Do you want to create new memories and explore Eid Ul Fitr in Canada? If so, what plans do you have for Eid Al Fitr 2024? Let us assist you if you’re still wondering why Eid Al Fitr is celebrated. It signifies the breaking fast and the end of Ramadan. Interestingly, the timing of this festival is determined by the sightings of the moon, which marks the end of Ramadan. The month that follows is called Shawwal, as per the Islamic calendar. And the first day of Shawwal is observed as the Eid Al Fitr. In 2024, the festival will be observed on the 10th of April 2024, which will be a Wednesday.
You probably know that Canada has an outstandingly diverse society. It’s rich cultural mix ensures that the festival is celebrated with full ardour and devotion. As the holy festival approaches, we take a look at its origins, celebrations, traditions and more.
History of Eid Al Fitr
As per Islamic tradition, Prophet Muhammad originated Eid Al Fitr. Based on certain customs, these festivals began in Medina following Muhammad’s departure from Mecca. When Muhammad landed in Medina, he discovered people enjoying themselves with amusement on two particular days. After seeing this, Muhammad stated that God had designated two days for celebration: Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha. Eid Al Fitr is celebrated at the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting, while Eid Al Adha is celebrated during the Hajj period and is also known as the “Festival of Sacrifice.”
Eid Al Fitr is also referred to as the fast-breaking celebration. It signifies the close of Ramadan. It also signifies the beginning of another three-day feast in countries like Jordan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Generally, it is observed at the end of Ramadan and awaits new moon sightings. When a new moon appears at the end of Ramadan, the month of Shawwal begins. If the moon does not appear on the 29th day of Ramadan, Muslims complete the full 30 days of fasting. It is essential to note that the dates keep on shifting due to the continuously evolving timings of moon sightings.
Tradition Way of Celebrating Eid Ul Fitr
Eid Al Fitr is a significant Islamic holiday for the Muslim community. Several people wake up early to pray and go to the mosque. Individuals put on new clothes and decorate their residences with lights, lamps and other decorative items. The Ramadan festival lasts for 29 to 30 days, and the community is required to fast. Donations or off-fasting days outside Ramadan may be sufficient if you cannot fast during this occasion due to health and other problems.
Food plays an important role in the festival. The pre-dawn meal before starting the fast is referred to as Suhoor. It is believed to provide energy and blessings. The fast is then traditionally ended with dates and milk. The breaking of the fast is then followed by Iftaar, which is the evening meal after sunset. People also gather and offer special prayers on the occasion. The Zakat al-Fitr, a form of charity given to the poor before the Eid prayers, also plays an important part in ensuring that those in need can also partake in the festivities.
What is Ramadan
Ramadan is the 9th month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Fasting, worshipping, family, community gathering, and spiritual growth are all part of this spiritual month. During this month, the Muslim community attempts to develop spiritually and strengthen their connections with Allah. In addition, they perform this ritual by fasting, praying and reading the holy book; Quran. Moreover, they follow a strict diet. During day time, they are not permitted to eat or drink anything, including water. They can only eat specific food before the sunrise following which, the fast begins.
Islam promulgates that fasting is a personal act of devotion that brings one closer to God. It is a method of spiritual practice and a way to empathise with those in need. This fast continues for 29 to 30 days. It is broken at sundown with an iftar meal shared amongst family and friends. Besides, in a day, five times prayers are performed following which, people assemble in the mosque after dark for night prayer, tarawih, or other special prayers.
Ramadan 2024, this year, the first day of the fast, began on 11th March 2024, and is expected to last till 9th April 2024. On the 27th evening of Ramadan, Muslims notice an auspicious moon night referred to as Layat al-Qadr, also known as the ‘Night of Power’. On this night, it is assumed that Muhammad got his first religious revelation. At the end of the fast, people celebrate Ramadan by sharing food, exchanging gifts, enjoying family time, etc.
Famous Eid Al-Fitr Food in Canada
Eid Ul Fitr in Canada is not an official national public holiday. However, several Islamic businesses and organisations take a few hours of a break during this event. Every year, congestion is noticed around mosques. This festival is known for sweets. The community people or non-community can enjoy delicious food on and around every corner of the street. Some of the notable foods of this festival are:
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Sheer Khurma
Sheer Khurma is also known as Saviya. It is a prominent Eid al-Fitr dessert among South Asian Muslims. It is made in milk by stirring rice noodles with ghee, dry fruits, sugar, saffron and cardamom. Several families enjoy Saviya just after the morning Eid prayer for brunch. The dessert is similar to a sweet noodle soup. Some people love to serve it cold, while others serve it hot.
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Stuffed Dates
Dates are tasty, but several people would prefer to make them more delicious by putting in some extra efforts for Eid Al-Fitr. Dates are filled with nut butter, cream cheese, and sweet pastes made from nuts, honey, and rose water are common stuffings.
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Semolina Desserts
This delicious dish is also known as Halwa. Halwa is in soft solid form. It is stir-fried with ghee, flour, eggs and sugar to create halwa, a sweet dish.
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Sweet Rice
Rice is cooked with sugar and saffron to create shole zard, a dessert. Further, dried fruits and dates are added to the rice to give a sweet flavour to the religious dish.
How Do Canadian People Celebrate Eid?
The Canadian government annually supports the Muslim community to celebrate this auspicious day. The government decorate the streets with extraordinary charm to observe the occasion. The community also decorates their houses, gathers together and celebrates the day. They also make delicious food and share special meals with their near and dear ones, dress up in new clothes, and exchange presents. Roads, mosques, holy sites, and other notable locations are decorated with colourful lights. Participants perform poetry in admiration of the Prophet. It is widely believed that listening to these prayers yields the forgiveness and blessings of Almighty Allah.
Wrapping Up
Eid Ul Fitr 2024 in Canada is anticipated to bring new hope and optimism into the lives of Muslim community. With the month long fasting coming to an end, it gives the perfect chance to connect with Allah and seek spiritual purity. While preparing for the celebrations on 10th April 2024, it must be noted that the dates might shift as per the changes in the moon sightings.
You May Also Read :
| Celebrate Canada Day | Canada Day |
| Guide To Civic Holiday in Canada | Civic Holiday in Canada |
| History of Good Friday | Good Friday |
| Traditions of Eid Al Adha | Eid Al Adha |
| Know About Shrove Tuesday | Shrove Tuesday |
Frequently Asked Question (FAQs)
Eid Al Fitr means breaking the fast by gathering together.
It is a religious festival of the Muslim community. This festival signifies the close of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month.
No, Eid Ul Fitr and Ramadan are not the same. Eid Ul Fitr is observed at the end of Ramadan.
There are three things that happen during Eid Al Fitr People gather together and break fast Exchange gifts Spent quality time with family and friends What is the meaning of Eid Al Fitr?
Why do they celebrate Eid Al Fitr?
Is Eid ul Fitr and Ramadan the same?
What are 3 things that happen during Eid Al Fitr?
