Eid-ul Fitr is comes from two arabic word Eid and Fitr. Eid means festival and fitr means to open, to break fasting, to go back to normal situation. This festival observed on the 1st of the month of Shawwal. The previous month of Shawwal is Ramadan; the holly month for siam (restraint) and fasting. In Ramadan Muslims keep anger, sex, senses and emotions, illusions and jealousy under restraint. So, on the 1st of Shawwal they are free, and for this reason, the word fitr is used.
It is a religious obligation on the day to pay fitra to the poor at a fixed rate and perform two rakats of Eid Namaz on the day.
In the whole world Muslims perform Eid Namaz on the day and exchange greetings with all. They exchange salam and greetings by embracing one another irrespective of status or age. There are also a tradition to visit the graves of the relatives and pious Muslims. Nowadays exchange of Eid cards, E-cards, Greeting SMS has come in vogue. The government of many countries declares holiday on the occasion. Different newspapers publish articles on the life and philosophy of Hazrat Muhammad (Sm), the significance of Eid, and the ideals of Islam. The radio and television broadcast special programs. Eid fairs are organized at many places.
It must be pointed out that as Eid-ul Fitr is an Islamic festival, so the observance of Eid-ul Fitr is confined to Muslims only. But since Islam is a religion of peace and friendship and Eid means joy, Eid in effect brings joy and good wish to the whole mankind.
