Ramadan 2016, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is the holiest of all months for Muslims around the world.
The first day of the month marks the beginning of 30 days of fasting and abstinence in memory of the revelation of the first verses of the Qur’an to the Prophet Muhammad.
But, the month is not just about fasting and abstinence from worldly pleasures.
more than fasting
For the devout Muslim, the 30-day period has implications far beyond the commonly understood fasting regimen.
The month calls on all Muslims to make a critical assessment of their conscience, to seek forgiveness for all their mistakes, to daily acknowledge the weakness of their character, to pray to the Almighty for strength to fulfill, to a greater extent, their spiritual life. obligations, wage a titanic struggle with their inner demons, and emerge victorious with the strength and strength bestowed upon them by Allah, the Merciful.
Iftar
Every evening, at sunset, Muslims are ordered to break the fast that they have faithfully observed during daylight hours.
Breaking the fast has, over the years, been transformed into a communal event, with family, friends and relatives congregating to observe iftar consuming dates and a cup of yoghurt.
And every good Muslim strives to invite the less privileged members of the Community to participate in breaking the fast.
eid al fitr
Eid al Fitr is celebrated on the first day of the month of Shaw’waal, the tenth month and the month following Ramadan.
The festival is notable because, unlike most other festivals in the world, it is not tied to any historical event, seasonal cycles, or agricultural harvest.
The festival has an entirely spiritual significance when devotees offer gratitude to Almighty God for blessing them with grace, inner strength and stamina to fulfill his commandments during the month of Ramadan.
The Night Market:
The Night Market is a family event like no other. It is a true shopping party with exclusive and carefully selected products from more than 400 exhibitors on sale. Clothing, pendants and flares, appliances, toys, novelties and curiosities, colognes and fragrances, the choice is endless and covers each and every member of the family.
A specially thought out and designed play area will keep children entertained for hours with its trampoline, nail art, bouncy castle, Play Station, etc. But if you want your toddler or child to stay at home, you can order a childcare service from trusted operators.
Delicious international cuisine and exotic local cuisine are a big draw, as is the Arabian-themed Grand Majlis.
For the ladies, henna painting is a special attraction. Ramadan Night Market is a unique experience and a golden opportunity to celebrate Eid al Fitr festival and get the ideal gifts for your loved ones.
joy and festivity
Eid means ‘happiness’ or ‘festivity’. Happiness centers around the triumph achieved by human observance of God-given commandments. And joy is celebrated with prayers – the spiritual dimension, and also with social and humanitarian components.
The brothers come together in community union and joyfully embrace each other in reciprocal thanksgiving for the Almighty’s gift of grace. And this explosion of love and happiness also manifests itself in a humanitarian spirit that is at the very core of the festival.
Muslims who have completed the observances for the month show their love and concern for all of God’s creation, especially those who are less fortunate, by distributing alms and food.
triple meaning
Eid al Fitr is a day to offer thanksgiving to the Almighty for the graces bestowed to remain committed to the path enlightened by the Qur’an.
The day is also an opportunity for introspection; a day to ponder and reflect on those aspects of one’s character that need to be strengthened with the help of determined self-discipline, strengthened by the blessings of the Almighty.
And for those who have succumbed to temptations during the month of Ramadan, it is a time for introspection and a resolve to be more faithful to holy principles and participate more fervently in the observance of Ramadan and the spiritual celebration of Eid al Fitr. . in fraternity, in community and in solidarity and communion with all of God’s creation.