Eid ul-Fitr is one of the most important festivals for Muslims worldwide and people have unique Eid-ul-Fitr traditions worldwide. It marks the end of the Holy month of Ramadan when Muslims fast from dawn to dusk. In this article, we will explore how Muslims celebrate Eid in various countries and the customs and traditions they follow to make this day special.

Celebrations may differ slightly for different regions, countries, households, and even what type of Islam you practice. For instance, countries in South-East Asia have slightly different Eid traditions to countries in the Middle East. While rituals or prayers for those who practice Sunni Islam differ to those who practice Shia Islam.

As things begin to slowly return to normal, Eid celebrations this year will be in full force. Not only is it the first time in almost two years that Eid can take place in person, it may also be the first time in a long time for many that they can go to the Mosque for prayers, attend parties, and make house visits.

We know how big a part food plays when it comes to Eid. This is not just because it signifies the end of fasting for 30 long days but also because it’s a time for families to reunite and gather. In most regions, countries and communities, sweets and desserts are the most popular treats during this time. That’s why Eid al-Fitr is often referred to as the Sugar Feast in many countries. Common desserts include baklava, Turkish delight, dates, halwa, honey and date cookies, and more.

Eid in the United Arab Emirates

Eid is a grand affair in the United Arab Emirates, where the day begins with prayers in mosques and the greeting of ‘Eid Mubarak.’ People dress up in new clothes, exchange gifts, and distribute sweets to neighbors and friends. The traditional Emirati dish ‘Eid al-Fitr breakfast’ is a must-have, consisting of balaleet, a sweet vermicelli dish, and luqaimat, small dumplings dipped in date syrup.

Eid in Turkey

In Turkey, Eid Al Fitr is also known as Seker Bayram which means the Sugar Feast. The country has a tradition of referring to all nationally celebrated festivals as “bayram”. The revels of Eid Bayram are mixed with nationwide traditions. Turkish usually address one another with “Bayraminiz mübarek olsun” (“May your Bayram be blessed”)or “Bayraminiz kutlu olsun” (“May your Bayram be blessed”). Mutlu Bayramlar (“Happy Bayram”) is also another statement for rejoicing in the festivities. Following the prayers and family gatherings, children usually receive a range of Turkish delights. The celebrations end with people meeting, greeting, and celebrating the joyous occasion with their near and dear ones.

Eid in Pakistan

Eid is celebrated with great fervor and enthusiasm in Pakistan. The day starts with offering prayers in mosques, followed by the greeting of ‘Eid Mubarak.’ People dress up in new clothes, exchange gifts, and distribute sweets to friends and neighbors. One of the traditional dishes of Pakistan that is made during Eid is Biryani, a rice-based dish made with meat or vegetables and served with raita, a yogurt-based sauce.

Eid in Indonesia

In Indonesia, Eid is called ‘Hari Raya,’ and the day begins with the offering of prayers in mosques and the greeting of ‘Selamat Hari Raya.’ Family and friends come together to celebrate, and traditional Indonesian sweets like Kolak and Lapis Legit are exchanged. A spicy meat dish made with coconut milk called ‘Rendang’ is prepared, which is a traditional Indonesian dish.

Eid in Singapore

Singapore isn’t a Muslim majority country but has many ties to its neighbouring nation of Malaysia, which does have a Muslim majority population. So, naturally celebrations do occur in this South-East Asian cosmopolitan, but more so in the district of Geylang Serai.

Unlike most Muslim countries from around the world, Eid is not a common term. Rather, in Singapore and in Malaysia, it’s referred to as Hari Raya or Hari Raya Aidilfitri, which means something similar but in the Malay language. The celebrations begin at the same time as Eid but will last a little bit longer and include many night markets, bazaars, and great food and treats on offer.

While there are a few differences on how Eid, or rather, Hari Raya, is celebrated in Singapore, what remains is the emphasis on family gatherings and spending quality time with each other.

Eid in Bangladesh

Eid is celebrated with great excitement in Bangladesh, where the day begins with offering prayers in mosques and the greeting of ‘Eid Mubarak.’ People dress up in new clothes, exchange gifts, and distribute sweets to friends and neighbors. A sweet vermicelli dish called ‘Semai’ is prepared, which is a traditional dish of Bangladesh.

Eid in Saudi Arabia

Eid celebrations in Saudi Arabia are very similar to the rest of their neighbouring nations in the Middle East. After special Eid prayers, family and friends tend to gather with the children to enjoy traditional feasts of mugalgal, spiced lamb with tomatoes; jareesh, ground wheat mixed with meat and spices; and many, many sweet treats. Some of the desserts on offer include honey and date cookies; another nod to why Eid is often referred to as the Sugar Feast, or more specifically in this region, as Sweet Eid.

With all the sweetness on menus, it’s no surprise that Eid is a joyous time especially for children. But even more so because children in Saudi Arabia are often given Eidia gifts. These can include money, new clothes, toys, and more goodies.

On the first night of Eid, people celebrate by going out in their finest, new clothes to see the fireworks and wish those in their community Eid Mubarak. In contrast, another unique tradition includes leaving large quantities of rice and other food items outside the gates of those less fortunate as a way to give back and ensure they too, can celebrate.

Eid in Egypt

In Egypt, Eid is a three-day public holiday and begins early in the morning on the first day with traditional prayers.

In Egypt, Eid is called ‘Eid El-Fitr,’ and the day begins with offering prayers in mosques and the greeting of ‘Eid Mubarak.’ People dress up in new clothes, exchange gifts, and distribute sweets to friends and neighbors. A sweet biscuit made with butter, sugar, and flour called ‘Kahk’ is a traditional dish of Egypt.

The old and young often reap the most during this joyous time as on the first day, families will make it a point to visit elderly family members and spend quality time with them. On the other hand, young children will receive a little money from all of those who are older than them. Wish you were a kid again? We do too.

Instead of family gatherings occurring just at home, Egyptians enjoy heading out to parks, gardens, and even zoos to enjoy the festivities with those in their local community.

Eid in Morocco

In Morocco, Eid is called ‘Aid El Fitr,’ and the day begins with offering prayers in mosques and the greeting of ‘Sbaah El Khair.’ People dress up in new clothes, exchange gifts, and distribute sweets to friends and neighbors. A sweet honey-soaked pastry called ‘Shebakia’ is a traditional dish of Morocco.

Eid in North Africa

In North Africa, there are special desserts prepared for Eid such as sfenj (Moroccan doughnuts) or kahk (Egyptian cookies). In central African nations like Chad and Cameroon, celebrations involve drumming and dancing which can last for days!

Conclusion

In conclusion, Eid is celebrated with great enthusiasm and joy in different countries worldwide, where the customs and traditions vary. Regardless of the variations, Eid is a time for family, friends, and community, and a time to celebrate the end of Ramadan and the blessings of Allah. May the spirit of Eid bring happiness and peace to all Muslims worldwide.

Also, you can check out 10 Ramadan Fitness Equipment to get fit this Ramadan before Eid.