Eid Al-Fitr is here! A celebratory period for all the Muslims around the world on the first 3 days of the Islamic month of Shawwal, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan during which Muslims all over the world fast from dawn until sunset. Aren’t you excited for this year’s Eid Al-Fitr? Well, so are we- so, let’s dive into the details of this special occasion and how you can celebrate it this year in Dubai.
Eid Al-Fitr is expected to take place from April 21st or 22nd this year, subjected to the crescent moon sighting on the eve of the 3-day long festivities. As the new moon appears in the sky, Muslims celebrate Eid al-Fitr, which literally means the “festival of breaking the fast.” On the morning of Eid, Muslims wake up early, take a bath, wear new clothes, and head to the mosque for special Eid prayers. After the prayers, people hug and greet each other with the traditional greeting of “Eid Mubarak” which means “blessed Eid.”
The festival is also a time of feasting, and families and friends gather together to enjoy delicious food and sweets. Some of the popular dishes served during Eid include biryani, samosas, kebabs, and sweet dishes like seviyan, which is a sweet vermicelli pudding. These dishes are renowned in the South Asia countries, most Muslims opt for festive traditional dishes specific to their culture.
In addition to food, giving gifts is also an important part of the Eid celebrations. Children are especially excited about this, as they receive money or gifts from their elders. This is known as “Eidi”, and it is given as a token of love and affection. But remember, Eid al-Fitr is not only a time for celebration and feasting but also a time for reflection and gratitude. It is a time to thank Allah for his blessings and to seek forgiveness for any wrongdoings.
Before Eid Al-Fitr, every Muslim needs to pay their obligatory dues to the poor. This year, the UAE Fatwa council has decided that the amount to be paid by an individual is AED 25; so, if you are paying on behalf of your family, you need to pay AED 25 for every individual in your household. You can either pay this amount to the poor and needy or to registered organizations around the country.
One of the perks of spending Eid in Dubai is the free parking! Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced free parking hours for Eid Al Fitr 2023 for four days from Thursday until Saturday. UAE celebrations are never complete without a spectacular display of fireworks lighting up the sky and this Eid is no different. You can watch the fireworks in various locations including Riverland Dubai, Global Village and Bluewaters Island on Saturday 22nd April.
Spend this blessed Eid with your loved ones, meet your extended relatives and friends, feast with a range of delicacies, don’t miss your prayers and remember your takeaways from Ramadan, take advantage of the variety of brunch offers in Dubai- and just remember to enjoy this celebration to the fullest.
From the team of StudentsEra, we wish you and your loved ones a prosperous and blessed Eid Al-Fitr. Eid Mubarak!
