Your Pocket Eid al-Fitr Dictionary

by Ashas Bukhari

Your Pocket Eid al-Fitr Dictionary

27 Mar 2024

As the holy month of Ramadan comes to a close, Muslims around the world eagerly await the joyous occasion of Eid al-Fitr. This festive day marks the end of fasting and is celebrated with prayers, feasting, and exchanging gifts. Here is a pocket dictionary of some essential Eid-related terms to help you show off your knowledge to all your friends.

Eid al-Fitr. Translating to the "Festival of Breaking the Fast," Eid al-Fitr is a significant religious holiday celebrated by Muslims worldwide, marking the end of Ramadan. It is a three-day long festival known as the “Lesser” or “Smaller Eid”.

Eid bazaar. Markets bustling with activity in the days leading up to Eid, offering a wide range of goods from clothing to decorations to food items.

Eid Mubarak. A common phrase exchanged among Muslims on Eid day, it means "Blessed Eid".

Eid Sa'id. Another greeting that Muslims commonly exchange, meaning "Happy Eid".

Eid Salah. Special congregational prayers are held in the morning on the day of Eid al-Fitr, usually in an open space or mosque.

Eidi. Gifts, usually money, given to children by elders as a token of love and blessings on Eid day.

Henna. A black dye prepared by drying and powdering the leaves of the Henna tree. It is used by Muslim women for decorative purposes on Eid.

Kandura. A long, and usually white robe worn by men in the UAE and Gulf regions.

Majlis. A community hall hosted by prominent members of the Muslim community.

Sadaqah. Voluntary charity given by Muslims as a gesture of goodwill, often extended generously during Ramadan and Eid.

Takbir. The Arabic phrase "Allahu Akbar," meaning "God is the greatest," recited frequently during Eid prayers and throughout the festivities.

Zakat al-Fitr. Also known as Fitrana, it is a form of charity given to the poor before the Eid prayers. It is obligatory for every Muslim who possesses the means to do so.

by Ashas Bukhari