Eid Al-Fitr and Gold Gifts are strongly interlinked with each other, especially with the holy month of Ramadan. Let’s explore them further.
The sacred month of Ramadan
Ramadan is a time of worship, fasting, peace, and reflection. It is the time when one focuses on spirituality and inner tranquillity.
To mark the end of the month of Ramadan, Muslims across the globe celebrate Eid al-Fitr (Festival to Break Fast) on the first day of Shawwal (the 10th month in the Islamic Calendar).
From children to adults, everyone celebrates this religious festival with great zeal. It’s the day that strengthens your ties with your loved ones and allows you to share happiness. The celebration usually starts with a special Eid breakfast and Eid prayer, followed by gatherings, gifts exchange, and other custom traditions.
Let’s dive deep into it!
What is Eid Al-Fitr?
Eid al-Fitr, also written and pronounced as Eid-ul-Fitr and Smaller Eid, is a religious holiday celebrated by Muslims around the world. It marks the end of the month of Ramadan and is celebrated on the first of Shawwal.
The festival is all about the celebration of the end of a month-long fast. Eid al-Fitr usually falls eleven days earlier than the previous years in the solar calendar and observes a three-day national holiday in many Muslim countries. These days, people don’t go to school or work, rather they celebrate Eid with their friends and family.
The Islamic Calendar
The Islamic calendar is a lunar calendar that Muslims follow to celebrate their holidays and festivals. There are twelve months in the lunar calendar and a new month begins with the appearance of a crescent moon. Dates in the lunar calendar are calculated based on lunar phases and a lunar year is usually eleven days shorter than the solar Gregorian calendar.
Entire Muslim Ummah across the world celebrates two eids; Eid Al-Fitr and Eid Al-Adha, according to the Islami calendar. Eid Al-Fitr rounds off the month of Ramadan while Eid al-Adha takes place at the end of the annual pilgrimage performed by Muslims (Hajj).
Ramadan
It is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. It is the holy month of fasting (also known as Sawm) where Muslims are required to fast from dawn through dusk.
Children may try to half fast where they fast as long as they please for the sole purpose of trying it out or to avoid feeling left out. They are not however expected to fast until they reach puberty.
During fasting, Muslims abstain from eating, drinking, smoking, and avoiding anything else that is forbidden by Islam.
The month of Ramadan observes a different lifestyle than other months and requires Muslims to engage in spiritual and poise activities. Experiencing thirst and hunger makes people empathetic towards the poor and gives them a sense of gratitude for what they have. Since the month of Ramadan requires people to refrain from smoking, eating, drinking, and doing other bad deeds, it teaches them self-control and encourages them to do more virtuous deeds.
Since Islamic months are based on the lunar calendar, Ramadan and other months fall in different seasons each year. Over the course of years, Muslims get an opportunity to fast during long summer days of fifteen to seventeen hours as well as short winter days of ten to twelve hours.
Why is Eid Al-Fitr Celebrated?
The accomplishment of all the sacred duties performed by Muslims during Ramadan is celebrated with Eid al-Fitr. Muslims gather with their friends and family to celebrate a full month of fasting and to show gratitude towards the followings of Allah in the month of Ramadan.
How is Eid Al-Fitr Celebrated?
Kids and adults celebrate Eid with great excitement. In the month of Ramadan or the last weeks leading up to Eid, people thoroughly clean and/or renovate their homes. Families shop for new clothes, shoes, jewellery, and gifts for Eid day. It is part of Muslim traditions to wear new attire and decorate their houses on Eid day.
In some South Asian countries, Muslims also celebrate “Chand Raat” where friends and families gather in open areas under the sky to see the new moon on the last night of Ramadan. They wish each other “Happy Eid” by making calls or sending messages. Girls end up wearing beautiful designs of Hinah, also known as Mehandi, which is a dye made from the plant Lawsonia Inermis on their hands and/or feet. Some people also go out for last-minute shopping and enjoy the hustle & bustle of markets on Chand Raat.
Eid celebrations usually last for up to three days where friends and relatives gather together to enjoy delicious festive meals and exchange gifts.
Some major traditions of Eid Day include:
Zakat al-Fitr (Fitrana)
Before starting Eid celebrations, Muslims give Zakat al-Fitr or Fitrana as a charity to less fortunate people in society. Zakat al-Fitr is an obligatory small amount paid by the head of the house on behalf of all dependents such as their spouses, children, sisters, and other relatives.
