The Festival of Breaking the Fast (ʿĪd al-Fiṭr)

The Festival of Breaking the Fast begins on the first of the month of Shawwal and lasts a total of three days. On the first day of the festival, the faithful gather early in the morning at the mosque to perform the communal festival prayer (ṣalāt al-ʿīd). Afterward, the festive sermon follows, in which the imam praises God and usually reminds those present of the importance of piety (taqwā). The festivities vary from region to region. The custom of giving gifts to children, however, is widespread throughout the Islamic world. In addition to family gatherings, visits to the resting places of the deceased are also characteristic during this time. In addition, the festivities are characterized by the preparation of special culinary specialties of the respective region.