Religion is usually an individual’s connection to their spiritual side, and gives them solace. This form of solace can come from many different sources and be represented by a different idea, however the holy nature that derives from a religion makes it an essential part of identity, to most individuals. Different religions branched from the different areas world wide, but the purpose of religion stayed the same, which is why many similarities can be drawn to religions that seem opposite in nature. One example of a unique religion is Islamism. Those devoted to this religion follow the prophet Allah and is monotheistic. They believe in one specific God versus Hinduism which is monotheistic. A holiday celebrated in the Islamic religion is Eid-Ul-Fitr. Often the purpose of Eid-Ul Fit is to commemorate the ending of Ramadan, and celebrate the opportunities given to the devotees from Allah much like Shivaratri, a holiday celebrated by Hindus.
To elucidate what Eid is, Eid-Ul-Fitr celebrates the ending of Ramadan and is on Shaw ‘waal (Islamcity.com). Ramadan is a vital holiday to Islamic holiday because a fast is completed by the Muslims for thirty days. They fast for thirty days because they believe it is god’s order to them. Out of respect all family members fast and attend a prayer ceremony on Eid-UI-Fitr, which is on Shaw-waal. Shaw’waal is known as the beginning of the tenth month in the Islamic calendar. On this day, Muslims give prayers and thanks to all important aspects in their life, such as health and family. In addition, they thank Allah for blessing them with all the attributes and strength they needed to complete a fast for thirty days, which is observed during the course of Ramadan.
Ahmed is my friend whose family comes from Dubai. They are Islamic and celebrate Eid-Ul-Fitr. Currently, Ahmed is Agnostic, however he agreed to tell me how his family celebrates Eid-Ul-Fit. First, he explained to me that Eid-Ul-Fit was a “special day of celebration” (Khan), that commemorated the ending of Ramadan. Ramadan is significant because it is celebrates the month that the first verse of the Quran was revealed to the prophet, Ahmed explains. Afterwards, Ahmed details what festivities are done on Eid-Ul-Fitr. According to Ahmed, Eid-UI-Fit is celebrated in many different ways globally based on “culture and tradition”. (Khan). His family celebrates it by attending a special religious ceremony in their Mosque. Afterwards, him and his parents, along with his three younger brothers visit all their relatives houses and go to a barbeque. Ahmed describes this gathering as “joyous” because all of his family members are here, and they are all festive. Finally the day is finished with presents being exchanged. Gifts can range from anything from money to clothes to cars.
Many similarities can be drawn from Eid-Ul-Fitr to other holidays. For example, Thanksgiving, as they both revolve around giving thanks for all things well in life. One holiday I celebrate in Hinduism which is celebrated much like EId-Ul-Fitr, is Shivaratri. Whereas Islamism is a monotheistic religion, Hinduism is a polytheistic religion. However, Shivaratri is celebrated to commemorate the god Shiva, as Eid-Ul-Fit is celebrated to commemorate Allah, the prophet. In addition, Shivratri is celebrated as a feast with family and friends. Many close relatives and family members join together to give thanks to the God Shiva, and all the good opportunities in life that they were blessed with, much like how Muslims give thanks to Allah for their good opportunities. Both holidays revolve around fasting as well.
Eid-Ul-Fitr is celebrated to honor the Allah and the Quran, much like Shivaratri is celebrated to honor the god Shiva. Both holidays give thanks to a prophet or deity respectively for family and good health. THough both religions are vastly different, they still share similarities such as their holidays and the purpose of them. To restate, Eid-Ul-Fit is a holiday celebrated in the Islamic religion to honor all that is given to them from god and Allah. (662).
Works Cited
- “IslamiCity.com – Ramadan – Eid UI Fitr.” IslamiCity.com – Ramadan – Eid UI Fitr. N.p., n.d. Web. 03 Nov. 2014.
- Khan, Ahmed N. Personal Interview. 03 November 2014.
