Muslims Across The Globe Set To Adapt For Eid al-Fitr 2020

Muslims will be saying farewell to Ramadan and celebrating the festival Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of the month-long dawn-to-sunset fasting of Ramadan. Eid al-Fitr is also called the "Festival of Breaking the Fast".

Eid al-Fitr will depend on the sighting of the crescent moon (a day after the new moon). Muslims have to wait until the evening before Eid to verify its date. Some Muslims will wait for clarification from Saudi religious authorities and follow the Saudi Eid day, which could be Saturday, May 23rd, or Sunday, May 24th.

Like many Muslims this year Eid al-Fitr 2020 will be one like no other. Muslims living in our region are adapting to the suspension of Eid prayers in the Mosque as not being able to visit family and friends. Muslims would usually congratulate one another after Eid prayers, saying Eid Mubarak (Happy Eid) with a hug and shaking hands. They would spend the day visiting relatives and neighbours, tasting the wonderful food from house to house as they move around.

Sweet rice and vermicelli

Henna tattoo

Everyone prepares for Eid prayers by bathing and dressing in new clothes. Women and girls usually decorate their hands with Henna.

Children are offered gifts and money to celebrate Eid. The excitement of visiting local shops and purchasing sweets, sharing with your friends with so much enthusiasm was always rewarding as a child.

Coconut balls

While this year Eid prayers in Mosques have been cancelled, due to the coronavirus pandemic, Muslims will be praying at home instead of going to the Mosque.

Visiting families will be according to government advice and keeping social distance. This will be difficult for many families who are struggling to understand the messages, challenging many mentally.

Some Muslim families are also having to confront and encourage family members to keep to the guidelines.

Although Eid is a time to celebrate, currently it is a very difficult time for all and many Muslims will be reflecting on the present situation and praying for everyone’s safety.

Wishing all Muslims a Happy Eid - Eid Mubarak

Here are links to some of the special, delicious dishes my mum always prepared for Eid

Sweet rice and vermicelli https://www.amaali.co.uk/sweet-rice-and-vermicelli Sweet dish - Coconut balls https://www.amaali.co.uk/coconut-balls

Traditional dish of pilau rice with lamb chops https://www.amaali.co.uk/mutton-pilau-rice