Eid ul-Fitr in Mauritania

Eid ul-Fitr, known as Aïd el-Fitr in Mauritania, is a significant Islamic holiday that marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting. It is celebrated on the first day of Shawwal, the tenth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. The exact date varies each year depending on the sighting of the moon.

History and Traditions

The history of Eid ul-Fitr dates back to 624 CE when Prophet Muhammad established it after his victory at the Battle of Badr. Over time, it has become a day for Muslims to express gratitude to Allah for the strength given to them during Ramadan.

In Mauritania, as in other Muslim-majority countries, traditions include:

• Prayer: The day begins with a special communal prayer called Salat al-Eid performed after sunrise but before noon.
• Zakat al-Fitr: Before attending prayers, Muslims are obliged to give a specific type of charity known as Zakat al-Fitr. It ensures that even the poor can celebrate the day with food and festivities.
• Feasting: After a month of fasting from dawn until sunset, families prepare sumptuous meals and gather together to break their fast.
• New Clothes: It is customary for people to wear new clothes or their best outfits to mark this auspicious occasion.
• Visiting Friends and Relatives: People visit each other's homes and exchange gifts; children often receive small sums of money called Eidi.

Activities

Throughout Mauritania, communities come alive with various activities during Eid ul-Fitr:

• People engage in social gatherings and public celebrations.
• Children play games and enjoy outdoor activities.
• Special sweets and pastries are prepared, such as maarek or gâteau sec, traditional Mauritanian cookies.

Mauritanians observe these practices within a framework that blends Islamic rituals with local customs, reflecting their rich cultural heritage.