Eid ul-Fitr, is a Muslim holiday that marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting. Eid is an Arabic word meaning "festivity", while Fiṭr means "breaking the fast". The holiday celebrates the conclusion of the 29 or 30 days of dawn-to-sunset fasting during the entire month of Ramadan. On the last day of Ramadan after sunset, people start sighting the crescent moon. As soon as the moon is spotted the celebrations for the Eid-ul-fitr begin for all the Muslims.  Eid-ul-Fitr is the time when Muslims send their warm wishes to their dear ones and offer gifts that can brighten their days and bring a smile to their faces.

In Cape Town, hundreds of Muslims will gather at Green Point in the evening of the last day of Ramadan each year for the sighting of the moon. The gathering brings together people from all walks of life, and everyone comes with something to share with others at the time of breaking the fast.  The Maghrib (sunset) prayer is then performed in congregation and the formal moon-sighting results are announced thereafter.

The festival of Eid ul-Fitr is celebrated by first attending the mosque in the morning for Eid prayer. This is followed by visiting relatives and neighbours. Children receive presents and money from elder members of the family, relatives and neighbours. Most people wear new clothes with bright colours, while biscuits, cakes, samoosas, pies and tarts are presented to visitors as treats. Lunch is usually served in large family groups.

The most common greeting is "Eid Mubarak" (Blessed Eid) so don’t forget to wish all your Muslim friends and colleagues, and maybe a good wish and an Eid gift will guarantee an invitation to an Eid celebration next year. I love the idea of all those bright colours, cakes and samoosas.

To our many Muslim clients and friends:

“May the choicest blessing of Allah fill your life with joy and prosperity.

EID MUBARAK”

written by Jackie West-Evans owner of Country Flowers " Living my Dream"