Eid ul Fitr is the first of two Eid celebrations in the Islamic calendar, which marks the end of a 30 day fasting period called Ramadan. The moon is the guiding force for this calendar, which is around 11 days shorter than the solar calendar that the Christian faith uses to measure time, and is why you may have come across Eid at different times during the year and Muslims across the world fasting during different seasons.
To understand Eid is to understand Ramadan as a deeply spiritual time of abstention, spiritual intention and growth, giving charity and feeding yourself and others during the hours of sunset to sunrise. We believe in the purification of the soul through the decrease of physical pressures – not only eating and drinking, but also actions which feed the lower self – as this releases the body up to a higher state of being – one of optimum health, mental lucidity and a sense of trust in the Creator of each and all things. It’s no coincidence that fasting has been tipped as having many health benefits in many cultures and practices!
The sighting of the slither of the new moon marks the end of Ramadan, just as it marked the beginning, and is meant to be a moment of acknowledgement of the successes of the month. For myself, my husband and our three children all under 8, this culminates with the celebration being surrounded by family, rushing to good deeds, giving as much in charity as we can and remembering that the beauty and bounty we have around us is a privilege, particularly in a world where we have all witnessed devastating loss and pain in recent months.
This year we have paired down our aesthetic of Eid and big efforts for decorations and gift lists have been redirected toward discussions around the state of humanity, sharing ideas as to where we can lend our hand to help others and even the state of the inner self. As my older children are able to grasp abstract concepts a little more this year it has been a really beautiful way to hear and see their inner world, to connect together and to remember those who have had loss, or who we have lost, specifically my darling mother at the beginning of the year.
We have all felt her absence because surely where there is food prep there are women! Much in the spirit of her generosity and goodwill, I have gorgeous memories of carefree Eid celebrations with my brothers in traditional outfits praying in huge congregations and eating together with strangers. Our focus on feeding others and giving charity has been a lifeline for us this month and this Eid will follow suit – the children will have some small, thoughtful gifts – a sword and shield for him, a flower press and play silks for her, and a soft cuddle cloth for the baby, but I very much hope that their experience of the celebration will be about who we are and who we have, gratitude for the life we have being the biggest gift of all.
