The joyous festival of Eid as it is more often referred to, begins with the sighting of the crescent shaped new moon at sunset, on the first day of Shawwal the month after Ramadan in the Islamic calendar and marks the conclusion of a month of dawn to dusk fasting. There is always confusion during the days leading to Eid with regard to the spotting of the new moon.
While Ramadan is a way of showing gratitude to God, remembering him and a period of spiritual renewal, Eid is a vibrant and joyous celebration that takes place over three days after the purification achieved through fasting during Ramadan. The general greeting during this period is Eid Mubarak or blessed Eid. During the celebrations, celebrants generally wake up before sunrise, clean their teeth, take a shower put on newly bought clothes and apply perfume before prayers. Devotees partake of a small breakfast generally comprising of dates before attending special prayers. Obligatory charity in the form of food is dispensed to the poor before the day of the Eid to ensure that no one is in want and even the needy can participate in the celebrations. The incantation allahu Akbar is uttered repetitively while going to prayers. Eid prayers are generally performed in large open areas. The prayers are followed by a sermon and a supplication to God asking his forgiveness and seeking his blessings for all living beings. Devotees are encouraged to forgive and forget past animosities during this period. After prayers the celebrants visit friends and relatives, hold large communal celebrations, women paint their hands with henna, visit the sick and elderly and contact distant friends and relatives to wish them well. Gifts are given to close relatives and children. Eid is celebrated according to different cultural interpretations by Muslims everywhere.
Situated in the most advantageous location adjacent to the Grand Mosque and the Kabah in the most prominent building in the city, the opulent Raffles Makkah Palace offers a serene and peaceful ambience in combination with spacious contemporary accommodation catering to the requirements of its many guests seeking spirituality in the Islamic holy city. As a prominent
Makkah hotel, the property provides access to superbly equipped onsite business facilities as well as shopping, dining and entertainment options thereby catering to the needs of a diverse clientele as required of one of the outstanding
hotels in Mecca .
