Eid al-Fitr, is one of the Islamic events dated in the calendar of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Muslims all over the world also celebrate the occasion of completing the fasting month of Ramadan and paying zakat al-Fitr. The Saudi government includes a holiday within the list of official state holidays for Ramadan.
Eid al-Fitr prayer
The first day of Eid al-Fitr is the only day in the month of Shawwal on which Muslims do not fast in celebration of Eid. Both Eids of Al-Fitr and Al-Adha include the Eid prayer and khutba. This prayer is peculiar to Islamic Eids and consists of two Rakats generally performed in open halls or large mosques, with additional Takbirs. The Islamic ruling on Eid al-Fitr prayer differs from the rulings on Tarawih prayer in Ramadan and the obligatory regular prayers as it is an obligation of sufficiency, performed only by a major group of Muslims.
Eid al-Fitr holiday
Eid Al Fitr is celebrated for one to three days, and its holiday begins according to the Hijri calendar on the 25th of Ramadan and lasts until the 5th of Shawwal, with an estimated duration of 10 days to two weeks. In addition, every year within the official holiday of Eid Al Fitr, non-essential government offices are closed, education is suspended, and the majority of private sector employees get paid leave.
Celebrating Eid Al-Fitr
Eid is celebrated all over the Kingdom, and Al-Fitr celebrations and festivals may culturally differ in the Kingdom according to the region. However, they all share rituals of generosity and hospitality.
Saudi Traditions in Eid
Among the common Saudi traditions during Eid al-Fitr is the family gathering in big family homes after the Eid prayer for the Iftar meal which is referred to locally as “Eid Breakfast”. Young children also line up in front of each adult family member to give them a financial gift presented to them as what is called there as "Eidiya". In the social and media context, expressions of congratulations are common among all citizens, the most official of which is the phrase "Happy New Year" or the local expressions such as "Eid Mubarak", "Your Eid is back" and "May your blessings be with you".
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