A Unique Celebrations
Eid is a special occasion for many people living in Saudi Arabia, with the start of the month of Ramadan being marked by the sighting of the Eid moon. This is the time when families and friends gather and celebrate the occasion with much joy and happiness. As the fasting month of Ramadan comes to an end, the sighting of the Eid moon marks the start of the three-day festival of Eid.
Residents of Saudi Arabia become excited when the Eid moon is sighted each year as it marks the official start of festivities. Every year on the day the Eid moon is sighted, many Muslims in Saudi Arabia take to the streets with the intention to do ‘qadha’ i.e. make up for the prayers missed during Ramadan. After prayers, people hug each other and exchange wishes of Eid Mubarak.
The sighting of the Eid moon is done with great enthusiasm and anticipation of the coming days. The moon sighting is conducted by people known as the ‘mullahs’ or religious experts. They use telescopes and their expertise to spot the Eid moon in the sky.
The moon sighting is an important tradition in the world of Islam. An important point to note is that the sighting of the moon does not happen in all areas of Saudi Arabia at the same time. It is very much dependent on the geographical location of the area, sort of like stating a time-zone difference between Indian and Africa. Therefore, it is important to perform the moon sighting according to local standards. This is what makes Eid celebrations in Saudi Arabia unique.
In Saudi Arabia, each year the moon sighting is determined using scientific calculations and astronomical calculations based on the cycle of the moon. By taking these two factors into account, the experts make their judgment on the day the Eid moon should be sighted. Thus, the Eid moon will have various sightings in different parts of the country.
The Eid moon is also a reminder for Muslims of past times when the custom of sighting the moon each month was practiced to mark the Islamic religious festivals and holidays. Thus, the sighting of the Eid moon has been observed for centuries and is an important part of the celebrations in Saudi Arabia.
A Live Broadcast and Discussion Among Muslims
When the Eid moon is sighted in Saudi Arabia, people gather in huge numbers at the holy mosques. The sight of the Eid moon is celebrated with much vigor and joy with people engaging in activities and sharing gifts and food. For those not present at the holy mosque, the moon sighting is broadcasted live on TV and via the Internet, thus allowing Muslims residing in Saudi Arabia to view the moon sighting from the comfort of their homes.
Apart from physical appearances, there is also much discussion that takes place online amongst Muslims around the world as regards the sighting of the Eid moon. Many people from far distant places communicate with each other to discuss and share their opinions on the particular sighting in their respective countries.
The live broadcast of the moon sighting has been a popular trend in the last few years. People in the Arab region can now watch the moon sighting from all parts of the world. This further adds to the joy of celebrating the occasion with friends and family from far places.
The live broadcast also helps in alleviating some of the doubts that Muslims may have about the authenticity of the sighting in their own country. People from other countries can observe and make a judgment on what is actually going on in another country. This helps to create a sense of unity among Muslims living in different countries.
The Day After The Moon Sighting
The day after the Eid moon is sighted is called ‘Eid al-fitr’ or the ‘Festival of the Breaking of the Fast’. It is also a time for Muslims to be in a state of prayer and contemplation. The day is marked by the exchange of gifts, families attending prayers at the mosques and having grand feasts to break their fasts. It is a time when people come together and exchange words of peace and goodwill.
On the day of Eid al-fitr, many people attend prayers in groups as it is a time for reunion and celebration. People embrace each other while exchanging their greetings and wish each other ‘Eid Mubarak’. It is an occasion of deep joy and happiness when families and friends reunite after a month of fasting.
The day is also important to thank God for giving Muslims an opportunity to fast and practice the principles of Islam. Muslims also thank their families and friends for their support and understanding in helping them to observe their fasts as well as continue to follow the teachings of Islam.
Special Dinners and Celebrations
The day of Eid al-fitr is marked by an exciting day of celebrations. Families gather in one place and prepare for the Eid dinner. Grand feasts are made for everyone to enjoy, with plenty of food to sample. The menu usually includes dishes from various countries. Different types of meat, rice dishes and much more can be seen in abundance in these celebrations. Sweets such as dates, halawa and jalebi are also included in the menu as it is a source of refreshment after a month of fasting.
