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Islam social structures
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Social Structure in Islam: Eid al-Fitr
Background of Eid al-Fitr
Eid al-Fitr:
Background information
Eid-al Fitr is a three day festival celebrated in Islamic society. Its name translates to "festival of breaking the fast" and marks the end of the fasting month of Ramadan. Every year, Muslims celebrate this day on different dates based on the Islamic calendar. Annually, Ramadan, the ending of the fasting observance in Eid al-Fitr falls about 11 days earlier than the previous year.
Pictures
Figure 1: A picture of the Islamic community gathering near a Mosque
History of Eid al-Ftir
Eid al-Fitr:
History and Etymology
According to myths, it is believed that Eid al-Fitr originates back to the time Prophet Muhammad received the first revelation of the Qur-an. When he travelled to Medina for the first time, he saw numerous people rejoicing and having a bustling and colorful celebration, and was happy to see others sharing enjoyable moments with each other. Upon inquiring this occasion, someone told him that they are celebrating the conclusion of a month-long fasting observed by the people. Subsequently, Prophet Muhammad explained saying that Allah had set two days of celebration to his followers. These two days are recognized as 'Eid al-Fitr' and 'Eid al-Adha'. ·Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, and Muslims would celebrate and honor this event, to commemorate the revelation of the Qur'an to the Prophet Muhammad
Pictures
Figure 2: A picture of the Holy Book of Islam: Qu'ran
Figure 3: An image of two kids celebrating Eid al-Fitr near a Mosque
How is this Eid al-Fitr
expressed in Australia?
How is this event expressed?
· There are some integral aspects of Eid al-Fitr that are recognized all around the world. For instance, one of the five pillars is donating to charity, or partaking in Zakat.
During the Eid celebration, there is a specific charitable giving event called 'Zakat al-Fitr,' which usually takes place around the end of Ramadan, however it is advised that this is given out in advance, so those in need can also join in on this celebration. ·
Eid al-Fitr is a significant Islamic holiday for Muslim communities in Australia. Sheer khurma (dates cooked in milk) is a dish commonly consumed during this event, and is generally eaten in the morning of Eid al-Fitr. Many worshippers in Australia, would head to Mosques, where they complete their morning prayers.
How is Eid al-Fitr expressed in other countries?
· In addition to the traditional and widely-conducted activities of Eid, there are some special and unconventional ones in various countries. Some of these include in Afghanistan, where a well-known Eid activity is to paint hard boiled eggs and have a food fight with them, known as Tokhm-Jangi.
· The objective of Tokhm-Jangi is to break your opponent's while keeping yours undamaged and intact.
Pictures
Figure 5: A gathering of both adults and kids, playing 'Tokhm Jangi'
Figure 4: Eid al-Fitr celebration, Benevolence Australia
Christianity and Islam: Easter, Lent and Ramadan
· Ramadan is an Islamic holy month, where Muslims reflect spiritually, partake in communal prayers and practice self-restraint and abstain from pleasures including gossip and consuming food and water, from dusk to dawn.
· Easter is a Christian festivity, commemorating the resurrection of Jesus. For numerous people, Easter is less of a religious celebration and more of an opportunity to see family and friends, eat chocolate eggs and to take a break from school and work. However, those who do recognize the significance of this event, know that Easter is more than just a period between Good Friday and Good Sunday. In a time period of 40 days, from Ash Wednesday (a Christian holy day of prayer and fasting) to Easter, many Christians partake and observe Lent. Lent is a Christian event reflecting the 40 days Jesus fasted in the wilderness. Christians commemorate and honor this, through abstaining from particular things such as consuming meat and food.
Islamic and Christian events-Comparison
Easter, Lent and Ramadan- Similarities and Differences
Similarities and Differences
· Islam and Christianity both share differences and similarities in their sacred times and celebration. Ramadan and Lent similarly involve abstinence from certain things and fasting, and thereby both require and exemplify levels of self-discipline. These events are likewise treated as a period reflection and sacrifice. The idea of giving up something is correspondingly manifested in both Ramadan and Lent, as both religious celebrations involve donating to charity, to help those in need and become better versions of themselves.
· However, these religious events have some dissimilarities. Ramadan contains much more structure in regards how it is celebrated and expressed, and many of their activities are obligatory relative to Lent/Easter. Certain activities such as praying and fasting from dawn to sunset, are obligatory for Muslims in Ramadan. On the contrary, Christians partaking in Lent, have some freedom of choice in choosing what to abstain themselves from. Generally, those celebrating Easter have much more flexibility in how they would like to celebrate this festivity.
Quotes about Ei al-Fitr, from a Muslim
Quotes
Maswood Ahmed, a member of the Muslim Council of Britain, states that "Eid is a time of celebration after accomplishing one of the most important religious duties: fasting during the month of Ramadan". This quote describes Eid al-Fitr as celebratory and triumphant event, after successfully completing the big ceremonial fasting of Ramadan.. He continues by saying: “If you go out on the street now, strangers, anybody they come across they’ll hug them… The whole idea is that whoever you meet, you try and create a feeling of good will. Any feeling of animosity is put aside, at least for one day!” A volunteer from the Islamic Pillars of Guidance Community Centre (PGCC) named Abdulah Hamimi described Eid al-Fitr as "a time when communities come together, and a time to share, do good and provide warmth and comfort". These quotes evoke the notion that Eid al-Fitr is a providential opportunity for people to sacrifice and undertake good deeds for others, enabling Islamic communities to come to together, celebrate and share their love and enjoyment with each other. These aspects of this event, can consequently help those observing this event, become the better versions of themselves and bolster relationships within the Islamic community.
Bibliography
Bibliography
Eid al-Fitr 2017: Everything you need to know (2017, June 20). Aljazeera. https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2017/6/20/eid-al-fitr-2017-everything-you-need-to-know
How is Eid al-Fitr celebrated around the world? (n.d.). BBC. https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/z4cmkmn
Haider, T. (2019, June 5). Muslims celebrate Eid al-Fitr in Australia. SBS Urdu. https://www.sbs.com.au/language/english/muslims-celebrate-eid-al-fitr-in-australia
Eid-al-Fitr in Australia (n.d.). Aussie Digest. http://www.aussiedigest.com/society/eid-al-fitr.php
How to celebrate Eid-al-Fitr in Australia (2015, June 15). Hot Courses Abroad. https://www.hotcoursesabroad.com/study-in-australia/once-you-arrive/how-to-celebrate-eid-al-fitr-in-australia/
How Eid is celebrated around the world (n.d.). MSN. https://www.msn.com/en-au/news/photos/how-eid-is-celebrated-around-the-world/ss-BBD3LCS?viewall=true
What is Eid al-Adha and how is it celebrated? (2020, July 31). Aljazeera. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/7/31/what-is-eid-al-adha-and-how-is-it-celebrated
Eid ul Adha in Australia (n.d.). Time and Date. https://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/australia/eid-al-adha#:~:text=Many%20Muslims%20are%20united%20in,another%20and%20celebrate%20feasts%20together.&text=Some%20Muslims%20in%20Australia%20may,Adha%20to%20make%20this%20pilgrimage
Lent and Ramadan – More Similar Than You Think? (n.d.). Ummah Sonic. https://ummahsonic.com/lent-ramadan-similar-think/