Meaning of Eid al-Fitr

Eid al Fitr, also known as Ramadan Id, is celebrated by Muslims across the world, at the end of the month of Ramadan. It signifies the breaking of the fasting period, with the sighting of new crescent moon in the evening, on the last day of Ramadan. Eid is an Arabic word meaning “festivity,” while Fitr means “original nature,” implying the restoration of one’s best human composition. The celebration extends to a fiesta of three days and is also called “Choti Eid’’, starting on the first day of Shawwal (tenth month of the Islamic calendar). According to Sheikh Kassim Nzanahayo Rajab, the leader of Moslems in Nyarugenge District, the day is considered to be one of the greatest Muslim festivals. “The significance of Eid-al-Fitr stems from the special meaning it holds for the entire Muslim community. Legend says that Prophet Mohammad had laid down Eid al Fitr and Eid-al-Adha as days of rejoicing and feasting for the Muslims,” he explains. He adds that whoever fasts during Ramadan with absolute faith shall have his past sins forgiven. Nzanahayo further mentions that Eid al Fitr lies in the distribution of charity on the day. Every Muslim who is not needy must pay Zakt-al-Fitr, a sum to be donated for the month of Ramadan, to impoverished Muslims. “It can either be in the form of cash or basic foodstuff and it is done to spare a thought to the plight of the poor and is different from the normal Zakat, which is given to purify one’s wealth,” he adds. He asserts that Holy Quran recommends giving donation to the poor on the auspicious day, the best time for which is before going to the mosque in the morning, to offer prayers. Nuhu Bihibindi, a journalist at Voice of Africa Radio says that Eid-al-Fitr is also a festival that fosters brotherhood and interaction, as people visit each other on the days of festivity. Moslems across the world are looking forward to celebrate Eid-al-Fitr either Monday or Tuesday next week when a new crescent moon comes up. Kanye_frank@yahoo.co.ukOn twitter @frank_kay3