10 Strange traditions from around the world during Eid al-Fitr

The holiday Eid al-Fitr is celebrated by millions of Muslims around the world every year to mark the end of Ramadan, the holy month where Muslims fast from dawn until dusk and refrain from drinking, eating, or smoking during this time. Eid al-Fitr lasts for three days and during this time, many people observe various rituals and traditions including religious observances as well as family gatherings, gift exchanges, and celebrations with friends. However, there are also some strange traditions associated with Eid al-Fitr that many non-Muslims may find confusing or even shocking.

1) In Egypt, breaking your fast with a bite of bread

In a 2013 interview with Business Insider, Osman Ahmed Attia, who has lived in Egypt for most of his life and was until recently a secretary-general at Cairo University, explained that when it comes to breaking your fast, the only things you can eat are just-food. Nothing else. While Egyptians generally avoid eating heavy meals for breakfast, because they know they'll be too full to continue fasting by sunset. They prefer to consume mostly light foods like bread or fruits, which can help them break their fast without feeling overly stuffed afterward.

2) In Pakistan, Gifts on Eid day

In Pakistan, many people send gifts to each other on Eid. Generally, women send gifts to other women and men send gifts to their parents and in-laws. However, there are also a lot of people who get new clothes for themselves and for their family members on Eid day as well. One thing which all Pakistani do is that they distribute sweets among their friends, relatives, and neighbors during Eidal Fitr.

3) In Iraq, visiting elderly relatives on this special day

It is customary to visit one’s elderly relatives during Eid and give them a gift. Everyone, even if they are far away, will go to their parents’ home on that day and stay until morning, because it is thought to be a very blessed day and brings good luck. One should wear new clothes for visiting relatives. In Turkey, wearing red clothing: There is a belief in many Muslim countries that wearing red (which symbolizes happiness) helps bring good luck to people. It has also been said that women who wear red when visiting other people’s homes will help make more children!

4) In Iran, Tug of War During Ramadan

Ramadan is a month of prayer, fasting and charity for Muslims. It is also a time for family and fun. After sundown on one day in particular, families and friends gather to celebrate Id Al Fitr at local mosques or parks. Depending on where you are in Iran, you might see families playing sports such as tug of war together or even singing together while waving colorful scarves in celebration. The community atmosphere makes it easy to connect with people—and there are often plenty of snacks!

5) In Bangladesh, Keeping Fast in Neighboring Countries

The last days of Ramadan are considered a special time for Muslims who live near one another. This holiday, Eid Al Fitr is celebrated in Muslim countries around the world. But some neighboring countries have different traditions when it comes to greeting their fellow countrymen and women on that day, with some colorful customs that wouldn’t be out of place in a fairy tale! Let’s take a look at ten strange rituals observed in neighboring countries during Eid Al Fitr!

6) In Turkey, Great sweets are prepared for iftar

Simit is a circular bread ring covered with sesame seeds, which is a traditional treat eaten at iftar. Any type of food that contains wheat flour can be found on marketplaces. Turkish people also serve fruits like pomegranate and watermelon for iftar. Also served for iftar in Turkey are fish and meat dishes as well as yoghurt mixed with rice or lentils. In many countries, sweets are prepared to end Ramadan with hope for a sweet year ahead, which makes it a special occasion to celebrate life after having fasted throughout daylight hours of Ramadan. It’s typical for Muslims to greet each other warmly and hug on Ramadan’s last day, wishing one another happiness in the new year and saying goodbye until next Ramadan.

7) In Qatar, Biggest Iftar Party in Doha by QIA Mosque

Since 2008, Qatar International Academy (QIA) has been hosting an iftar party for the month of Ramadan. It is popularly known as QIA Iftar Almas and is held at a historical hall inside QIA campus with more than 4,000 people attending every year. Apart from Iftar party, cultural events are also arranged which aim to spread true Islamic values to all participants. The celebrations also include competitions between students and teachers related to Quran recitation, speech making and singing contests as well as other activities such as face painting for children. Iftar Almas celebrations continue for four days starting with welcoming guests on day one followed by speeches by eminent personalities in education on day two, contests on day three and closing ceremony on day four.

8) In Malaysia, Children celebrate their first iftar with candies and flowers at school.

The day before Eid al-Fitr, children in Malaysia celebrate with their first iftar. Their teachers dress them up in traditional clothing and parade them through town to an open field where they are given food and flowers as presents. All of Malaysia celebrates with a two-day break starting on the last day of Ramadan for those that celebrate it, but children in Malaysia get a one day head start! This is usually their first time eating at sundown on purpose and it's called Sehri. It is also known as breakfast or dinner.

9)In Sudan, Women pay visits to family members after iftar

In Sudan, after sunset Muslims break their fast for Ramadan with a meal known as iftar. During that evening, women are busy preparing and bringing food to their family members and even paying visits to their neighbors. Women would go door to door wishing people a happy Ramadhan and in return they also get wishes of a happy Eid al-Fitr as well. The tradition is said to have originated in Iraq but today it is prevalent throughout Sudan.

10) In Kosovo people open their door to welcome guests with warm soup (Sujuk).

Celebrations take place with friends and family. People greet each other by shaking hands or hugging, often with a kiss on both cheeks. The greeting is typically followed by wishes for a long life and happiness (I wish you live 100 years!). As in many parts of Europe, people exchange gifts on Eid. Small children will open their presents immediately, but older family members may wait until after breakfast to unwrap theirs. Adults who visit each other will often leave an envelope containing money for their hosts when they leave. In Pakistanis celebrate in big family gatherings where they break fast together after morning prayers, play games and tell stories about Muhammed and his companions. Afterwards they visit relatives and friends while they pay respects to deceased relatives at graveyards.