Eid Mubarak!
What is Eid and how is it celebrated?
There are two major Eid in the Islamic calendar per year – Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. Eid al-Fitr marks the end of the fasting month Ramadan, which is the third pillar of Islam.
There are five pillars of Islam:
- Testimony of faith or shahadah
- Five daily prayer or solat
- Ramadan fasting
- Zakat
- Hajj or pilgrimage to Makkah
Muslims also pay zakat al-Fitr, a compulsory donation by each individual Muslim who meets the criteria, in conjunction to Eid al-Fitr. In this case, the donation could be done at any time during Ramadan which end on the Eid al-Fitr day.
During the day, Muslims all over the world celebrate with Eid prayer, Eid Takbeer and family feast, to show their joy and gratefulness in completing their Ramadan fasting. They dress up on Eid morning in their best, often brand-new clothes and many decorate their houses for the occasion. Muslims greet one another on Eid day by saying ‘Eid Mubarak’ which means ‘blessed Eid’ and also exchange hugs. This is to create a feeling of good will and unity. There’s lots of ways people celebrate Eid al-Fitr. In some places, most festivities last for a month of Shawwal, the month that follows Ramadan, according to the Islamic calendar. This year, Eid al-Fitr in New Zealand fell on Saturday 20 April.
Unitec celebration in Te Puna: Wednesday 3 May
At Unitec, we will have our Eid celebration this Wednesday in Te Puna, Mt Albert campus. Students and staff are welcomed to join this moment of joy. There will be activities including henna painting and photo booth and definitely delicious kai of diverse cultures. Please come and join us. This event is organised by Unitec Muslims Club, in collaboration with the Student Success and the Multifaith chaplaincy.
Where: Te Puna, Events Kitchen
When: 12pm – 1pm