Eid al-Fitr

Celebrating Eid After Ramadan in Saudi Arabia

Apr 19, 2023

Home > Saudi Times > Celebrating Eid After Ramadan in Saudi Arabia

Eid al-Fitr

Eid al-Fitr is one of the most significant and eagerly anticipated holidays in Saudi Arabia and the Muslim world. As the month of Ramadan draws to a close on Thursday, the first day of Eid has been announced on Friday. Saudis across the country prepare for four days of celebration, family gatherings, and cultural traditions. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the customs and festivities that make Eid al-Fitr such a special time in Saudi Arabia.

Observing Eid

In Saudi Arabia, Eid is a highly anticipated celebration that follows the month-long fasting period of Ramadan. It’s a time of immense joy and relief for those who have successfully completed the task of fasting, praying, and devotion. Eid al-Fitr, which means “Festival of Breaking Fast,” is one of the two major holidays on the Islamic calendar, beside Eid Al Adha after Haj.

In Saudi Arabia, Eid lasts for four days, during which schools and both public and private sectors are closed in the last five days of Ramadan and then for the four days of Eid. The excitement of Eid begins with a special prayer called Salat Al Eid, which is said twice a year. The prayers start early in the morning after the morning prayer and everyone who comes to pray is dressed in their best clothes. After the prayers that end around 9:00 am, some families have the tradition of having breakfast and then go to sleep to get ready for the day.

While Ramadan is often compared to the Christian season of Christmas in terms of the importance of food and feasting, Eid al-Fitr is a holiday that is similar to Christmas in terms of the joy of giving and receiving gifts.

Preparations and Celebrations

In preparation for Eid, Saudis buy the nicest clothes and jewelry, and visit hairdressers and barbers to ensure they look their best. Celebrations for Eid, like those for Ramadan, are everywhere, with streets lit up and homes, shops, and malls adorned with festive decorations. Households prepare themselves to welcome guests with juices, chocolates, and sweets.

During Eid, families come together to enjoy each other’s company and set a visit plan for grandparents, aunts, uncles, and other relatives, where younger members of the family visit their elders during the first two days. Usually, the big houses, like grandparents, older uncles, and aunts, are the first to be visited. They don’t visit others unless it’s their parents, and that’s done in the evening when visiting time is over.

Traditions

Visiting hours usually begin in the afternoon and last until early evening. After that, families spend time together either at home or by going out to restaurants. A widespread tradition during Eid-al-Fitr is the exchanging of gifts to parents and siblings, known as Eidiya. The Prophet Muhammad encouraged this practice, saying “Give gifts to one another, you will love each other.”

I remember not being able to sleep on the Eve of Eid, eagerly anticipating having my hair done and counting the houses that we would visit to figure out the amount of money I would come out with. The common joke was that you shouldn’t tell your mother how much money you’ve got, otherwise, she’ll have to give the same amount to the kids in the family that gave you money.

In modern Saudi Arabia, entertainment options for Eid have expanded beyond traditional family gatherings. Festivals in malls and city walks are now available to people with different income levels who want to enjoy their time outside of their homes.

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Suggested Articles

Saudi Film Industry on Cannes’ Red Carpet

Saudi Film Industry on Cannes’ Red Carpet

Saudi Arabia’s presence at this year’s Cannes Festival has been remarkable, with well-known actresses and influencers from the Kingdom gracing the red carpet. This is a significant step signalling expansion of the country’s involvement in the industry, including film production.

Women moving forward in the Gulf

Women moving forward in the Gulf

I came across this article by Sinem Cengiz, on the journey of Gulf women in breaking into traditionally male-dominated sectors unfolds. From gradual progress to persistent challenges, she explores the current landscape, shedding light on the crucial role played by government initiatives in promoting their successful inclusion.

A science initiative for the next generation

A science initiative for the next generation

A new center for science and technology called ‘ilmi’ will be launched in Saudi Arabia to encourage scientific curiosity among youth as well as develop their skills, Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday. This center is a great start, and other initiatives like this are needed to shape Saudi Arabia’s future.

Unveiling Saudi Women’s Abilities: Driving Gender Equality

Unveiling Saudi Women’s Abilities: Driving Gender Equality

Saudi Arabia’s first space mission is scheduled to launch on May 21, with Saudi Arabia’s first ever astronauts Rayyanah Barnawi, the first Arab Muslim female astronaut, and Ali al-Qarni on board. Rayyanah is the latest in series of Saudi development process for women. In recent years, Saudi women have been making great strides in the country’s workforce.

Smartphone Craze: Socializing Takes Back Seat

Smartphone Craze: Socializing Takes Back Seat

This cartoon in Saudi daily alyuam newspaper, illustrates that now in society, no one is willing to let go of their IPhone, no matter the occasion. It is a sad and concerning phenomenon where people seem to forget the ones next to them, and instead of warm...

Kabsa: The Dish at the Heart of Saudi Cuisine

Kabsa: The Dish at the Heart of Saudi Cuisine

Step beyond oil and desert to uncover Kabsa. Much like the UK’s love for Fish and Chips, Kabsa holds a dear place in the hearts of Saudis. Explore the origins of this dish, its connection to Spanish Paella, and its role in Saudi Arabia’s gastronomic heritage.

Integrity Boost: New Rules for Saudi Transparency

Integrity Boost: New Rules for Saudi Transparency

This month, as part of its modernization efforts, Saudi Arabia’s Zakat, Tax, and Customs Authority (ZATCA) has issued new customs rules for travellers carrying cash, gold, and jewels into the Kingdom. These updated regulations are an important part of the country’s transformative economic strategy, which includes a series of bold reforms aimed at creating a stable and prosperous future for the Saudi society.

Jeddah: A Gateway to Diversity in Saudi Arabia

Jeddah: A Gateway to Diversity in Saudi Arabia

Numerous boats from Sudan continue to arrive at the port of Jeddah, which has long served as the entrance to Saudi Arabia for people from all over the world who have come to settle in the country. As a Jeddawi, I will take my readers on a journey to explore the rich history and cultural tapestry that has made Jeddah a symbol of tolerance, where diverse cultures coexist harmoniously.

Saudi Women Soldiers’ Bravery in Sudan Aid

Saudi Women Soldiers’ Bravery in Sudan Aid

This photograph depicts a female Saudi soldier carrying a child during the Saudi relief mission in Sudan. The accomplishments of the Saudi troops, who helped rescue 2232 individuals from 67 different countries, were widely covered by international media.