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Celebrated this week, Eid is a time of joy, gratitude and celebration, that brings families, friends and communities together in a spirit of unity and compassion.
The occasion holds significant cultural and religious importance, with traditions varying across different regions, but carrying the same essence of festivity and gratitude.
The festival of Eid-ul-Fitr begins with the sighting of the new moon (Monday, April 18 at 20:21), signalling the end of Ramadan and the beginning of Shawwal, the 10th month in the Islamic calendar.
Muslims start their day with the special Eid prayer, often held at mosques or in open spaces where a special sermon is delivered.
One of the central aspects of the Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations is the act of giving Zakat al-Fitr, a form of charity aimed at helping those in need.
Muslims are required to give a specific amount of money or food to the poor and needy before the Eid prayer, ensuring that everyone can partake in the festivities and experience the joy of the occasion.
Locally the South African National Zakah Fund (SANZAF) packed and distributed about 500 grocery hampers to under-privileged Muslim families in Kariega and Gqeberha.
On the day of Eid, families come together to share hearty meals; some exchange gifts, while others give money to children in the neighbourhood.
Wearing new clothes, families visit each other’s homes, exchange greetings of Eid Mubarak (Blessed Eid), and partake in festive activities, creating cherished memories for all.
The celebrations are marked with traditional dishes, which vary from region to region, but in Nelson Mandela Bay the feast includes delicacies such as biryani, curry, denning meat (a sweet and sour Cape Malay dish), offal delicacies like beef tongue, tomato trotters, and a variety of roasts and special desserts.
Sweet indulgences vary too, but locally the signature treat of Eid is Essies, a traditional spicy biscuit unique to Nelson Mandela Bay.
