Eid al-Fitr (Ramazan bayram) marks the end of the month-long dawn-to-sunset fasting (oruch) of Ramazan. Fasting is one of the obligations of adult healthy Muslims. It consists of abstaining from food and fluids from sunrise to sunset and lasts 30 days.
The day of the Muslim during Ramadan is as follows: Early in the morning a person strikes the drum and wakes the Muslims. They have breakfast and at sunrise the fast begins. They stand for prayer 5 times a day. The fast is broken after sunset, as the fasting person drinks water three times. Every night, after the hodja’s prayer, joint meals are organized in the mosque or in the homes – “iftar”, often with funds or food from donations. Islamic fasts are intended to purify the soul and to make the person renewed.
On the 27th evening of fast is the holy Qadr night (Kadir Gecesi). It is, in Islamic belief, the night when the Quran was first sent down from heaven to the world and also the night when the first verses of the Quran were revealed to the prophet Muhammad. It is believed also that the angels come to earth. According to traditional notion, the sky opens, all living things worship Allah and the believers can wish with prayer something that will be fulfilled.
It is believed that during the ramazan month the souls of the dead were released, which is why money and food are distributed to those in need.
The day before Eid, women make bread and share it with the neighbors. The children visit every house and collect candies and sweets. This day is called “Arife”.
On the eve of the holiday or on the day of the holiday, alms (charity/fitre) are given to the poor or orphan people.
The first day of the holiday begins when the men go to the mosque early morning for prayer, where the beginning of the holiday is announced. On the same day, the younger ones visit the older ones, kiss their hands to wish them a happy holiday and ask for forgiveness, and the older ones give them money. Then everyone sits at a festive table. For Muslims, Eid al-Fitr is an occasion to show their gratitude to Allah. During the holiday, the believers greet each other with the words “Bayram mubarek olsun” (Happy holiday!).
Eid al-Fitr lasts 3 days.
The islamic calendar is built on the lunar annual cycle. Every year the holidays change their occurrence by 10 days ahead. Their celebration is not fixed with an exact date or season. Central to this calendar are the two holy feast for Muslims – Eid al-Fitr (Ramazan Bayram) and Eid al-Adha (Kurban Bayram).
