There are two Eids or holidays in the Muslim calendar: Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of the fasting month of Ramadan, and Eid al-Adha, which follows the pilgrimage and commemorates Abraham’s willingness to sacrifi ce his son. Both Eids are the occasion for congregational prayer services which the entire community of Muslims is encouraged to attend. Sawm (fasting) is the fourth of Islam’s five pillars: “Fasting is prescribed for you” (2:183). Muslims observe the month of Ramadan, which is ninth in the lunar calendar, by abstaining from satisfying bodily appetites from dawn to sunset. Ramadan—the month in which the Qur’an was revealed to Prophet Muhammad as “guidance for humanity” (2:185)—is a time for Qur’anic recitation, self- purifi cation, and charitable acts. Eid al-Fitr falls on the fi rst day of Shawwal, the tenth month in the Islamic calendar, and its celebration marks the collective release from the restrictions of the previous month’s fasting. Muslims are encouraged to eat a morning meal before attending the Eid prayer. Eid al-Adha or Feast of Sacrifice, sometimes also called the “Greater Eid” (Eid al-Kabir), concludes the rituals of pilgrimage (hajj) to Mecca. It celebrates Abraham’s resolve to sacrifi ce his son, usually held to be Ishmael, as a sign of his submission to God. “O my son! I have seen a dream in that I am offering you in sacrifi ce to God” (37:102). Abraham was about to sacrifi ce his son when he was stopped by a revelation from God. “And We ransomed him with a great sacrifi ce, [a ram]” (37:105). Muslims often sacrifi ce an animal and donate most of the meat to the poor, or make a monetary contribution to represent this ceremony. Eid al-Adha occurs on the tenth day of the Islamic month of Dhu’l Hijja. Like Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha also begins with a short prayer followed by a khutbah or concluding sermon. Other customs associated with Eid celebrations vary by country. In many places it is usual to wear new and elaborate clothing to the prayers, and gifts of clothing may be given. Children may receive money or sweets from their parents or other adults. The remainder of Eid day, after the prayer service, is often taken up with visiting friends and family.
Glass Works of Islamic Era and Cultural Development of Persia
