Ramadan is a month on the Islamic calendar during which Muslims detach from worldly pleasures, dawn-to-dusk fasting and nightly feasts.
Muslims are also forbidden from having sexual contact and engaging in other sinful behaviour.
It is a sacred month for Muslims because it is believed that the Holy Qu’ran was revealed to mankind through Prophet Muhammad.
Eid al-Fitr means "festival of breaking the fast.” It begins after a new moon is sighted. However, in the event that the moon is not sighted, Ghanaian authorities have declared Wednesday July 6 as a holiday.
In some countries, Eid al Fitr is a three or two day holiday.
During this time, Muslims flock to their mosque for morning prayers after which they spend time with their family and friends wish one another ‘Eid Mubarak.’
The date for the celebration of Eid al-Fitr varies every year. This is because Islam follows the lunar calendar. And in the lunar calendar, there is not a set of amount of days. The lunar calendar reflects the cycle of the moon.
Muslims put on their finest clothes on this day.In the morning, they congregate in mosques or large parks to observe a special prayer called Salat al-Eid, and have breakfast.
They thank Allah for strength, will, health and endurance during Ramadan. They no longer have to fast as they did in Ramadan.
After the Morning Prayer, they spend time wishing one another ‘Eid Mubarak’ or ‘Blessed Eid’ and also give exchange food and gifts with their neighbours.
Children often receive new clothes and gifts.
The celebration goes on up to three days and it is an official holiday in some countries.
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