عيد مبارك !
Eid Mubarak !
Happy Eid/Pray Day!
Arguably, one of the most controversial days of the year is back again! Why controversial you may ask? This is because Islam goes by the Lunar calendar and not the Gregorian calendar therefore the day for Eid is never certain. Just this weekend there was a whole kerfuffle on whether Eid would be yesterday, Sunday, May 1 2022 or today! 😂
Eid is a day of celebration across the Muslim world! Eid means "Holiday of Breaking the Fast" in Arabic, it is a day when it is haram (forbidden) to fast because one should eat 'til your heart's content and slay in your fabulous Eid clothes.
Eid is really the Muslim Met Gala and we are ready to serve looks on your feed and timelines today!
I wanted to take this opportunity to share 7 things to know about Eid in general. Whether you're a Muslim, non-Muslim or not even religious -- I hope these facts would be useful in promoting religious tolerance, unity and mutual respect in your various communities.
Can we give a round of applause for the 'fit please?
If I don't toast myself, who will?
Alhamdulilah my tailor didn't pull an Amaka (didn't disappoint me) and came through. I'm looking forward to seeing others' outfits today, so feel free to tag me (@minabilkis), I'm scrolling on socials today baby!
7 Things to know about Eid:
1. There are TWO Eids! 💁🏾♀️
Yup! We don't have one but TWO whole Eids!
They're named Eid Al-Fitr (Holiday of Breaking the Fast) and Eid Al-Adha (Holiday/Feast of Sacrifice). Today, we celebrate Eid Al-Fitr which falls on the first day of the 10th Islamic month known as Shawwal. Eid Al-Adha; the day when everyone and their meat eating mama goes to their Muslim friends or neighborhoods to collect either some beef or mutton, is celebrated in the last Islamic month of the year known as Dhu Al-Hijjah. It is expected to fall Sunday, July 10 2022 in the Gregorian calendar Inshallah.
2. Eid is a public holiday!
In the Islamic world, Eid is a public holiday - it's "our Christmas" so to speak, and it comes twice for us annually 😎 schools, banks and offices are closed. Of course, not everyone Muslim unfortunately has the privilege of taking the day off due to the work demands in Babylon - but in this part of the world especially Sierra Leone where the majority are Muslims AND we live in an extremely religiously tolerant society, it's a holiday for EVERYONE!
3. No fasting on Eid ❌
I mentioned this earlier, but I'm going to reiterate; we do not fast on Eid. It is haram. It is meant to be enjoyed and celebrated with loved ones and friends.
4. Some continue to fast for 6 days after Eid
Although, it is mandatory to fast during the month of Ramadan (it is one of the five pillars of Islam), many fast an additional 6 days into Shawwal for extra blessings. In Krio it is informally known as "fo go lef d moon" (Literal translation: fasting until the new moon appears).
The 6 days of Shawwal is not obligatory but Sunnah (traditions and practices of The Prophet Peace Be Upon Him). Fasting for these 6 extra days is equivalent to fasting the whole year in fulfillment of the obligation. I personally will be sitting this one out, but may Allah make it easy for those who continue and collect that Baraka (blessings).
5. Eid Salat (Prayer)
On the morning of both Eids, Muslims congregate for Salat at a Masjid, a field or whatever space can accommodate the anticipated number of people. It consists of two Rakats (units) and can only be performed in a Jamat (congregational) setting.
6. Big Eid and Small Eid
Despite Eid al-Fitr's popularity, it is actually the small/lesser Eid - Eid Al-Adha is the Big Eid. *Cue 🎵you want to Bamba, you want to chill with the big boys 🎵*
This is because Prophet Ibrahim's (Peace Be On Him) willingness to sacrifice his son when ordered by Allah (God). Sound familiar? Yup you guessed it, it is the story of Abraham in the Bible. How similar Abrahamic books are 🙃
7. Greetings
To wish someone happy or blessed Eid you'd say Eid Mubarak!
I hope these were useful!
I'll be back tomorrow with Top 7 Things to do in Freetown in May!
Until then, Eid Mubarak!
May Allah accept our duas and Ibadah
ergo sum cogito
Mina Bilkis
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