Learn all about Eid al-Fitr
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| Hello, and welcome to the Culture Class- Holidays in the Philippines Series at FilipinoPod101.com. In this series, we’re exploring the traditions behind Filipino holidays and observances. I’m Eric, and you're listening to Season 1, Lesson 8, Eid al-Fitr. In Filipino, it’s called Eid al-Fitr. |
| Eid al-Fitr is the day on which Muslims celebrate the first day of Shawwal, marking the end of a long month of fasting and prayer. For many Filipinos, this is known as the End of Ramadan and is celebrated by both Christian and Muslim Filipinos. |
| The exact day of this celebration is based on the Islamic calendar and takes place after the first night of the new moon, in Filipino known as bagong buwan. |
| Now, before we get into more detail, do you know the answer to this question- |
| This day was recently made an official holiday. Do you know when this was implemented? |
| If you don't already know, you’ll find out a bit later. Keep listening. |
| Muslims traditionally begin this day by taking a bath, putting on their best clothes, putting on pabango, which means perfume, and eating sweets before going to the mosque to pray. The first Eid prayer is performed in congregations, either in mosques or in designated open spaces for prayer. In accordance with the second Pillar of Islam, the congregation always faces the direction of Mecca. |
| Following the Eid prayer is a sermon, or khutbah, led by the Imam. Sermons usually involve themes such as giving thanks to God, the history and significance of the Eid al-Fitr, asking for others' forgiveness, and about the responsibilities of the third Pillar of Islam, the alms, or zakat. Afterwards, participants greet and embrace each other, saying traditional greetings such as "Eid Mubarak" or "Eid Sa-id". |
| This day is full of parties, festivities, and thanksgiving, which in Filipino is called pasasalamat. People give eidi, or gifts, to people within their own families. There are also specific alms given on this day called Fitrana, also known as Zakat al-Fitr. For Muslims, this day is a joyous celebration of giving thanks to God, as well as a celebration symbolizing unity among Muslims. |
| The Philippines is recognized as a "Christian" nation in Asia, but it is also the only Christian country that made the celebration of Eid al-Fitr a national holiday. |
| Now it's time to answer our quiz question- |
| This day was recently made an official holiday. Do you know when this was implemented? |
| Its status as a national holiday was implemented in the year 2002. The objective of this implementation was to unite the whole nation, whether Christian or Muslim, in recognition of the great importance of the occasion |
| So listeners, how did you like this lesson? Did you learn anything interesting? |
| Do you have any similar celebrations in your country? |
| Leave us a comment telling us at FilipinoPod101.com! |
| And I’ll see you in the next lesson! |
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