Muslims celebrating Id-Ul Fitr

Muslims in Nepal are celebrating Id-Ul-Fitr, the biggest festival of Muslims today with traditional fervor and gaiety marking the end of holy month of Ramadan.

Nepali Muslims thronged various mosques from early in the morning to mark the festival. Special namaz at idgahs, exchange of gifts and acts of charity are the highlights of the celebrations.

Issuing press statements, ministers and leaders of various political parties greeted the Muslim community on the holy day.

During the month of Ramadan, the Muslims are ordained to observe fast for 30 days (sometimes 29 days, owing to the early sighting of the crescent) starting with the sighting of the new moon and ending after seeing the new moon the next month.

Muslims are required to make a special effort to settle their differences and refrain from quarreling and also give alms to the needy during this month. To a devout Muslim, Id is a time to forget all past grievances.

In the morning, everyone takes a bath, wears new or clean clothes, applies perfume, eat sweets before walking to the mosque for Id prayers. Men wear white clothes because white symbolizes purity and austerity.

According to the Quran, Allah has intended a dole for every Muslim who is free and is in possession of alms worthy capital. Id-ul-Fitr alms are given to the poor on Id-ul-Fitr.

On the day, Muslim people visit each other’s homes and exchange gifts and sweets. Children ask for Idi (money) from the elders. nepalnews.com pb Nov 04 05