Ramadan
(Sep. 13 – Oct. 13)
In
the Islamic religion, Ramadan is a month which all Muslims, besides elders
and little ones, fast
(abstain
from eating and drinking of any sort) from sunrise till sunset. This is
done to purify their souls because
they
are also to refrain from anger and other negative influences. Fasts are
also kept to better understand the hunger
people in poverty feel during
their
everyday lives. Also, during this time Muslims are to donate
2.5% of their
total wealth, their jewelry and cash not their house or other accessories,
to those less fortunate.
Eid
(Oct. 14)
On the last day of Ramadan, with the sighting of the crescent moon, the celebration
of Eid begins. Eid is a holiday
in which Muslims rejoice because they have
fasted and prayed and have done God’s bidding.
On the eve of Eid, families
and close friends get together and share their joy. Sweets are prepared for
the next day and
jewelry and clothing are picked out. All the girls put Henna
on their hands and homes are decorated.
On the day of Eid, families go out
to pray together and afterwards relatives are visited and embraced.
Sweets
are eaten and the adults give the young money as a way of congratulating them
on their fasting. Eid is a
holiday celebrated by ever Muslim. Festivals are
held to celebrate with others the joy of Eid.
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