Eid Mubarak!
by Gaby Spinks

The Muslim religious calendar is based on lunar months. The ninth lunar month is known as Ramadhan. During this month Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset and during these hours they are forbidden to eat, drink or indulge in any form of pleasure. At the end of the thirty days of fasting there is Eid-al-Fitr.

I spoke to Rashida Hassanali and her children about what it is like at Eid in their house. “We’re Shia Muslims, which is a very small community in Sheffield, in fact we have to travel to Nottingham for our nearest mosque! Eid is really a family day.” explained Rashida, “Everyone gathers at a family member’s house, it’s a day of celebration.”

Eid is a great favourite with children. Rashida’s daughter and niece, Umme Salana and Alifya explained that they do lots of nice things at Eid. “We make special food, give Eid cards to our parents, and they give us presents of money,” they said excitedly, “And we all wear new clothes. We go to mosque and then visit lots of family in Nottingham and Leicester. We decorate the house with lights and make it look pretty.”

Eid-al-Fitr means the joy at the end of the days of fasting. The day following the appearance of the new moon is celebrated with great enthusiasm. The night before Eid everyone goes to mosque and fasts till sunrise when there are morning prayers.