A month spent fasting and reflecting in observance of Ramada ended Thursday with the sighting of the new moon.
What follows is Eid al-Fitr, a three-day celebration filled with feasts, Quran readings, gifts, and prayer beginning on the first day of Shawwal, or the tenth month on the Islamic lunar calendar. Muslims wake up to a small breakfast on the first Eid day and gather at local mosques or outdoor stages, donning newly received garments. Here, they wish a prosperous and peaceful Eid Mubarak to family, friends, and fellow Muslims.
Next comes the feast, which is - like many religious holidays - the heart of the celebration. Dishes, however, vary by country.
Indonesia Muslims feast on rendang - curry spiced with turmeric leaves, ginger, and chilies - while those in Egypt prepare kahk; nut-filled cookies smothered in sugar. Eid al-Fitr - or "sweet Eid" - is aptly named solely because of the sugary treats one can splurge on.
Among the delicacies are vermicelli dipped in sweet milk, fluffy pineapples cakes, frozen desserts (kulfi), heavy caked balls known as gulab jamun, and shortbread pastries called Ma 'amoul containing either walnuts, dates, or pistachios.
While different cultures celebrate Eid differently, all stay true to the holidays original teachings. In 610 A.D., Prophet Mohammad had visions of Jibri, the Messenger of Allah, asking him to recite certain verses. Jibri carried the holy verses for years to guide Mohammad on his journey, which later became party of the Quran.
It is believed these verses of the Quran were revealed during the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, or Ramadan. Mohammad asked his followers to refrain from evil acts for the next month before celebrating their accomplishment with Eid al-Fitr.
Today, numerous institutions pay homage to one of the most important days on the Muslim calendar. Last year, more than 200,000 people signed a petition calling for Eid to be recognized by British Law. President Obama makes it a point every year to close Ramadan with a traditional Iftar dinner at the White House.
"While Eid marks the end of Ramadan, it marks a new beginning for each individual - a reason to celebrate and express gratitude on this holiday," Obama said in a press release. "As Muslim Americans celebrate Eid across America, the holiday is a reminder to every American of the importance of respecting those of all faiths and beliefs."
Top Eid al-Fitr quotes in the Quran
"I put my trust in Allah, my Lord and your Lord! There is not a moving creature, but He has a grasp of its forelock. Verily, my Lord is on the straight path. (The trust)" [11:55-56]
"He is the One GOD; the Creator, the Initiator, the Designer. To Him belong the most beautiful names. Glorify Him is everything in the heavens and the earth. He is the Almighty, Most Wise." [59:24]
"Those who believed and led a righteous life are the best creatures." [98:7]
"If they seek peace, then seek you peace. And trust in God for He is the One that heareth and knoweth all things." [8:61]
"Hold to forgiveness, command what is right; but turn away from the ignorant." [7:199]
"Have patience with what they say, and leaves them with noble (dignity)." [73:10]
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