my new eid cards collection part2

The Eid Moon
Muslims celebrate two Eids- Eid-ul-Fitar and Eid-ul-Azha every year. Both are considered happy and "holy" days. Both are days of rejoicing and prayer.

The Shawal moon announces the arrival of Eid-ul-Fitar. It is the end of Ramazan, the holy month of fasting. The next morning, the Muslims assemble in a great thanks-giving congregation. They thank the merciful Allah for giving them the opportunity and strength to observe the sacred fasts. They ask Him to forgive them for their weaknesses and sins. They reaffirm their vow of faithfulness to Allah.

The evening when the moon is expected to appear, is a memorable evening. As the sun goes down, the faithful break their fast and offer the Nimaz-e-Maghrib. They rush to the roofs of their houses and join the search for the Shawal moon. They turn their eyes towards the western horizon. On every house top there are scores of people, all scanning the sky with keen, expectant eyes.

After the Shawal moon is sighted, people raise their hands in prayers. Children are particularly fond and excited about seeing the Eid Moon. As they sight it, their faces usually light up with joy. Dinner is eaten in a joyous mood and plans for the next days are made. What would everyone wear and what will be the menu for the food. Many people hit the roads to go to their loved ones if they live in another city. Women especially go to markets to buy bangles and the Eid specaility "mehndi or henna". Different food stalls are instantly put up and a joyous atmosphere is everywhere.

The moon of Zil Haj is the harbinger of Eid-ul-Azha. This festival is celebrated ten days after the appearance of the moon. It commemorates the sacrifice of Hazrat Ismail by his father Hazrat Ibrahim. Allah asked Ibrahim to sacrifice his only son to Him. Ibrahim willingly put the knife on his son's neck but Allah saved Ismail and by a miracle, Hazrat Ismail was replaced by a sheep. Ibrahim and Ismail had stood the test of faithfulness.

Muslims sacrifice sheep, cows or camels on Eid-ul-Azha. The day is a busy, happy and a memorable day for all.

My new Eid cards collection part1

Eid Al Fitr - A Blessed and Joyful Time
Known as Mecca or Makkah and sometimes Bakkah, which is the holy ground of the Muslims, is the very place from which Prophet Mohammed proclaimed Islam in that city. It is the very place that every Muslim of every denomination, race, culture, nationality faces to pray each day. It is the very place that every Muslim aspires to reach before they die. Nonbelievers are not allowed in to the city.

Muslims partake in many celebrations and practices daily and throughout the year. One such celebration is the passing of the fasting period, which is known as Ramadan. The day on which fasting is over is called Eid al Fitr. Ideally this festival should last a period of three days, however this varies from country to country. However, nowhere is it more significant and special than at Makkah.

According to the Quran, believers are required to recite the Takbir throughout the Eid festival. It is considered a time to rejoice with family and friends, and a time to give to the poor. Towards the end of the fasting period, families will collect food items to give to the poor, so that they may also partake in a celebration of their own.

Early morning, one should rise before the sun rises, and congregate in mosques and partake in prayer. Usually there is a sermon, after which a congregational prayer is said. Then, Muslims will exchange gifts and enjoy a meal with family and friends. Homes are decorated, and the best clothing is worn. Many Muslims countries will decree a national holiday for a three day period.

The term Eid al Fitr literally means 'the breaking of fast'. It is one of the two most important celebrations in the Muslim community, the other being Hajj. It was during the fasting period that Prophet Mohammad was said to be wondering through the dessert, to hear the sound of Angel Gabriel's voice, declaring that he was the chosen one. At which point the prophet began writing the holy Quran.

Such is a blessed time in Makkah, the very epicentre of the religion.

Make a reservation at a Makkah hotel, and enjoy the celebration among fellow believers. None stands out more than the Raffles Makkah Palace, a gem among Makkah hotels.

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.