by Elisabeth Mcgrath

Created on: August 30, 2009   Last Updated: January 17, 2010

The country from which Muslim families in Australia originated continues to have an affect on how family celebrations unfold for Eid-ul-Fitr. In some places, the day is referred to simply as Eid or Bayram and commences with the first sunrise following the fasting month of Ramadan.

Dawn Traditions

Parents and children don their best clothing to greet the day with elegance and color. People living in areas where they have Muslim neighbors, go up and down their street to knock on doors and windows to make sure everyone is awake.

All male adults attend the Mosque for the day's first prayers and in some families, wives and children also attend. In others, mothers and children stay at home to prepare a special breakfast to mark the first post-Ramadan meal.

The repast usually consists of the sweetest dishes to signify the blessings received from faithful observance of Ramadan.

The Day's Activities

Primarily a day for fun, relaxation and family gatherings, older people will stay at home to await the visits of their children and grandchildren. Their offspring are greeted with light, inevitably sweet, refreshments. These offerings are served in small portions because the families will be visiting other relatives throughout the day with similar hospitality extended to them.

Not all children will receive the small gifts or coins that have become traditional in some Islamic communities. But they all revel in the chance to wear their new and best clothes and are generally swept up in the excitement of the day.

Large Family Gatherings

Instead of going from home to home visiting relatives, some families congregate with all their extended families and friends in a local theme park. Here children can enjoy themselves on rides while their elders catch up with news and unpack picnic treats.

Other families will have reserved large areas in a park or reserve for picnics and barbecues. Oftentimes, these festivities will include musicians providing a joyful and noisy background. Games are organized for the children and their shouts and laughter reverberate through the treetops.

When Eid-ul-Fitr Falls on a Week Day

Muslim schools are closed for the day and those attending public schools will be excused for their religious celebration. Working adults will long-previously have applied for an annual leave day. Those who work in essential services are still able to participate in some of the activities which, after all, start at dawn and proceed well into the night.

Zakat (alms)

Eid-ul-Fitr is a day for further reflection on the blessings received from helping one's fellowman with charitable donations. An acceptable recipient of Zakat could be a friend, relative, neighbour or stranger who lacks the wherewithal to celebrate the day with new clothing and festive food. Knowing that theirs was the hand that distributed God's bounty adds another dimension to a day already filled with goodwill.

Australian Muslims approach Eid-ul-Fitr in a spirit of thankfulness for having successfully completed the observances of Ramadan. They have fulfilled their obligations and duties, done all that was required and happily look forward to the next Ramadan.

Acknowledgment

The writer is grateful to the staff of St. Joseph's Hospital Auburn, in Sydney for sharing their traditions and their thoughts. And, as usual, for sharing their baklava.

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