Muslims all around the world eagerly anticipate the arrival of holidays, the celebrations left in the wake of these holidays are astonishingly wondrous.

It does not matter where Muslims are, if in their homelands or touring foreign countries; they are bound to celebrate with all their hearts, determined to make a memory worth remembering.

In every corner of the world, these holidays leave their mark, however, small those might be. You would find traces of them everywhere, even in the air.

Ramadan

These holidays come one after the other, and it all starts with Ramadan, the most anticipated and celebrated month.

The two Islamic months before Ramadan, Rajab and Sa’aban, are spent preparing for its arrival. That means, a lot of Muslims fast on and off during these months, all in honour of Ramadan, the sacred month.

 Ramadan is the month of fasting, sharing and worshipping. This month gives Muslims a chance to grow closer to Allah without the devils to lead them astray.

Fasting

The main event in Ramadan is fasting. During their fasts, Muslims refrain from food, water, and significant sins. They fast from sunset to sunrise. Out of that period, Muslims are free to eat and drink as much as they please.

Suhoor

‘Suhoor’ also known as ‘Sehri’ is a pre-dawn meal. Early in the morning, Muslims eat this meal before starting their fast, that would be before fajr prayer. It is generally a very healthy meal because Muslims have to refrain from drinks and food for the rest of the day.

Iftar

After Suhoor, the next meal of the day is Iftar. It is the evening meal, eaten at sunset to break the fast, right before Magrib prayer.

Dates and juices are standard in this meal, as the Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) used to break his fast with dates.

After Iftar, some Muslims eat dinner while some prefer to have some late-night snacks before Suhoor.

Festive Meals

During Ramadan, there are numerous invites to go out to friends and families. Muslims host guests in their homes or restaurants, and they eat their Suhoor, Iftar or dinner together.

People all around the world host large gatherings; tables are laid out, restaurants are rented, open buffets are arranged, and the streets are lined with all types of food, every Muslim is invited to come and eat. Before Iftar, dates are given out on the streets.

Ramadan when you are travelling

When you are a Muslim out travelling the world during Ramadan, you might get worried about proper iftar and suhoor meals. But there is no need to fret.

Mosques all around the world make preparations for the two religious meals, and you will probably find more than one in various cities. Many restaurants also offer suhoor and iftar meals during Ramadan. You can enjoy your adventures without worrying about your meals.

Eid Ul Fitr

Directly after Ramadan comes to an end, Eid ul Fitr makes itself known.

Eid ul Fitr is a gift like no other. It is a reward given to Muslims for fasting in the whole month of Ramadan. It is the holiday of joyous laughter, warm hugs, hot meals, charity and gifts.

This holiday is celebrated from the first day of Shawal to the third, but some Muslims tend to carry out the celebrations for about a week. Early morning of Eid day, men go to Mosques for the Eid prayer.

Food Traditions

Like Ramadan, Eid is also a holiday of festive meals. Family and friends gather together for meals or only some quality time. Tables are decorated with roasted chickens, biryani, and all kinds of mouth-watering dishes accompanied by cold, refreshing juices and drinks.

The traditional Eid breakfast varies from place to place, but in Asian Muslim majority countries, it is usually sweet vermicelli soaked in milk full of dry fruits.

Gifts

The gifts are why kids always look forward to Eid every year. Friends, family, neighbours or acquaintance, you can always expect a gift.

Everyone gets gifts on Eid, as this is the holiday of sharing and caring. A lot of people give out money to young ones, too.

These gifts and the money are called ‘Eidi.’

Eid Greeting

The most common greeting is ‘Eid Mubarak’, but you can say ‘Happy Eid’ too.

Clothes

Muslims take out their favourite new dresses and shiny footwear for Eid. They wear smiles, scents and laughter.

Eid Ul Fitr when you are travelling

Eid Ul Fitr is a great time to go travelling; it is meant to be a holiday full of fun, after all. You can buy gifts and souvenirs for your families and friends, and you can go around exploring Muslim friendly destinations.

In Portugal, you can wear whatever outfit you choose to be your Eid special without getting people stared at you, Muslims are welcomed, and the inhabitants are increasingly used to dealing with other cultures. You can enjoy your Eid to the fullest, even if you are not at home.

Eid Ul Adah

Eid Ul Adah is the Eid of sacrifices, thus also called ‘Festival of Sacrifice’. It is the second official Eid holiday in Islam, in the honour of Prophet Ibrahim (as) and the Islamic history.

Muslims sacrifice halal animals after tending to and taking care of them for some time before Eid. This Eid is observed from 10th to 13th Dhu al-Hijjah.

Food Traditions

Muslims generally prefer to eat fresh meat on Eid Ul Adah, in honour of the sacrifice. Some people have restaurants cook the meat they provide for them.

At the table of quite a lot of Muslims, you would see nothing but meat for months on end. BBQ gatherings are also frequent during and after Eid Ul Adah.

Clothes And Gifts

Similar to the first Eid, Muslims wear new outfits in the second one. Gifts and Eidi are also given out, making it a wonderful occasion for all.

Eid Ul Adah when you are travelling

In almost all countries around the world, sacrificing animals is very straightforward. You have to pick an animal from a cattle farm and pay the owners and someone will have the animals slaughtered for you. There is no need to search for butchers and to arrange the time and place. They will do all that for you. You can satisfy your wanderlust and enjoy Eid, all without any complications.

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