Eid al-Fitr is among most important festivals in Islamic calendar: Saudi Arabian Ambassador
WVR - On April 23, the Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia coordinating with the Embassies of a number of Arab and Muslim countries in Vietnam such as Egypt, Palestine, Algeria, Morocco, Indonesia, Pakistan, Brunei, Iran and Bangladesh held the Eid al-Fitr celebration.
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| Saudi Arabian Ambassador to Vietnam Mohammed Ismaeil A. Dahlwy said that Eid al-Fitr is one of the most important festivals in the Islamic calendar. (Photo: Kim Le) |
The celebration was attended by representatives of Vietnamese agencies and branches such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the Government Office; Ambassadors, Chargé d'affaires, Heads of representative agencies, diplomatic representatives and international organizations in Hanoi... and many members of the Muslim community in Hanoi.
To introduce the Feast of Eid al-Fitr and its importance to Muslim, Saudi Arabian Ambassador to Vietnam Mohammed Ismaeil A. Dahlwy said that Ramadan is a time of fasting, prayer, and reflection for Muslims around the world. It is a time when they strive to be their best selves, both spiritually and morally. And when Ramadan comes to a close, it is a time of great celebration and joy.
Eid al-Fitr is one of the most important festivals in the Islamic calendar. During Eid al-Fitr, Muslims gather with family and friends to pray, exchange gifts, and feast on delicious food. It is a time of forgiveness, compassion, and unity, as people come together to celebrate the end of a month of spiritual renewal.
This occasion is also a reminder for Muslims to be grateful for what they have as well as to help the less fortunate. This is known as zakat, which is one of the five pillars of Islam. Zakat is a requirement that all Muslims with the means to do so donate to the less fortunate. Zakat significantly increases during Ramadan and continues as an important part of Eid al-Fitr.
These celebrations during Eid al-Fitr vary from country to country but include visiting family and friends, giving presents, enjoying feasts, wearing new clothes, and visiting the graves of relatives.
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| During Eid al-Fitr, Muslims gather with family and friends to pray, exchange gifts, and feast on delicious food. (Photo: Kim Le) |
According to the Ambassador, in Saudi Arabia, after performing the Eid prayers, family and friends tend to gather with the children, who are given new clothes, toys and Eidia gifts, which can include money (something similar to the lucky money here in Vietnam). Then everybody enjoys Saudi coffee and dates, and a traditional feast and sweets.
On the first evening of Eid Al Fitr, people go out in their finest clothes — often new clothes purchased for this occasion — to see fireworks and wish each other “Eid Mubarak,” which means Happy Eid. It’s usual to see women’s hands and feet decorated in henna during this celebration.
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| Ambassdor of Pakistan introduces the country and people of her country as well as the celebration of Eid al-Fitr in Pakistan. (Photo: Kim Le) |
At the event, Ambassadors of Algeria, Egypt, Pakistan... also introduced the culture, customs and habits of their countries on the occasion of Eid al-Fitr. At the same time, the Embassies of a number of Arab and Muslim countries played video clips introducing their culture, country and people.
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| Participants at the ceremony also had chance enjoy the typical dishes, cakes and cuisines of the countries as well as cultural activities. (Photo: NK) |
Participants at the celebration had chance to enjoy the typical dishes, cakes and cuisines of the Arab and Muslim countries as well as cultural activities such as the art of henna painting - the unique art of decorating hands and feet with ink made from the leaves of the Henna tree, interesting and impressive circus and magic performances for children, etc.
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| Participants at the celebration had chance to enjoy the typical dishes, cakes and cuisines of the Arab and Muslim countries. (Photo: Kim Le) |
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| Henna painting - the unique art of decorating hands and feet with ink made from the leaves of the Henna tree. (Photo: Hoang Kim) |
