ONE of the most important occasions of Islam is the Eid’l Fitr or the festival of breaking the fast, which marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan. 

Modern day Muslims, especially millennials, have adopted a more festive way of celebrating the occasion, compared to olden times.  

Yassin Yahya, a 36-year-old follower of Islam, told republicasia that many Muslims, including the younger ones, still adhere to customary practices during Ramadan. The difference is now, the observance of the occasion is much more jovial compared to how it was back then. 

“We still do the traditional practice like during the day of Eid itself, we go to Masjid early, around 6 am, and pray. Then after praying, we go home and have a feast,” Yassin said. 

By feast, he means a grand banquet enjoyed by family and friends, whether Muslims or not. All are welcome to share their food. 

“Maraming pagkain talaga yan!” he said. “We had fasting for the past 29 days, meaning no eating and drinking during daylight, kaya it’s our first time ‘again’ to eat na may araw pa.”  

He usually invites his friends to eat at his house, and then visits his friends’ homes after for more celebrations. 

A fashion event 

Traditionally, dressing conservatively during the Ramadan season is crucial. 

This is not to say, however, that their fashion should be compromised. In fact, their style during this holy time is critical for Muslims, both men and women. They strive to look good. 

Yassin conforms to this and said the Ramadan season is, in fact, a big fashion event to many practitioners of Islam. 

“We wear kimon for men and mukna or abaya for women. Minsan nagpapasadya pa ng terno terno yan sa isang pamilya – pabonggahan,” he said. 

Kimon is a traditional costume for Muslim men, whereas it’s mukna or abaya for women. 

Younger Muslims like to flaunt their OOTDs online, Yassin said. 

“Ngayon, with the boom of social media, pabonggahan na ng outfit at family pictures sa post,” he said. 

The significance of Eid’l Fitr

This year, Eid’l Fitr will be celebrated in the Philippines on April 22, Saturday, because the crescent moon was not sighted, according to the Bangsamoro government.

The Islamic calendar is based on the lunar cycle, and the celebration of Eid depends on the sighting of the moon, which indicates the beginning of the new lunar month of Shawwal. 

Earlier, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. declared April 21 a regular holiday in observance of the feast of Eid’l Fitr. 

Eid’l Fitr marks the end of Ramadan where Muslims fast from dawn to dusk each day. In translation, Eid’l Fitr means “festival of breaking the fast.” 

It is celebrated during the first three days of Shawwal or the tenth month of the Muslim lunar calendar. 

Around the world, celebrations of the Eid’l Fitr vary, but most of the activities include visiting family and friends, giving presents, enjoying feasts, donning new clothes and even visiting departed relatives. 

Through these celebrations, Muslims show gratitude to Allah after reflecting and fasting during the entire season of Ramadan.