Eid Prayers
Salat al-Eid or Eid Prayer is a holy prayer in the Islamic tradition performed on Eid day. It is performed in the morning; the time for prayer is announced in local mosques after the sight of the crescent moon.
Muslims usually dress up in new clothes to gather in the local mosque and take part in Eid prayer. Performing the Eid prayer is a very special feeling, especially on both Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.
Eid Greetings!
“Eid Mubarak” or “Happy Eid” is one the most common things people wish for each other on Eid day. It is a way of expressing happiness and celebration.
Many countries have their own unique way of expressing greetings such as “Selamat Hari Raya Idul Fitri” in Indonesia, “Selamat Hari Raya” in Malaysia, “Ramazan Bayramınız Mübarek olsun” in Turkey, and “Iyd Ramazon muborak!” in Uzbekistan.
Sweet Treats and other Dishes
Since Eid comes after a month of abstaining from food and drink, it is all about feasting. People prepare mouth-watering dishes on Eid day to celebrate the festival.
Eid day breakfast holds sweet treats, bakery items, and rice dishes such as cakes, biscuits, sheer khurma, halwa, shahi tukray, ras malai, rice pudding, handesh, and trifle. No Eid banquet is complete without biryani or some sort of pilau. Some people also prepare dishes like chana chat, lamb shanks, and sweet zarda.
Eid Al-Fitr Gifts
Giving gifts on Eid is a tradition for Muslims in the UK and many other Muslim countries. Elders give gifts to children, spouses exchange gifts, and most importantly, men give gifts to their wives, daughters, mothers, and sisters.
Children are usually given Eidi- a gift in the form of money, as a token of reward for fasting and doing good deeds in the month of Ramadan. Females usually gift perfumes, clothes, or watches to their husbands, fathers, sons, and brothers.
However, women stay the centre of attention when it comes to Eid Al-Fitr gifts. In the UK and some other Muslim cultures, people give expensive gifts to their female family members.
Gold as a Gift? …Of Course!
What could be better than gold for an Eid gift? Gold undoubtedly makes an everlasting impression when given to your loved one on the special holiday of Eid al-Fitr. It is more than just a once-a-year present. It makes a gift that never vanishes, but rather becomes a heritage.
Gold is the most popular Eid gift among people in the UK, the Middle East, and some other countries (both Muslim and Non-Muslim). People prefer to buy gold jewellery gifts for their loved ones because this gift is not only beautiful but also keeps value. Moreover, jewellery is a gift to individuals of all ages, making it a more efficient gift option. Some get customised gold jewellery gifts while others pick already available gold jewellery pieces from the market. And they do so to show their love and affection toward their family members.
Gold Gift Ideas to Dazzle Anyone on Your Eid Holiday List
If you are also planning to gift gold jewellery to your wife, daughter, mother, sister, or any other family member, we are here to help. Below is a list of some exciting and unique gold gift ideas to advance your knowledge of jewellery and to provide a couple of suitable suggestions.
Allah Symbol Necklace
Looking for a stylish gold gift for a devout Muslim? Gift her an Allah symbol gold necklace to celebrate her faith. You can also get her a gold necklace with beautiful calligraph words of Ayatul Kursi in a dainty design.
Minimalist Gold Ring with Diamond
If her style is more understated and minimalist, then a simple and delicate gold ring makes the best gift idea for her. Get a simple gold ring with an emerald cut and a reflective diamond or a line of diamonds in varying sizes to add oomph to the entire look.
A gold ring with a unique sculpted point or tiny cut diamond accents also makes a signature gift idea. If she craves ultimate minimalistic elegance, then a ring with a yellow gold band with a seamless row of white pave-set diamonds is the right option.
Tiger Pendant Necklace
A tiger pendant necklace is a brilliant choice for gifts as the tiger represents strength, courage, and grandeur. Chain hanging with a classic tiger pendant will spice up any outfit making the individual stand out. It also offers a flawless blend of class and style. The Tiger’s skin represents the colours of the sun and shade, therefore it symbolises the union of opposites. To further highlight this concept, the tiger is an example where ferocity and rage can harmoniously co-exist with wisdom and passion.
A tiger square pendant, a pendant in a rectangular shape, or a round pendant featuring a tiger inside it- any style will rock.
Rose Gold Bracelet
Rose gold bracelets are women’s favourite jewellery choice due to the vigour they add to your look. The mild warm rosy hue of rose gold makes it an elegant choice if you are aiming for a distinctive look without being too bold.
