^*^ Eid Al-Fitr 2005 ^*^

[Miss_Sweet]

WHAT IS IT?
Eid is a day of rejoicing that marks the end of the month of Ramadan, which is the ninth month in the Islamic lunar calendar. It is a celebration of month-long fasting, which is one of the five pillars, or fundamental obligations, in the religion of Islam.

WHEN IS IT?
Eid al-Fitr is celebrated on the first day of the month of Shawwal that follows Ramadan. In 2005, Ramadan begins at sundown Oct. 5 and ends with Eid al-Fitr, beginning at sundown Nov. 3 with celebrations continuing through Nov. 4.

WHO CELEBRATES IT?
Eid is celebrated by Muslims – followers of the faith of Islam. Currently the worldwide Muslim population is about 1.2 billion, with an estimated 7 to 10 million living in the United States.

Arab Americans live in all 50 states, but about one-third are concentrated in California, Michigan and New York. Another third are in the following seven states: Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Ohio, Texas, and Virginia.

The top four metropolitan areas for Arab Americans are Los Angeles County; Wayne and Oakland counties in Michigan; Brooklyn, N.Y.; and Cook County, Ill.

HOW IS IT CELEBRATED?
Eid is celebrated with much enthusiasm and fervor, and Muslims from all strata of life can be seen adorned in beautiful new clothes, visiting the mosques to attend Salatul Eid (Eid prayers). Greetings of "Eid Mubarak" or "A blessed Eid" are exchanged.

Eid celebrations include a congregational prayer and a sermon in the morning, followed by families and friends visiting each other, eating special meals, exchanging cards and gifts, and enjoying other festivities.

WHAT IS ITS HISTORY?
It is believed that the Qur’an was revealed during the month of Ramadan.

Coming with the new moon, Eid al-Fitr is a day of joy and thanksgiving. On this day, Muslims show their joy for the health, strength and opportunities of life, which Allah has given them to fulfill their obligations of fasting and other good deeds during the month of Ramadan.

It is considered unholy to fast on this day. It is also a day of forgetting old grudges and ill feelings towards others.

[Fairy]

Good info sweety :givefl;

[Aleena]

Thanks for sharing

[Miss_Sweet]

Thnx :givefl;