What is Ramadan and Eid
What is Ramadan?
Ramadan is a month of fasting and abstinence from what is considered impure for the mind and body.
Food, water and impure thoughts between sunrise and sunset
Allowing Muslims to focus on prayer and connecting with Allah (SWT)
It allows Muslims to understand what it is like for the poor and teaches them self-discipline.
Ramadan dates change every year, this is because Islam uses a calendar based on the moon.
During Ramadan
During Ramadan, muslims have a meal known as suhoor, just before dawn and another directly after sunset, iftar. Iftar is also known as the time at which muslims break their fast.
Almost all muslims try to give up bad habits during Ramadan.
It is a spiritual time for prayer and good deeds.
Some muslims even attempt to read the whole Quran during Ramadan.
Ramadan is then celebrated by Eid after the last day of Ramadan, also known as Eid ul-Fitr.
What is Eid?
Eid is a celebration that takes place twice a year, once at the end of Ramadan and then again, a month later.
Eid is a celebration where muslims dress up in new clothes, eat delicious food, give gifts and spend time with family and loved ones.
Eid day usually started with going to the Mosque for Eid prayer, then coming home to spend the day with family and loved ones.
Some families will host a big, beautiful breakfast with a modest feast in the evening. Other families will host a big dinner with their family.
Eid is a time where everyone gets together to appreciate what God has blessed them with.
You’ll commonly hear “Happy Eid” or “Eid Mubarak” which means blessed Eid.
Eid ul-Fitr
The end of Ramadan is marked by a big celebration called ‘Eid Ul-Fitr’
Muslims are not only celebrating the completion of Ramadan but also thanking Allah for the strength he gave them throughout the month.
During Eid-ul Fitr, muslims dress up in their best clothes, give gifts to and spend time with their friends and family.
Muslims also give to charity on the day of Eid.
Eid ul-Adha
Eid ul-Adha is a celebration of sacrifice.
On this Eid, muslims remember the prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son when God ordered him to.
This Eid is normally 1 month after the first Eid (after Ramadan).
In some countries, Muslims sacrifice a sheep or goat and then the meat is shared equally between family, friends and the poor.
Muslims celebrate Eid ul-Adha on the last day of Hajj, which is the Islamic pilgrimage to Makkah in Saudi Arabia.
Conclusion
Ramadan and both Eid’s are very important times to Muslims. Brands who want to build good rapport with their Muslim audience, should do something authentic and different to mark these events.
