{"id":5415,"date":"2023-04-20T06:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-04-20T11:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/weavefamily.org\/?p=5415"},"modified":"2023-04-13T14:02:06","modified_gmt":"2023-04-13T19:02:06","slug":"explore-eid-al-fitr","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/weavefamily.org\/pt\/explore-eid-al-fitr\/","title":{"rendered":"Eid al-Fitr"},"content":{"rendered":"

Exploring traditions from other cultures is one way to expand your family\u2019s view of the world and cultivate a heart for the peoples that God loves. Learn about <\/em>Eid al-Fitr (EED ahl-FI-ter), one of two official celebrations for Muslims all around the world.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Every year, Muslims look forward to Eid al-Fitr<\/em>, the biggest holiday of the year. It is also known as the Festival of Sweets or the Festival of Breaking the Fast. This three-day Muslim celebration follows an entire month of fasting, going without food or water from sunrise to sunset. Most Muslims just call it Eid<\/em> (eed). This year it begins on April 21. But wait! It can\u2019t start officially until the religious leaders in Mecca, Saudi Arabia say that they see the new full moon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Muslims eagerly anticipate Eid because it means the end of a month of feeling hungry and thirsty during the day, and taking long naps in the afternoon to make the days go by faster. They\u2019ve prayed often, given money to the poor, and read through the Qu\u2019ran<\/em> (kuh-RAHN, Muslim holy book) for thirty days straight. The Eid holiday is extra special because it\u2019s a reward for doing difficult things for a long time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wearing a brand new outfit is a must on Eid. Even Muslim families without much money will sacrifice or borrow money just to get one new set of clothing for each person to wear. New clothing symbolizes cleanliness and a desire to be honorable in the sight of their God, Allah. On Eid, our Muslim friends will love it if we notice and comment on their new clothes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Muslims greet each other with \u201cEid Mubarak<\/em>!\u201d (eed MOO-bahr-aack) all during their celebration, which means \u201cHave a blessed Eid!\u201d You can greet them in this way, too. It\u2019s similar to our saying, \u201cMerry Christmas\u201d to each other. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

During the three-day celebration, Muslim families love to visit each others\u2019 homes. They eat delicious desserts, give children gifts, and spend a lot of time laughing and talking long into the night. It\u2019s important for them to visit all their close friends and relatives\u2014<\/em>and they would love for you to stop by for a quick impromptu visit, too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Muslims will also gather together for special prayers of gratitude to Allah on the first morning of Eid. On the way to the mosque, they will eat something sweet, such as a date, and recite a special short prayer. Before Eid prayers, every Muslim also makes a donation to charity to help feed the poor. This is called Zakat al-Fitr<\/em> (zah-KAHT ahl-FI-ter).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now that you know more about Eid, you can pray for Muslims in specific ways that connect to parts of their celebration. From April 21-23, ask God for these things:<\/p>\n\n\n\n