Happy Eid

Eid ul fitar; a Muslim religious festival celebrated after holy month of Ramadan. Its definition and description is long but worldly meanings are ‘happiness which will return’. 

Hence this happiness returned this year as promised by Allah. This year it began in the evening of 18^th August but in my end of world it began on evening of 19^th August and is still on with its colors.

Eid starts from sight of moon on 29^th or 30^th of Ramadan. One can not see it just like that. In 24 years of my life I claim to have seen it only thrice! But I remember those three occasions very clearly because they were fervor.

Eid is widely marked with its tokens. Especially for females, no matter what age group they belong to, they get up and dress. At sight of moon they paint Mehindi ‘Henna’ on their hands.

The most important token are bangles ‘chooriyan’

Shopping of Eid! Though I can not stand over crowded markets but people who visit markets on Chaand Raat;  the night when moon is sighted, enjoy markets a lot! With last minutes shopping.

I love morning of eid, after waking and dressing up. I wait for male members of my family to return home from Eid ki Namaz. Afterwards having a breakfast which comprises of Sheer khorma; vermicelli cooked in milk and sugar with loads of dry fruits.

The recipes my mom makes has been running in family since time of my great-great-grandmother three removed!

Above image is of sweet called Imarti!!!!  I am completely mad about his one! It tastes heavens!

People around world make different sweets on this day. They have their own specialities. Because of these special sweet delicacies, this eid is also referred as Sweet ‘Meethi’ Eid.

In childhood, mom used to buy us purse for collection of Eiddi, a present in form of money (I used to buy glittery ones always). 

Though I do not buy purse for it now but it is something I really look forward to! Because these are what you call blessings of Eid! Meeting relatives! Family members visiting, for lunches, dinners, snacks or sometimes in rush only to share a bowl of Sheer Khorma.

Today is second day of Eid. It is almost over and I am already looking forward to next Ramadan. For another blessed month and festive Eid.

Ramadan Karim

Ramadan, 9^th month is Islamic calendar, reserved for observing fast through out 29 or 30 days.

From dawn till dusk all Muslims observing fast are to abstain from food, drink and all immoral deeds. The holy month of Ramadan is followed by Eid-Ul-Fitar, a Muslim festival.

Holy Quran was revealed on Hazrat Mohammad (S.A.W) in this blessed month. 

This month is the most peaceful month in all, though it asks to refrain from food and drink, but only for a very short time.

Ramadan is much more than not only eating and drinking, it is time for spiritual reflection. As this month is about to come to end, hence Eid will follow it. A festival to rejoice, to wear best, eat best and act best. But Holy month of Ramadan will be missed for many days which are to come.

The best part of this month is the change it offers. A change in routine, moods, eating habits and sleep timings. This is the change most of us call for, something which we do not do rest of year, something reserved for this month only. Most brilliant experience about Ramadan is peace it encloses, the bizarre and vague feeling of harmony. This month is about to end, only one more day to go but for tranquility of soul my I want it to stay.

Two main components of Ramadan are Sahar and Iftar. Sahar is waking up before dawn for pre-meal of Fast. Iftar is breaking of fast, which is done at sunset. Families gather to consume these two meals together. Food habits of Muslims around world vary but all Muslims give preference to breaking fast with dates.

 The beautiful experience of Fast is truly availed when whole families do it together and take part in special preparations for Sahar and Iftar.

Poor and needy ones are never forgotten, people donate modestly for their food. A good example of it can be seen in any mosque around this planet, which is laden with food for unfortunates at fast breaking time. 

This is true essence of Ramadan, people of all sects sit together to break fast at time of Maghrib prayer. Travelers stop their journeys and break fast with people who are strange to them but are bonded with a spiritual delight.

In Pakistan, special arrangements are made. Shopkeepers and vendors put stall in front of their shops, offering unique delicacies of Ramadan.

This month asks avoiding activities with which we indulge in routine but it is not at all difficult. Allah makes this easier for us but answering all prayers and by cleansing our soul of negativity and evil.

Ramadan is time for reflection; it helps to connect body with soul. This arrangement works best for me and so for all Muslims on this planet. Ramadan is a complete month, only if an individual to know right ways to avail its bounties.

I find following link highly fascinating, hats off to the photographer. 

http://www.theatlantic.com/infocus/2012/08/ramadan-2012/100354/

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/photo/2011-09/01/c_131087596.htm