Eid Mubarak
Eid-ul-fitr marks the end of Ramadhan and the beginning of Shawwal. Eid is celebrated after the sighting of the new moon on the preceding nightfall. In Mauritius searching for the new moon is usually done at Albion.
While fasting, we eat or drink nothing, including water, from dawn to dusk. Fasting is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. All able Muslims take part in fasting as from the age of puberty (thanks to Rooks for this precision). If one has got health problems, fasting is not considered to be obligatory.
Fasting serves many purposes. While we are hungry and thirsty, we are reminded of the suffering of the poor. Fasting is also an opportunity to practice self-control and to cleanse the body and mind.
Ramadhan is a great philosophy, a gift of Islam to the rest of the world -- reminding not merely Muslims, but all people, of our mutual obligation to aid those who live with poverty and suffering. It reminds us that we must work together to build a more humane world.
During the month of Ramadhan, we are advised to pay zakaat, a sum of money which the rich gives to the poor to help alleviate poverty. In this new age, income tax serves the same purpose as zakaat. The shariah law as regards to the economy has just reached Mauritius through Islamic banking.
The way fasting is observed in Ramadhan is also used as a tool by many through ‘hunger strike’. Many have been able to make great power crack down by way of this tool. Even in Mauritius this tool has been used by many.
Childhood obesity is on the rise worldwide. Overweight children are at risk for and susceptible to diseases that were once only limited to adults (such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and other ailments). Fasting is a way to combat obesity. During other month one should keep in mind the following quote from the Qur’an S20,V81: "Eat of the good things We have provided for your sustenance, but commit no excess therein, Lest My Wrath should justly descend on you: and those on whom descends My Wrath do perish indeed!"
At Eid-ul-Fitr we dress in our finest clothes, give treats to children, and enjoy visits with friends and family.
Although charity and good deeds are at all times imperative in Islam, they have particular significance at the end of Ramadan.
Vermicel and briani are among the favourite dish on Eid.
Eid Mubarak to you all!:-)
posted by ahadoo @ 1:29 AM
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