As the Holy Month of Ramadan draws to a close, the UAE is ignited with a spirit of jubilation as the Eid Al Fitr holiday commences this weekend. As one of two main festivals in Islam, Eid Al Fitr is derived from the Arabic word, iftar, meaning ‘breaking of the fast’, and is celebrated over the first three days of Shawaal, which is the month after Ramadan.
In the UAE, we are lucky to receive a full week of public holidays, meaning we can truly immerse ourselves in the rich customs and traditions of the festival. All around the world, Eid Al Fitr brings with it a myriad practices in different communities that make this auspicious time special to so many.
Below, GRAZIA rounds up all Eid Al Fitr traditions we’re looking forward to in the UAE.
Moonsighting
One of the most significant Eid traditions is the sighting of a new moon. This is due to the fact that the Islamic months are based on the lunar calendar, meaning every time a new crescent moon is spotted in the night sky, it signifies the beginning of a new month. Islamic months usually vary between 29 an 30 days. Thus, Muslims won’t know the exact date of Eid until a new moon is sighted, signalling the 1st of Shawaal. Moon sighting is one of the most exciting Eid Al Fitr customs, with many people waiting in anticipation for the announcement of whether or not it will be Eid the next day.
TAKBIR
Once the new moon is sighted and Eid is confirmed, Muslims will begin chanting the Takbir. These are melodious recitations that glorify God and express gratitude for the month of Ramadan. The takbir is recited up until the start of the Eid prayer the next morning.
Zakat Eid Al FitR
Every year, Muslims pay a charitable donation known as Zakat Eid Al Fitr. This donation is a modest stipend that goes towards the less fortunate to allow them to participate in the Eid celebrations. Zakat Eid Al Fitr can be contributed as food, or as a monetary value, set at a minimum of Dhs25 per person in the UAE this year, as stipulated by the Emirates Council for Sharia Fatwa. The donation must be made before the beginning of the morning Eid prayer.
EID PRAYER
The day of Eid begins with congregational Eid prayers at mosques around the world. The prayer takes place early in the morning, generally after sunrise, following the Fajr Salaah. After the prayer, the Imam at the mosque will deliver a short sermon encouraging charity and community, and reflecting on the teachings of Ramadan.
EID GREETINGS
It is customary for Muslims to greet one another after the Eid prayer, signalling the beginning of the Eid festivities. While ‘Eid Mubarak’ is a commonly used greeting, a special Arabic phrase, ‘Askum min uwadah’ is used in the UAE and wider GCC region. This translates to “may you successfully go on to witness many more Eids”.
Eidiyah
With charity and generosity being an integral part of Ramadan, this extends to the Eid celebration with a tradition known as Eidiyah. The custom sees adults gifting cash to children and young people within the community. The money is often gifted in decorated envelopes, exuding much excitement from kids throughout the day. Some families and friends also exchange Eid gifts with one another, with decadent food items or ornate clothing usually being popular choices for the celebration.
FESTIVE EID FOOD
After a month of fasting, Eid Al Fitr revolves around delicious feasts. Families get together for a festive Eid lunch, usually consisting of cultural delicacies including biryani, mandhi, koshari or mansaf. In the UAE, ouzi is a popular Eid dish made of marinated meat that is slow-cooked for hours. Meat porridge and machboos are also common dishes in the region. A variety of traditional desserts also take precedence, including baklava, maamoul, and vermicelli pudding.
HENNA
In the last days of Ramadan, many Muslim women adorn their hands with intricate henna designs. The orange-stained patterns are a cherished tradition in many Asian cultures and is a popular practice in the UAE. Beauty parlours and henna artists are usually fully booked in the days leading up to Eid.
DECORATIONS
In the UAE, the spirit of Ramadan and Eid is enhanced with exquisite lighting displays and decorations across the country. Lanterns, streamers, fairy lights and displays in traditional motifs, such as a crescent moon and geometric designs, adorn public spaces and houses.
Fireworks
Another beloved Eid tradition in the UAE is the fascinating firework displays. Every year, residents gather at popular spots such as Bluewaters Island in Dubai and Yas Bay in Abu Dhabi to witness magical fireworks lighting up the night sky. The gatherings are usually accompanied by a carnival-like atmosphere including food stalls, shopping, and live entertainment.
