The government declared public holidays on April 21 and 24, 2023, for the Eid-il-Fitr celebrations. The Interior Minister, Hon. Rauf Aregbesola announced on behalf of the Nigerian government in a statement signed by Dr. Shuaib Belgore on Wednesday. The minister congratulated all Muslims on completing Ramadan and urged them to practice virtues like kindness, love, and tolerance. He advised them to maintain the self-restraint and spiritual consciousness of the fasting period and strive to be better worshippers.
He assured citizens and foreigners of government’s commitment to security during the holiday and praised security agencies for their successes against criminals. He encouraged Nigerians to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behavior to the nearest law enforcement agency as security is the responsibility of everyone.
Eid al-Fitr is a significant Islamic holiday that marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan, during which Muslims fast from dawn to dusk. In Nigeria, where over 50% of the population is Muslim, Eid al-Fitr is a major holiday and is widely celebrated.
The Nigerian government declares a holiday for Eid al-Fitr to allow Muslim citizens to celebrate the occasion with their families and communities. It is a way of recognizing the importance of this religious holiday for the Muslim population and showing respect for their beliefs and traditions.
Eid al-Fitr, also known as the “Festival of Breaking the Fast,” is one of the most important religious holidays celebrated by Muslims worldwide. The exact customs and traditions during Eid al-Fitr can vary depending on the country and culture, but there are some general practices that are observed by Muslims worldwide. Here are some common things that happen during Eid al-Fitr:
- End of Ramadan: Eid al-Fitr marks the end of the month-long fasting period of Ramadan, which is one of the five pillars of Islam.
- Prayer: Muslims gather in mosques or outdoor spaces to perform the Eid prayer, which is a special prayer that is offered only during Eid al-Fitr. The prayer usually consists of two units and is performed in congregation.
- Greetings and Gifts: Muslims exchange greetings of “Eid Mubarak” (meaning “Blessed Eid”) and give gifts to one another, especially children. This is a time for forgiveness and reconciliation, so it is common for people to visit friends and family to ask for forgiveness and strengthen relationships.
- Food and Festivities: Muslims typically prepare and share special dishes with family and friends, including sweets and desserts. Some cultures have specific traditional foods for Eid al-Fitr. Many countries have public celebrations and festivities, with music, dance, and other forms of entertainment.
- Charity and Giving: It is customary for Muslims to give to charity during Eid al-Fitr, in the form of donations or by providing food or clothing to those in need. This practice is called Zakat al-Fitr, and it is meant to help those who may not have the means to celebrate the holiday.
Overall, Eid al-Fitr is a time of joy and celebration for Muslims around the world. It is a time for expressing gratitude to Allah for the blessings received during the month of Ramadan, and for strengthening bonds with family, friends, and the wider community.