Rose gold bracelet offers a romantic pink hint and goes well with any dress colour and any skin tone. It is also an ideal choice for everyday wear.
A set of stacking rose gold dainty bracelets for a chic look or choose a minimalist gold rose bracelet with tiny diamonds for a more modest look. Personalised gold cuff bracelets with her name or some beautiful text also make an amazing choice.
Gold Hijab Pins
Accessorise your loved one’s hijab with custom-made and exquisite gold hijab pins with pearls. Customise the style to go well with most colour schemes.
Gold Hoop Earrings
Hoop earrings are a must-have, classic staple in the jewellery collection. No matter what style, metal, or material, hoop earrings always make a fashion statement. Hoops have the remarkable ability to draw attention to your face. As they have a circular shape, they complement the jaw and cheekbones very well. Hence, accentuating your features with their form and tint.
A medium-sized gold hoop makes a classic pair with pretty much every outfit. Whereas large hoops are to achieve a dramatic statement for a daytime event.
Hoops with gold embellishments make a more luxurious and classy choice.
Customised Name Gold Necklace
A name necklace is a thoughtful and valuable Eid Al-Fitr Gold gift since it reflects your feelings for the person to whom it is being given.
Customised name necklaces come in many styles. Some designs feature an engraved bar, some come with just initials or a monogram, some just display the name, and some feature calligraphic names.
A customised nameplate with a small chained gold necklace would be appealing. While adding diamonds to the nameplate is for a bit of added flair. This necklace is sure to add an elegant touch and celebrate perfect sentiments.
Green Emerald Bezel Gold Bracelet
Bezel setting has been popular among women and pairing it with green emerald makes a royal Eid Al-Fitr Gold gift idea. Green emerald, a royal stone, is known to be a favourite gem of the queen of Egypt, Cleopatra. The stone associates with love, passion, and desire, making it an ideal present.
An elegant, small bezel-set emerald on a delicate gold cable chain will offer a timeless look. You can also go for any other emerald of your choice and pair them with a small diamond for a more glamorous look.
Gold Bangles
Gold bangles are a good choice for individuals who find it difficult to pick the right gift. This is because it is both suitable and unique. There are an unlimited amount of designs for jewellery that guarantees satisfaction.
Eid Al-Fitr Gold Gift bangles come in a range of styles such as bangles studded with diamonds or gems including emeralds, rubies, or pearls. They also come with a combination of gems and diamonds, or you can get solid plain ones with no embellishments (an amazing choice for daily wear).
Gold bangles also come in various shapes such as geometric shapes, open-top bangles, oval ones, and cuff styles. The latest bangle designs also feature half-bangle, half bracelet styles to offer a more classic look.
Gold Stud Earrings
Trends in the jewellery world come and go, but stud earrings are never going out of fashion. Gold stud is a timeless staple that makes a perfect Eid Al-Fitr Gold gift for anyone.
If you are buying earrings for someone with a round face. Buying gold stud earrings with princess-cut diamonds makes a perfect choice to emphasise her cheekbones. For rectangular faces, round shape studs will look flattering while for thinner faces, halo-setting round earrings make a complementary choice.
Gold Link Chain Necklace
Link chain necklaces offer an elegant look. A delicate link chain necklace is a versatile Eid Al-Fitr Gold jewellery gift because it not only makes a subtle choice for daily wear but also layers a more dramatic look.
You can get a link chain necklace in either white, yellow, or rose gold- depending on your unique style. You also get a range of design options for link chain necklaces. An example is small and medium-chain necklaces to long and choker-chain ones. You can even go for a chain necklace with diamond embellishments for a sleeker look. Or you can go for a vintage chain necklace to achieve a more traditional look.
Gold Locket
Another Eid Al-Fitr gold gift is a gold locket as it is a very personal gift. Pictures or some other memento add a romantic and nostalgic touch. A gold locket has not only aesthetic appeal but also holds many memories that strengthen the bond between the individual and the item specifically.
Choose the best photos for the locket. It can be a photo of your fiance, husband, or wife, a photo of both you and that special individual. It could even be a picture of a pet or anything of significance. Pick from a range of gold locket types, such as floating locket, gate locket, rotating lockets, or even personalised lockets.
Looking for unique gold gifts for your loved one?
Check out our shop page as we offer a range of gold jewellery pieces in unique designs and styles. Suitable for different occasions such as weddings, parties, and Eid.