by Caroline Fynn

Created on: September 03, 2009   Last Updated: September 04, 2009

The ninth month of the Islamic calendar is known as Ramadan, the holiest month of the year in which the fasting, known as sawm, takes place. Eid-ul-fitr is the term used by Muslims worldwide to celebrate the end of the holy month of Ramadan. It signifies the feast that ends the month of fasting and the celebrations continue for three days.

In the United Kingdom, preparations for Eid-ul-fitr begin approximately one week before the actual celebration. This is due to the large number of guests that will visit any given household during this period. Food is always plentiful; therefore, there is much shopping and advance preparation of food to be done, and Muslim shops often remain open on a twenty-four hour basis during the build up to the holiday.

As part of the celebrations, Muslims make and display an array of decorations within their households, shops, and various businesses. Gifts are exchanged and cards sent to friends and family members who will not be together during the festivities.

Traditionally, the start of Eid-ul-fitr is signified by the call to prayer from the mosque; however, in the United Kingdom there are many districts where this does not occur. Muslims normally receive word from the radio, television and telephone calls, and it is at this moment that the celebrations begin. The fast is broken with a small meal, usually consisting of dates and dried fruit with a glass of juice or milk and sometimes mint tea.

Following the small meal, Muslims will then visit the mosque to attend the prayer and, in areas where there is a large Muslim population, the streets are packed with people in high spirits. There is much laughter and good cheer, kissing, hugging and hand shaking, and the calling out of the customary greeting "Eid Mubarrak" among one another.

A large meal is eaten around noon and this can continue for some length of time when vast numbers of guests continue to arrive. Following on from this, many Muslims spend time in contemplation remembering friends and loved ones who have passed away.

On each of the three days of Eid-ul-fitr the gathering of friends and family, general entertainment, fun, and firework displays continue until late at night.

A three-day holiday is the norm within Muslim countries, but in the United Kingdom, Muslim children are generally given only one day away from school. Some work places are now becoming aware of the importance of the celebration and Muslim employees may be granted leave; however, many are still required to attend work during this period. This can create difficulty for those celebrating Eid-ul-fitr, as many will have to rise early for work following the late night entertainments, although the vast majority of Muslims remain in good spirits and tend not to complain.

Let's hope that we see more places of employment within the UK acknowledge the importance of Eid-ul-fitr and grant Muslims their much deserved holiday following the strict fasting regime during the month of Ramadan.

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