Eid al-Fitr Gifting and Food Q&A
Eid al-Fitr Gifting. The Holy month of Ramadan began at the end of February with the sight of the crescent moon and a
star. Other heavenly sights in the night sky were also visible at sundown. Unique solar events coincide
with the fasting time for Muslims worldwide.
The seven planets aligned for the first time since the total
solar eclipse in April 2024. By the middle of the month, sky watchers can expect to see a total lunar
eclipse (blood moon). Viewers can also see a partial solar eclipse while celebrating Eid al-Fitr and
Ramadan by the end of March.
Eid al-Fitr is a religious and spiritual celebration that begins at the sighting of the new moon following
sunset. Eid means “breaking of the fast.” It is held on the first day of the Islamic calendar, Shawwal. This
religious and spiritual celebration has many important aspects, including family, friends, food, and gift
giving.
Today’s blog is a Q&A about Eid al-Fitr. Let’s get started.
Q. When was Eid al-Fitr first observed?
A. Prophet Muhammad began the tradition in Medina in 622-624 AD, Saudi Arabia. Muslims give thanks,
eat a special meal, perform special prayers (salat), and gather with friends and family.
Q. What do Muslims do on day one of Eid a-Fitr?
A. Muslims bathe, wear near clothing, and participate in communal prayer at dawn. The festival lasts for
three days.
Q. What do Muslims do on the other days?
A. On the other days, Muslims visit with friends and family. They exchange gifts, donate to charity, eat
delicious food, and ponder spiritual and personal lessons learned during Ramadan.
Q. What kinds of gifts do Muslims give during Eid al-Fitr?
A. Parent may give their children electronics, clothes, shoes, toys, or books. Grown children may receive
cosmetics or clothing. Brothers and sisters may give Eidi cards with money to each other. Grandparents
may gift a prayer mat, sweets, fragrances, incense, jewelry, and gift sets. Family friends may bring a host
or hostess gift of a candle, short bread cookies, articles of clothing, and food items like a cheese board,
dried fruits, and nuts.
Q. Can a non-Muslim give a Muslim a gift during Eid al-Fitr?
A. Muslims are permitted to receive gifts from non-Muslim friends as a token of goodwill. However, it is
important to remember not to gift items made from alcohol, pork, or animal byproducts, as that is
against Halal. Acceptable gift items include flowers, gourmet teas, coffee, gift cards, chocolate, or other
assorted sweets.
Q. May non-Muslims be invited to share an Eid al-Fitr meal?
A. Yes, non-Muslims can be invited to share in the festivities. In fact, many mosques and Islamic centers
host open house-style events, inviting neighbours, colleagues, and friends to join them. This is viewed as
a form of outreach in local communities. It also promotes understanding with other religious and non
religious people about Islam.
Q. During Ramadan, is it considered rude to eat in front of Muslim co-workers and friends?
A. Yes and no, it is rude to eat in front of Muslims fasting during Ramadan. Muslims fast as per their
custom and choice. Non-Muslims can eat discreetly and not make a big to-do of eating in front of
Muslims. Eating in front of them while they are fasting can be awkward and inconsiderate. The best
course of action is to ask Muslim colleagues or friends if they mind if one eats in front of them. Respect
is important and goes a long way to understanding. Don’t offer them food or drink either. They will most
likely refuse.
Q. What traditional and special food items do Muslims eat during Eid al-Fitr?
A. Muslims eat savoury, sweet, and flavourful snacks, entrees, and desserts. A few items include dates,
dried fruits, nuts, baklava, samosas, kebabs, biryani, mani, halva, mammoul, butter cookies, Redang,
kanafeh, kuih lapis, nougat, Turkish Delight, nishallo, fatira and cambaabur bread, sweet buns, donuts,
sweet porridge, sweet rice, bean pie, and gulab jamun.
Q. Where can one shop to find halal foods in the United Kingdom?
A. Online and brick-and-mortar retailers locally and in big cities. Walnut Tree Gifts has dried fruit and nut combos that are halal-certified foods. The Halal Food Store offers fresh and frozen food choices. The
story also has meats and offers delivery for halal groceries. Halal Meat Online provides nationwide
delivery in Great Britain. Additionally, the store has seasonal fruits, vegetables, spices, and meal kits.
Brick-and-mortar stores like Tesco, Dishoom, Taj Stores, Turkish Food Centre, Green Valley, Harrods Food Hall, Yalla Yalla, and Asda are found in and around London.
Make Eid al-Fitr extra special this year with good food, friends, family, and sights in the sky! Non-Muslims can learn more about their Islamic neighbors by attending an Eid al-Fitr meal in their local communities.
Learn some social etiquette before going. Respect and kindness can go a long way in building and
fostering friendly relationships within British localities.
Happy Eid Mubarak from all at Walnut Tree!
About Walnut Tree- the finest edible gifts
Great Taste Awards
With Great Taste Awards for nougat, dried fruit, marron glacé, glacé fruit and pate de fruit. You’ll always be purchasing quality products from Walnut Tree.
Who we supply
Supplied under own brand or white label to prestigious stores, palaces, castles, stately homes, garden centres, delicatessens, farm shops, hamper companies, department stores and gift shops.
Why buy from us?
You’re buying directly from the source and will get excellent value for money. If you’re not happy with your purchase, we’ll refund or replace it. The website is open 24/7, orders despatched within 48 hours.
Our charitable contributions
Walnut Tree supports Future Dreams Breast Cancer Charity with dried fruit for their care packages. www.futuredreams.org.uk
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