Learn all about Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan)
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| Hello, and welcome to the Culture Class- Holidays in Kenya Series at SwahiliPod101.com. In this series, we’re exploring the traditions behind Kenyan holidays and observances. I’m Eric, and you're listening to Season 1, Lesson 14. Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan). In Swahili, it’s called Sikukuu ya Eid al-Fitr. |
| During the month of Ramadan, Muslims all over the world forgo food and drink to engage in activities associated with sustaining peace. It’s a time for Muslims to renew their spiritual lives. At the end of Ramadan, the day of Eid al-Fitr, Muslims finally break their long fast. |
| In this lesson, you will learn how Muslims in Kenya celebrate the last day of Ramadan. |
| Now, before we get into more details, do you know the answer to this question- |
| What determines the date for celebrating this holiday? |
| If you don't already know, you’ll find out a bit later. Keep listening. |
| Every year during Ramadan, Muslims are required to forgo excess food and other luxuries so they may give daily necessities to the poor. At the end of this period, they happily celebrate with relatives and friends with gifts, enjoying a large feast with rice, barley, and dates. People provide so much food, that even the very poor have food to celebrate on this day. These gifts are known as sadaqah al-fitr or charity for al-fitr. |
| During the Eid al-Fitr holidays, Muslims gather together early in the morning in open spaces, such as fields or in mosques in order to pray. This service involves a sermon and a short congregational prayer for those in attendance, and is led by the Imam, who is a Muslim priest. |
| After the Eid service, people disperse to visit their family and friends, with a bounty of gifts in tow, particularly for small children. People often call on distant relatives in order to wish them good luck during the Eid celebration. As per this custom, the celebration traditionally lasts for three days, though the government of Kenya only recognizes one day as an official holiday. |
| The most popular dessert during the Eid celebration in Kenya is pudding, called pudini, which is made from sweet rice milk. Other desserts include biscuits, pastries, cake, and coconut sweets. |
| Now it's time to answer our quiz question- |
| What determines the date for celebrating this holiday? |
| The date for celebrating Eid is determined by observing the new moon. Muslims wait to see the moon or receive news from Mecca. Many people try to predict the date by using astronomical calculation or hesabu ya nyota. |
| So listeners, how was this lesson? Did you learn something interesting? |
| Is this holiday celebrated in your country? If yes, for how many days is it celebrated as an official holiday? |
| Leave us a comment at SwahiliPod101.com, and we'll see you in the next lesson! |
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