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There are special prayers held at the musalla in the morning. There are different from the usual prayers (salah) and different also from the Friday congregational prayers. They repeat many times the words 'Allahu Akbar' - Allah is the Most Great. Before and after the prayers, and through the day, people will chant the Takbir. This is a remembrance of Allah which is sung praising Allah and praying for the Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alaihi wassalam) and his family and companions. The first part of this remembrance dates back to the time of the Prophet Ibrahim (as):

"Allah is the Most Great, Allah is the Most Great
Allah is the Most Great.
There is no one worthy of worship except Allah
Allah is the Most Great, Allah is the Most Great
All praise is due to Allah."

Eid-ul-Fitr is a day when parents, children and friends ask forgiveness of each other, and thank Allah (swt) for all His Blessings. It is a day when Muslims can make a new start {insh'Allah}.

During his life, the Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alaihi wassalam) tried to help Muslims to understand how important it is to be part of the community. In doing the fast and then celebrating Eid-ul-Fitr, people are drawn together, especially when they gather at the musalla or mosque. A symbol of the sharing is that during the fast, families will often send food to their neighbours to break fast with, or they invite each other to share the breaking of the fast in their houses, or they invite strangers and travellers home to eat - this way they can all experience the barakah of the fast together. Again, during Eid-ul-Fitr, it is very important to share and enjoy food together.

In Islam, you can find contrasts that constantly run through the religion. After a month of fasting and self-denial, Eid-ul-Fitr must be celebrated with remembrance of Allah (swt), abundance and enjoyment. So after the prayers at the mosque are over, people greet each other with the words 'Eid Mubarak' (Blessings of Eid or Happy Eid). The day passes in visiting families and friends and when the five prayers are done, Allah (swt) is remembered. Everywhere delicious food is prepared - different countries have their own traditional dishes. Many give each other presents. If children have fasted, they are often given money by relatives and friends. Strangers and friends are all welcomed warmly to join in the feasting. No one must be alone or without food on this special day.

Many Muslims feel that for eleven months of the year they live for themselves. One month in the year they dedicate to Allah (swt). Ramadan helps them to create a balance in their lives, and to bring them closer to Allah (swt). Some Muslims say they often receive important guidance for their lives during the fast. So, during Ramadan and before Eid-ul-Fitr especially, they like to thank Allah (swt) by giving the needy, as much money and food as they can.

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