Eid Mubarak, friends!
Today is marked eid al-fitr alias owned by Muslims worldwide.
On this occasion, we have highlighted 6 fun facts about the month of Ramadan and id.
It’s owned! The holiday is marked by millions of Muslims worldwide for 72 hours. For Muslims, Eid means the end of the holy month of Ramadan, during which one fasts from sunrise to sunset (with the exception of the sick, the elderly, travelers, etc.).
In recent years, Ramadan and Eid have gained a much clearer foothold in Western countries through cultural and sports events – and pop culture! So it is not just NRK that stands out as an inclusive institution. Since 2022, both the Bundesliga and the Premier League have taken measures to allow Muslim players to break their fast during their matches.
The Bundesliga paved the way for countless others. Apart from this, big cities like London and the world‘s smallest big city alias Oslo have decorated and prepared for their Muslim citizens on the occasion of Eid. But the top of the crown cake perhaps rests on everything that happens in advance during the holy month of Ramadan.
Here are six facts that you may not have known about Ramadan and Eid.
Fun fact 1: Ramadan starts and ends on different dates each year
Eid Mubarak from Medina! (Instagram/halima)
Have you ever asked a Muslim when Eid is?
The answer changes every year.
Muslims follow a lunar calendar, and it is the new moon that marks when a cycle starts. According to this, Ramadan is the ninth month in the calendar, and Eid is celebrated on the first day of the tenth month aka Shawwal.
In other words: Id starts and Ramadan ends when the new, growing crescent can be seen in the sky.
Fun fact 2: In 2033, Eid and Christmas Eve will fall on exactly the same date.
In the southern hemisphere, the fasting month gradually grows longer during the same period. Muslims who live in extreme climate and weather conditions usually follow the time of the holy city of Medina.
Fun fact 3: Fasting is not as important as people think it is?
Artists you didn’t know were Muslim? Lil Durk (Instagram/lildurk)
Well, here we put it to the fore. Observing fasting from sunrise to sunset is considered one of the five pillars of islam. However, most Muslims would agree that fasting is a minor aspect of the tradition that is often inflated by non-Muslims and perhaps the media. The fasting month is largely about strengthening the relationship with God by clarifying certain intentions and ethical principles. Yes, you must refrain from food, drink, sexual intercourse and smoking for a certain period of time. As well as being conscious of one’s language, not getting into arguments and giving to the poor.
Fun fact 4: Eid or id literally means party
(Instagram/imanmeskini)
In Arabic, eid means “the party that breaks the fast”. The celebration begins at sunset on the last day of Ramadan, i.e. yesterday and lasts until Friday.
Like 17 May, ownership has become a big deal for the youngest in the home. Families usually get together to do pleasant things together. The children are, in a sense, guests of honour, and receive gifts, clothes and extra attention on this day.
Fun fact 5: What’s the deal with dates?
Mahershala Ali from Sheikh Ali Malik on Hulu-serien Ramy (Hulu)
Muslims know all about the importance of dates during the festive season. It is very common to break the fast with a date. This originates from the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad.
“When one of you fasts, he should break his fast with dates; but if he cannot get anything, then (he should break the fast) with water, for water is purifying.”
The fruit is mentioned more than 20 times in the Koran.
Something that works perfectly as dates are rich in dietary fibre.
Fun fact 6: NRK is the first public broadcaster in the West to mark ownership of TV
Rima Iraki (on the right) led Norway’s first broadcast of the Feast after Lent with Amir Horori and reporters Selma Ibrahim Karlsen, Noman Mubashir and Yama Wolasmal (NRK)
You read right. Little Norway is the first country in Western Europe to mark the celebration via a public broadcaster. As far as we know, no one else has been inspired – yet.
Eid Mubarak!