Eid al-Fitr Holiday in Iraq

The Day:

Eid al-Fitr, also known as the "Festival of Breaking the Fast," is a significant religious holiday celebrated by Muslims worldwide. In Iraq, as in other Islamic countries, the date of Eid al-Fitr varies each year as it's determined by the sighting of the moon, marking the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting.

History:

Eid al-Fitr has been celebrated since the time of Prophet Muhammad. It was instituted after the victory of the Battle of Badr in 624 CE. The celebration is one of gratitude to Allah for providing strength and endurance during the preceding month of fasting.

Traditions:

On Eid al-Fitr, Iraqis follow several traditions similar to those observed by Muslims globally:

• Spiritual: The day begins with a special prayer called Salat al-Eid which is performed in large congregations. It's recommended that Muslims give Zakat al-Fitr (charity) before this prayer.
• Social: Families dress in new or their finest clothes and visit relatives and friends to exchange greetings and gifts. It's customary to forgive and seek forgiveness.
• Culinary: Special dishes are prepared for Eid in Iraqi households. Common treats include kleicha (a date-filled pastry), maamoul (stuffed shortbread cookies), and other sweets.
• Recreation: Children often receive Eidiyah (money or gifts) from elders. Parks, public places, and entertainment venues become lively spots for families to enjoy outings.

What People Do:

On this day, people engage in various activities:

• Performing communal prayers
• Visiting graveyards to pay respects to deceased family members
• Sharing festive meals with family and friends
• Giving charity to those in need
• Participating in funfair activities especially set up for Eid celebrations

The atmosphere across Iraq during Eid al-Fitr is generally joyous, with a strong emphasis on community bonding, generosity, and festivities that reflect both religious significance and cultural richness.