Wednesday 6 February 2013

Epic Eid and Holy Hajj!




On Thursday 25th and Friday 26th, it was a big time to celebrate by giving and receiving.
Thursday was the 25th of October and it was Hajj. Hajj is a pilgrimage and one of the 5 pillars of Islam that Muslims must fulfil at least once in a lifetime. Over 2 million Muslims from over 70 countries go to Hajj. Every Muslim wears new clothes, prays and makes preparations for Eid.
The next day was Friday the 26th of October and it was Eid. This was Eid-ul-Adha which is Eid of sacrifice and commitments to Allah’s orders. This Eid is celebrated because of the new moon and people coming back from Mecca which is in Saudi Arabia, after performing Hajj.
The last Eid which is Eid-ul-Fitr and is 2 months and 10 days before Eid-ul-Adha.Eid-ul-Fitr is celebrated because the blessed month of Ramadan has just finished and the Muslims now know what it feels like to be hungry like the poor and needy. The word Eid literally means recurring happiness.
On the night before Eid, Muslims gather their new clothes and women paint themselves with henna. On the actual day a typical Muslim (a man only) wakes up at sunrise; has a bath; gets changed into his best clothes and makes a route to the mosque, to do Eid prayers. There is a large gathering; where all the local people meet to listen to speeches; pray, give thanks; praise and glorify Allah.
Eid is a religious family and social event.
 After the Eid prayer: people visit one another; give and receive gifts; spend time socializing and offering Eid prayers for the sick and the deceased.
The aim is to be thankful for what you have got and show your appreciation for others. Eid is a fun festival for Muslims to enjoy!
By Shanzay and Nabila.
                   
Eid Interview
1.     Why is Eid always before and after Hajj (pilgrimage)?
This is because Eid is according to the Islamic calendar.
2.     Who celebrates Eid and goes to Hajj?
Only Muslims and believers
3.     What is the purpose of celebrating Eid?
The purpose of celebrating Eid is to celebrate all the blessings Allah (God) has given us, due to the hardship of our prophets. Also, for all Muslims to remember god’s gift.
4.     What do you do on Eid?
Well, we do a prayer at the mosque which is15-20 minutes long. Every Muslims you meet, you say Eid Mubarak which means happy Eid and you have an Eid breakfast with traditional food. You also then go to other people’s houses and give money, gifts and presents as well as receiving them.
5.     What’s the purpose of performing Hajj?
To follow our prophets Sunnah this means teachings. Hajj is a pilgrimage and is also one of the 5 pillars of Islam. Muslims must fulfil this and remember god’s favours.
6.     What are the conditions of Hajj?
The conditions of Hajj are: you must be a Muslim; you must read all 5 prayers in a day; fast in the blessed month of Ramadan; give Zakaat (giving to the poor and needy).If you are a female you have to go with a mehram (a male who is blood related). It also depends on what of the 3 hajjes that you are doing.
By Shanzay and Nabila

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