Every year, Muslim families look forward to one of the greatest celebrations for every Muslim - Eid al-Fitr. Preparations for this momentous day begin a month before its arrival, and the expectation lasts throughout the year.
What is Eid al-Fitr - this is the holiday of breaking the fast, Idd al-Fitr, or Ramadan Bayram - in different languages it means the celebration of the end of the fast.
Fasting among Muslims is obligatory for observance by all sexually mature, mentally and physically he althy people. Muslims fast for a whole month, having the opportunity to break their fast only at night.
Fasting (uraza) for a faithful Muslim is an opportunity for spiritual purification, curbing one's passions and weaknesses, a manifestation of obedience to Allah and solidarity of the entire Islamic world with the distressed and suffering.
Uraza shows what the suffering of the hungry and the poor is, puts the poor and the rich on an equal footing and allows you to fight gluttony and weakness in relation to natural instincts.
Muslim fasting involves abstinence from all earthly passions of the human body during the day and the maximumzealous worship at night.
As the sun goes down, those who fast break their fast, inviting each other to their abundant tables and sharing a meal with the poor, travelers, the needy, friends and relatives. After the meal, families go to the mosque and stand long night prayers, read the holy book of Muslims - the Koran and pray for the forgiveness of sins and blessings for all people.
The end of the month of fasting is determined by the birth of a new moon. On this day, the holiday of Eid al-Fitr comes. The morning of the celebration begins with a prayer in the mosque, which is unable to accommodate such a large number of celebrants, but many believers willingly pray on the pavement and the parapet, wanting to share the joy and delight of unity and mutual harmony in the Muslim world on such a blessed day.
On this day, the poor are not forgotten either. Each family is required by Sharia law to prepare a gift in the form of food or money for the poor who do not have the means to celebrate. Thanks to generous alms, poor people also know what Eid al-Fitr is.
After the mosque, it is customary to visit parents and congratulate them. Islam says that Paradise is at the feet of mothers. Adult children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren go to the elderly with gifts and congratulations. They kiss their hands, ask for blessings and treat them to the best dishes. An overwhelming joy embraces the entire Muslim community.
The Russians clearly saw what Eid al-Fitr is last year. Muslims of all nationalities organized variousentertainment activities for adults and children. The mosques were full of worshipers, the squares were full of bright scarves and shiny beards oiled with Arabic incense. So on August 8, Uraza Bairam was held in many cities of Russia.
Special attention in Eid al-Adha is given to children. In Islam, it is believed that making a child happy is the greatest blessing. Rides, fireworks, free entertainment and lots of gifts are arranged for kids.
Now you know what Uraza Bayram is - a truly enchanting blessed spiritual holiday!
