Recently, Mallorca’s 35,000 Muslims were observing Ramadan, 30 days of fasting, abstinence and prayer between daybreak and sunset. Last Saturday was the last day of Ramadan. On Sunday morning, one hour after sunrise, Eid al-Fitr (Feast of Breaking the Fast) was celebrated in Palma Arena with a prayer amongst 2,000 faithful. After the congregation, the young ones received gifts, and the grown-ups enjoyed a snack consisting mainly of sweets. Then, Mallorca’s Muslims shared large meals with their family and friends, as is usual at this event. Eid al-Fitr is one of the most important holidays in the Muslim calendar, usually lasting for three days.

After the month of Ramadan, we are now in the month of Shawwāl. Whilst the fast during the month of Ramadan is obligatory for all Muslims over 14, there are no moral imperatives during the month of Shawwāl. But the most steadfast and devoted Muslims are encouraged to fast during six more days during this month, with the 30 days of fasting during Ramadan plus the six random days counting ten-fold and being deemed equal to a whole year of fasting.

The photo was borrowed from the Internet, courtesy of islamhispania.blogspot.com.es.

Muchas gracias.