. It is celebrated on the first day of Shawwal, the tenth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Eid al-Fitr is a time of celebration, thanksgiving, and forgiveness where Muslims come together to pray, exchange gifts, and enjoy traditional food with family and friends. It is a time of spiritual renewal, where Muslims seek to strengthen their faith and seek forgiveness from God. The day typically begins with a special prayer known as Salat al-Eid, which is performed in congregation at mosques or open spaces. Muslims also dress up in new clothes, decorate their homes, and visit family and friends to exchange greetings and gifts.
Many members of the VCC community observe Ramadan and will celebrate Eid al-Fitr with family and friends. Here are five facts about this holy festival.
The date Eid is celebrated is based on the moon.
The date is usually declared on the 29th day of the previous month when the moon is a present. However, if the moon cannot be seen then Eid is celebrated on the following day.
Eid celebrations vary from country to country.
Some celebrate the occasion by brightly decorating their homes. Others wear new clothes in honour of the special day. Most Muslims celebrate Eid by going to the mosque for special prayers in the morning. After prayers, family and friends get together for a big meal and exchange gifts. Many Muslims also help members of the community who may be struggling by giving them food, clothes, and money.
Eid is celebrated twice a year.
The first Eid is Eid al-Fitr. The second is Eid al-Adha which is celebrated at the end of the Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca.
Eid means festival or feast in Arabic.
It is called this because it marks the end of Ramadan with food and festivities. People greet each other during Eid by saying ‘Eid Mubarak’ – which means Happy Eid or Blessed Eid.
Eid al-Fitr is known by different names all over the world.
In Azerbaijan it’s called ‘Ramazan Bairami’, ‘Lebaran’ in Indonesia, ‘Korite’ in Senegal, and ‘Hari Raya Puasa’ in Malaysia. You may also see it spelled Eid ul-Fitr.
Join fellow classmates and colleagues for Eid al-Fitr celebrations, May 4, 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at both the Broadway and Downtown campuses and enrich yourself with Muslim culture.