Eid ul-Fitr

Eid is coming up next week. It will mean the end of Ramadan. Larry and the girls will go back to normal school and working hours. We will also be able to eat in public again - hurray for that part. The girls will get an entire week off of school. It was supposed to be only 3 days and somehow that grew into 5. Holidays here depend on the moon, not by a schedule set in advance. We had planned to go away to see other Emirates but there are no hotel rooms to be had anywhere in the country. So we will stay home and celebrate as a family and with our neighbors. There is a commuity BBQ on Tuesday. I am sure that will be fun.

For those interested here is more information about Eid. It's pretty interesting.

Eid ul-Fitr often abbreviated to Eid, is a Muslim holiday that marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting. Eid is an Arabic word meaning "festivity", while Fiṭr means "to break the fast" (and can also mean "nature", from the word "fitrah") and so symbolizes the breaking of the fasting period. Eid ul-Fitr is a three day celebration and is called "The Smaller Eid" compared with the Eid ul-Adha that lasts four days and is called "The Greater Eid".

Typically, Muslims will wake up early in the morning and have a small breakfast. Muslims are encouraged to dress in their best clothes (new if possible) and to attend a special Eid prayer that is performed in congregation at mosques or open areas like fields, squares etc. When Muslims finish their fast at the last day (29th or 30th Ramadan), they recite Takbir:

Allahu akbar, Allahu akbar, Allahu akbar, الله أكبر الله أكبر الله أكبر
la ilaha illa Allah لا إله إلا الله
Allahu akbar, Allahu akbar الله أكبر الله أكبر
wa li-illahi al-hamd ولله الحمد
God is the Greatest, God is the Greatest, God is the Greatest,
There is no deity but God
God is the Greatest, God is the Greatest
and to God goes all praise

The Takbir is recited after confirmation that the moon of Shawwal is sighted on the eve of the last day of Ramadan. It continues until the start of the Eid prayer. Before the Eid prayer begins, every Muslim who is able must pay Zakat al-fitr,[1] an alms for the month of Ramadan. This equates to about 2 kg of a basic foodstuff (wheat, barley, dates, raisins, etc.), or its cash equivalent, and is typically collected at the mosque. This is distributed to needy local Muslims prior to the start of the Eid prayer. It can be given at any time during the month of Ramadan and is often given early, so the recipient can use it for Eid purchases. This is distinct from Zakat based on wealth, which must be paid to a worthy charity.
The Eid prayer (salah) is followed by the khutbah (sermon) and then a prayer (dua') asking for forgiveness, mercy and help for the plight of Muslims across the world. The khutbah also instructs Muslims as to the rituals of Eid, such as the zakat. It is then customary to embrace the persons sitting on either side of oneself. People will also visit their relatives, friends and acquaintances.
After the prayers, some people will pay visit to the graveyards (ziyarat al-qubur).

Taken from Wikipedia on 25/9/2008, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eid_ul-Fitr