Eid al Fitr is an important festival for Muslims. In Ningxia, Xinjiang and other places, many ethnic groups celebrate Eid al Fitr, including Hui, Uygur and Dongxiang. China is a big multi-ethnic family, so we must respect the local customs. What are the customs of Eid al Fitr?
The custom of Eid al Fitr
1. Arabs in Ramadan
In Ramadan, Muslims fast in the daytime to practice their mind and purify their soul. Therefore, during Ramadan, many people in Arab countries can usually be seen placing their carefully prepared food on the roadside for free for passers-by to express their benevolence. In Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, many mosques provide free food to Muslims every night since Ramadan.
2. The eating customs of Eid al Fitr
Eid al Fitr is not only a celebration of the successful completion of Ramadan Ramadan, but also a good night for Muslim families to celebrate and meet. On this day, Muslim men and women should take a shower, burn incense, renew their clothes, go to the mosque to attend the ceremony and listen to the Imam's' walzi '(sermon). After worship, every family should fry Youxiang, Sanzi and Mahua, and some have to slaughter chickens and sheep to cook dishes with unique flavor in their own region. Such as Ningxia Hui people's Stewed Mutton, dumplings in powder soup, hand caught mutton, sweet and sour carp; Grabbing rice and roast whole sheep in Xinjiang; Beef ramen and steamed chicken in Lanzhou; Mutton steamed bun in Xi'an. When relatives and friends meet, they say hello and good luck to each other. Some asked imams to read the Koran beside the graves of their deceased relatives and friends, mourn their deceased relatives, place their grief on them, and pray for Allah's mercy for the dead to enter heaven as soon as possible.
3. Commercial activities and characteristics of Arab countries during Ramadan
In Ramadan, Arab countries generally adjust the working hours. Most companies in the UAE work from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Saudi Arabia stipulates to start working at 10 a.m. The work efficiency of government organs is low, and the activities of businessmen are reduced accordingly. Business activities in Arab countries are usually carried out in the evening. Shops usually open at 6 or 7 p.m. and close at 2 or 3 p.m. Some restaurants don't close until 4 a.m. Food sales during Ramadan are particularly high. Food, clothing and household appliances have become the most demanding and best-selling commodities. Especially about a week before Eid al Fitr, the sales of various holiday commodities on the market have increased greatly, which is the peak sales season.
Eid al Fitr taboo
1. Dress modestly
Ramadan is a holy month in which Muslims must maintain piety, humility and gentleness. Children of friends with Muslim faith should cooperate with customs and avoid wearing exposed clothes. This is especially important when shopping at night, going in and out of hotels, restaurants or Eid al Fitr tents. Generally speaking, transparent and too short clothes, low cut clothes and tight clothes should be avoided, especially shorts, miniskirts and sleeveless tops.
2. Pay attention to workplace etiquette
Business travelers to Muslim countries should be aware that office hours will be shortened and adjusted accordingly. It's best to schedule business meetings with Muslims in the morning, because they won't be so tired in the morning and can concentrate better. It is also best not to schedule the meeting at lunchtime to avoid overwork or other inconvenience. Although non muslims can eat and drink in closed areas, they should avoid eating in front of Muslims and try to eat in remote places in the office. If a Muslim who is fasting asks you if you need a drink, you should refuse out of respect.
3. Do not eat, drink or smoke in public places
In most Muslim countries, eating, drinking or smoking in public places during fasting is considered impolite, which also applies to public transport or private cars. In countries such as Egypt, banning eating in public places is a matter of courtesy, but in other countries such as Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Oman and the United Arab Emirates, fasting in public places must be observed regardless of whether you believe in Islam or not.
4. Pay attention to meal and entertainment schedule
If you travel to Muslim countries during Ramadan, you should be prepared and flexibly arrange meals and entertainment plans. Avoid unnecessary travel within one hour after sunset, which will lead to traffic congestion and high incidence of accidents. At the same time, you should avoid booking dinner at this time, as most restaurants are busy preparing or serving Eid al Fitr snacks. In many places, live music performances are banned and dance halls and bars are closed. Shopping malls are usually crowded at night, and many tourism activities are suspended throughout Ramadan.
What are the taboos of Eid al Fitr worship:
Pay attention to the time of prayer
Devout Muslims have to pray five times a day. They get up before full light at 4:30 in the morning. They have finished grooming and prayed for the first time. At 12:30 at noon, the bell and hymn of the mosque ring again. Muslims pray for the second time. 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. are the time for the third and fourth prayers, and Muslims have to pray for the last time at 8:30 p.m.
Special tips for non muslims during Ramadan
For those who visit Arab and Islamic countries and conduct business activities during Ramadan, it is important to note that during the period from sunrise to sunset, that is, when Muslims perform fasting, they cannot smoke, drink water or eat in the streets or public places. Otherwise, it will be regarded by Muslims as not respecting their religious customs, and even punished or detained in Saudi Arabia and Gulf countries. In Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi, restaurants are generally closed during the day during Ramadan. In the restaurants of star rated hotels in Dubai, people can eat and smoke, but they are not allowed to drink.
In view of the low efficiency of the Gulf Arab States during the day during Ramadan, people are often not found. Therefore, those who conduct business visits and business negotiations should try to avoid visiting in Ramadan.