Learn about a Muslim Holiday: Eid ul-Fitr

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There are two major Muslim holidays that are celebrated by those that practice the culture and religion all over the world. These holidays are that of Eid ul-Fitr and Eid Al-Adha. Each of these holidays are celebrated at different times throughout the year as they are based off the lunar calendar and not on the physical calendar year. This means that every year it is celebrated at a slightly different time of year.

Eid ul-Fitr is commonly called Eid as an abbreviated name for the holiday. It is a three day Muslim holiday that is celebrated as an end to Ramadan, which is a month of fasting from sundown to sunup, that many Muslims observe. It is usually celebrated around the months of August and September but varies depending upon when Ramadan is celebrated.

Many traditions that occur on Eid ul-Fitr can vary depending upon the country that is celebrating it. However, there are many common traditions that are followed no matter what country celebrates it.

These traditions include:

Breaking fast. It is forbidden to fast on the day of Eid. Although there will be much feasting and many people do not want to overfill themselves they will often eat a small breakfast as a sign that they are not fasting for the day.

Special Day of Prayer. There is a special Eid ul-Fitr that is said on this day of Eid. It is required that a small donation be given to a charity or the poor before saying this special prayer that is said by everyone. These prayers can often be held in large public areas where everyone can hear and observe it.

Gifts. Gifts are often exchanged during the day of Eid. Mostly to children and immediate relatives only but it can also be extended to close friends. Many children are also given money during this time as a part of the holiday.

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Understanding Religions To Become Tolerant – Knowledge Is A Must

Religion is all about humans and human society. Just as it is impossible to categorize human beings in stereotypes, it is impossible to categorize religions into the same stereotypes. Morality tells us that being violent towards one’s fellow human beings is wrong. However, the same morality tells us that protecting the week and innocent by punishing evil is good.

Punishing evil involve violence. How to settle this moral issue? It is obvious that you cannot adopt a literal and casual approach towards the whole affair. You will have to adopt a pragmatic and sensible approach.

Contradictions are inherent in each and every aspect of human life, religions included. To simply focus on the literal meaning of the words spoken and to ignore context and theme – this is the primary reason why the problem of intolerance arises.

Many persons see and understand only what they wish to see and understand. The end result is that people end up with false notions about their as well as religions belonging to others. To classify religion as militant or peaceful does not make sense. These attributes can be attached to human beings alone. As far as religions are concerned, it is the behavior of followers that makes it good or bad. Sadly, this level of maturity is virtually absent in all those who claim to be religious.

If you want to really understand the meaning of religion, you will have to study not just your religion but all the religions in the world. Thankfully, the religious teachings of different individuals belonging to different sects can be found easily. Even the internet can help in this regard. The next step is to understand the lessons without any preconditions or prejudices. More often than not, we allow what we think or feel to cloud what really is.

The third step is to put the teachings into practice. That is when we find that all religions teach the same lesson.

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Taking a look at Jewish traditions

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Jewish babies undergo circumcision on the eight day. This procedure is called brit milah. It is different from medical circumcision. The person who does this is called a Mohel. The circumcision is carefully done and cleansed using a Jewish procedure called m’tzitzah. All babies undergo this. Only if there are strong medical reasons will such a procedure be delayed.

The naming ceremony for baby girls is called Simchat Bat. After the baby girl is born, the day after the Shabbat is chosen for this. The Shabbat is the seventh day in the week, and a day when Jews rest. The naming ceremony is held at the synagogue. But the trend is changing today as many people prefer to have the naming ceremony at their residences. For boys, the names are given by the Mohels themselves. This usually happens when the circumcision is done.

When girls or boys enter puberty, a Bar and Bat Mitzvah ceremony is held to acknowledge their passage into puberty. Boys need to attain thirteen years of age, and girls need to be twelve years of age. This ceremony is held to make the boys and girls understand that they are no longer in the protective caretaking of their parents. They will have responsibility unto themselves, and they will be responsible for all their actions. The boys will be called to read the Torah at the ceremony, and also asked to discuss what they have read at a congregation.

The marriage ceremony is called Simcha. Simcha is actually a Hebrew word meaning happiness. This ceremony signifies the union between two individuals of the Jewish community. The ceremony is quite simple. The groom and bride exchange rings. Jewish tradition has it that marriages should be simple. The wedding takes place under a movable canopy called the chuppah. Brides wear the veil and the grooms a suit.
Jewish traditions are simple and uncomplicated. They are a joy to witness because of their simplicity.

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All Religions Deserve Tolerance

Today, there are many religions that exist throughout the world. Each of these religions has its own particular set of beliefs. Although each of these religions can vary dramatically, they all bring forth positive and beautiful teachings in which the entire world can benefit if people of all faiths would simply put aside their intolerances.

In almost all religions, the people who follow it believe in the teachings of a central leader. In most instances, the leader of each religion has a text in which his followers refer to when they need guidance in the matters of life. Those members who practice the Jewish faith look to the Torah as the backbone of their religious teachings. Most followers of Islam are of Muslim descent. They follow the teachings set forth in the Koran. Catholics typically use a particular version of the Bible to carry out their teachings.

In spite of what some people who hold radical beliefs want you to believe, there are few instances in which religious texts advocate doing harm to those people who do not share the views of that particular religion. Rather, these texts impress upon its followers to be tolerant of differences while also trying to teach those people about the advantages of that particular religion.

In addition, these texts set out times to pray, rest, and work. These are all similar objectives in each of these books. By following the detailed guidelines in each of the texts, these religious followers find themselves to be in an agreeable rhythm. This rhythm allows each person the time to be introspective with regards to their spirituality while also leaving time for socialization. The social times are the periods when a person might share the attributes of his or her religion to those people who are non believers. Learning about each religion can be a mind expanding experience.

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