Society

Muslims in Berlin Celebrate the End of Ramadan

On Occasion of Eid al-Fitr, also called the Sweet Festival

July 08th, 2016
Nahla El-Menshawy, News from Berlin
20160708_Ramadan.jpg

On Eid al-Fitr Muslim families get together to pray, share meals and exchange gifts and greetings.

Even though there was no agreement on when to start the celebrations as there are two ways of deciding: either to sight the new moon or to rely on astronomical calculations; the Muslim world mainly opened the festivities on the 6th of July.

Traditionally Muslims wake up early to perform a special prayer the “Salaat al-Eid”. After that friends and families spend the day together eating fine food and sweets. Generosity, Community and a lot of sugar are the main characteristics during the 3 days of celebration. Gifts and money are being exchanged and greetings and regards given.

The occasion of the festival is the end of the holy month Ramadan in which Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset. Eid is celebrated to give thanks for the spiritual renewal and the blessings received during the holy months.

As Berlin is our multicultural hub for different communities and religion there are going to be festivities in different places in the city. One of them is organized by the Sehtilik mosque in Neukölln this weekend. Turkish food, Art and other activities concerning Turkish culture can be expected. As Eid lasts 3 days everyone interested in joining the celebration can visit local mosques and communities to be part of the experience.

References:

News from Berlin