The Islamic celebration of Eid ul-Fitr

5th September 2008

The Islamic observation of Ramadan, which takes place for the whole of the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, has begun and Muslims throughout the world are fasting from dawn to dusk.

The annual event recognises the month during which Muhammad received the first of the Koran’s revelations. During the fast Muslims are forbidden to eat, drink or smoke and each evening special congregational prayers are offered in which long passages of the Koran are recited.

Eid ul-Fitr, this year celebrated around the 1st October 2008 (subject to sighting of the moon), will mark the end of the fast. It is a time for thanking Allah for the help and strength that he gave them throughout the previous month to help them practice self-control.

Imran Arshad, Exodus’ Online Marketing Executive recalls his childhood memories of Eid:

“My memories of Eid are probably how most kids remember Eid in the Muslim world. All the family and friends gather together on the Eid day for a feast starting with sweet dishes, followed by a lavish lunch. Gifts are exchanged which was always the best bit for me! I always hoped to get my share of the gifts in cash so that I could go and splash out on the road side food stalls that always seemed to crop up for Eid.
Exactly how Eid is celebrated depends on the region of the Muslim world you are visiting, but one thing is common all across – the legendary Muslim hospitality!”

Exodus clients may well get to enjoy some of that hospitality as they find themselves in amongst the Eid celebrations in Morocco, Jordan and Uzbekistan.