Iraq celebrates Eid Al-Fitr on Monday
Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) – Iraq and 14 other Muslim countries announced that they will celebrate Eid Al-Fitr, the first of the two main festivals in Islam, on Monday.
Iraq's Sunni Endowment Office and the office of Grand Ayatollah Ali Al-Sistani, the country's top Shiite authority, both declared the holiday to take place on Monday, according to Gulf News.
Using local crescent observations, the Kurdistan region of Iraq recognized Sunday as the first day of Eid Al-Fitr.
In Islam, Eid Al-Fitr is the first of two major holidays, together with Eid Al-Adha. It occurs on the first day of the Islamic calendar's tenth month, Shawwal.
Muslims throughout the world celebrate Eid Al-Fitr because it signifies the conclusion of the month-long Ramadan fast.
Like the rest of Islamic countries, Iraqis engage with a combination of cultural practices, family gatherings, and traditional Islamic ceremonies to mark Eid Al-Fitr.
Iraqi markets are prepared as people purchase new clothing, candy, and presents, particularly for kids.
Before the Eid prayer, which takes place in the early morning of the Eid Al-Fitr day, many Iraqis offer Zakat Al-Fitr, a charity that is required for the poor.
Worshippers gather in mosques and open spaces on the morning of Eid Al-Fitr to participate in the special Eid prayer, known as Salat Al-Eid.
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