Markets in Saudi Arabia become flooded with people buying new clothes for the occasion. New clothes are bought for family members and friends as a token of love and appreciation. Families get decorated with the best of decorations and serve traditional desserts such as lokum and kunafa. After dinner, many people go out for shopping or to spend their time in amusement parks.
Another popular activity is charity and this is done in the form of buying and distributing sweets, fruits, clothing, toys and books. It is a way of expressing thanks to God and thankfulness to Allah for all the blessings.
In all, the Eid moon sighting is an observance that instills a sense of joy and happiness among those living in Saudi Arabia. It is an occasion of joy and celebration and one that is looked forward to by people of all ages.
A Time for Reflections and Expressions of Gratitude
Eid al-fitr is also a time for reflection and personal growth. On this day, Muslims think about the Islamic teachings and how they can use them in their daily lives. It is also a day for Muslims to express their thanks and gratitude to God for all of His blessings and to those around them for their support and understanding during the period of fasting.
Muslims are encouraged to seek forgiveness from each other and make peace, rather than causing disputes or animosity. It is a time for Muslims to reflect on their spiritual and physical condition and think about ways to improve themselves in order to attain the pleasure of Allah. It is a time for Muslims to be in touch with nature and think about ways to save the environment and conserve its resources.
Eid al-fitr is followed by the three days of ‘al-eid’ or the ‘Festival of the Sacrifice’. This festival is celebrated by performing various religious rituals like ‘haj’ (pilgrimage) and ‘udhiya’ (sacrificial animal). This is a time when Muslims commemorate the hajj (sacred pilgrimage) to Mecca by offering prayers, charity and various other acts of kindness.
Lively Gatherings and Traditional Practices
Apart from the religious significance, Eid celebrations in Saudi Arabia include many cultural festivities. People from all around the country travel to cities like Jeddah, Riyadh and Medina to take part in the festivities. Every year the celebrations take on a different form, with people visiting each other’s homes, having large meals with family and friends and dancing to traditional tunes. Other activities such as camel races, horse rides and games like ‘kiswah’ are also part of the Eid festivities.
Eid al-fitr is also a time for making ‘qaad (dried dates) and ‘kolb (a sweet dough spiced with rose petals, cardamom, nuts, and coconut). It is believed that if consumed, this mixture will bring good health and a sound mind. ‘Sawanih’ is also an important dish cooked on this day. It is a porridge of boiled wheat mixed with spices, nuts and dried fruits.
For many local people, the celebration of Eid is an expression of love and a way to connect with one another. Eid is a time to share stories, laugh and simply enjoy each other’s company purely and unconditionally. It is a time to be in unity with the bigger community and forget about worldly matters for a short time.
Exchange of Gifts and Celebrations Around The World
Exchange of gifts, especially among family members, is also a part of Eid celebrations. Gifts like high-end perfumes, luxury watches, jewelry and sweets are popular among people as part of the celebrations. Traditional items like ‘qurans’, books and ‘hajjahs’ (a gift for a pilgrim) are also given as gifts.
Eid celebrations can be observed in various places around the world, depending on the region. At the same time, each country has its own ways of celebrating Eid. Muslims all over the world attach a lot of importance to the celebration of Eid al-fitr and it has come to become a universal celebration.
International campaigns and events are often organized to spread awareness about the importance of Eid al-fitr and to bring Muslims from all over the world together to celebrate the occasion. These campaigns are often focused on promoting the values of peace, brotherhood, and understanding, as well as raising funds for various causes.
Eid al-fitr is a special occasion that brings joy, peace and love in the hearts of the Muslims all around the world. It marks the end of a month of fasting and spiritual renewal and Muslims all around the world eagerly await the sighting of the Eid moon in Saudi Arabia, signifying the start of the Eid celebrations.
Conclusion
The sighting of the Eid moon in Saudi Arabia is a celebration that marks the end of the fasting month of Ramadan and is celebrated with great joy and happiness. The sight of the Eid moon is marked by grand feasts, lively gatherings, exchange of gifts and traditional practices and is observed by Muslims all around the world.
