Muslims celebrate Eid al-Fitr as Ramadan comes to an end

As the clock struck 8:30pm on Tuesday evening, Muslims on the island gathered to break their final fast of this year’s Ramadan, a holy 30-day period of fasting and spiritual meditation for Muslims all around the world.

Ramadan is always followed by three days of celebrations known as Eid al-Fitr, as Muslims thank God for the strength, the will and the endurance he gives them, especially during Ramadan.

In Malta, the celebrations are normally on a smaller scale due to the size of the Muslim community but also because of other constraints the community faces.

Sara Abdallah, a Maltese-Palestine University student explained that her family normally goes out for dinner to mark the event because her family would need to go to work the next day.

“My parents still have to go to work in the morning, and I might still have classes to attend, depending on what day it falls on, so normally what we do is just go out for a dinner together.”

The atmosphere of Eid al-Fitr comes across as similar to that of Christmas time for Christians.

“Families get together, even distant relatives. Enemies make an effort to bury the hatchet in this period, because it’s all about forgiveness and atonement,” said Mortada Makhlouf, a Libyan student at MCAST.

Muslims break their last fast for Ramadan ● Photos: Chris Mangion

Muslims break their last fast for Ramadan ● Photos: Chris Mangion

Muslims break their last fast for Ramadan ● Photos: Chris Mangion

Muslims break their last fast for Ramadan ● Photos: Chris Mangion

Muslims break their last fast for Ramadan ● Photos: Chris Mangion

Muslims break their last fast for Ramadan ● Photos: Chris Mangion

Muslims break their last fast for Ramadan ● Photos: Chris Mangion

Muslims break their last fast for Ramadan ● Photos:Chris Mangion

Muslims break their last fast for Ramadan ● Photos: Chris Mangion

Muslims break their last fast for Ramadan ● Photos: Chris Mangion

Muslims break their last fast for Ramadan ● Photos: Chris Mangion

Muslims break their last fast for Ramadan ● Photos: Chris Mangion

Eid al-Fitr around the world

On the first morning of Eid al-Fitr, or “festival of breaking of the fast”, many Muslims gather in local mosques or any other location for special prayers called Salat al-Eid, followed by breakfast.

The prayer consists of two units and is performed only in congregation.

At Eid al-Fitr people dress in their finest clothes, adorn their homes with lights and decorations, give treats to children, and enjoy visits with friends and family.

In Saudi Arabia it is common for families to gather at home after the Eid prayers. Young children line up in front of each adult family member, who give them some money as gifts, followed by the special Eid meal. Many shopkeepers will show their generosity at Eid providing free Eid gifts with each purchase.

Muslims break their last fast for Ramadan ● Photos: Chris Mangion

Imam Mohammed el Sadi welcomes people to the Paola mosque

Muslims break their last fast for Ramadan ● Photos: Chris Mangion

Muslims break their last fast for Ramadan ● Photos: Chris Mangion

Muslims break their last fast for Ramadan ● Photos: Chris Mangion

Muslims break their last fast for Ramadan ● Photos: Chris Mangion

It is also traditional in some areas for Saudi men to go and buy large quantities of rice and other staples and then leave them anonymously at the doors of those who are less fortunate. Every night in the major cities, one can stop and enjoy the huge fireworks show.

Pakistanis wear new clothes to get ready for Eid prayer. People give obligatory charity on behalf of each of their family member which allows everybody to share the joy of Eid. After Eid Salat people meet and greet each other with a traditional hug of friendship. At home family members enjoy special Eid breakfast with various types of sweets and desserts until it’s time for games and outdoor entertainment. People visit their elders relatives first then others and friends all day and share the joy of the day.

The night before Eid al-Fitr, Indonesia is filled with the sounds of adhan, the call for prayer, accompanied by various firecrackers or fireworks. In many parts, torches and oil lamps are lit up and placed outside and around homes. After the Eid prayer, people wear their best clothes and gather to greet their family and neighbours. Eid al-Fitr is not only for celebrations but also a time for atonement to ask for forgiveness for sins which they may have committed but were cleansed as a result of the fasting in the Muslim month of Ramadan. Throughout the day, alms for the poor are distributed in the mosques.