Similarities Of Eid Al-Fitr Tradition In France And Indonesia

A mosque in France (Source: Wikimedia Commons)

JAKARTA - Muslims around the world are celebrating Eid al-Fitr. Each community has a tradition in celebrating Eid and some have something in common. In France for example, there are some traditions similar to Indonesia. arbitrary?

One of the traditions of Lebaran in Indonesia is to apologize with family, neighbors and closest relatives. The same is true in European countries.

Although Islam is not the majority religion in European countries, the Muslim community there has the right to worship safely. One of them is France. The country has a plural and secular population that separates state and religious relations.

Islam is not new to France because it once had a relationship when they occupied Maghribi countries such as Algeria. Islam is also developing in France which is also influenced by the arrival of immigrants from Africa and Asia. So, what is the tradition of Eid al-Fitr in France? Here we summarize from various sources.

Eid al-Fitr is determined by the Muslim Council of France

The determination of 1 Syawal also takes place as carefully as in Indonesia.

In France, the establishment of Eid al-Fitr is carried out by the French Muslim Council or Conseil français du culte musulman (CFCM). This year, they determined that Eid al-Fitr falls on May 13, 2021.

However, the date of Eid al-Fitr is still to be confirmed again on May 11, after the observation of the crescent moon. The announcement of the establishment of 1 Syawal will be announced at the Grand Mosque of Paris.

Buy new clothes

Buying new clothes is also a French Muslim tradition when welcoming Eid al-Fitr. Le Journal des femmes reported that Eid al-Fitr in France makes a variety of celebrations.

After performing Salat in the mosque, during the day, Muslims will present gifts or dishes, starting with pastries. In addition, the tradition of Eid al-Fitr is celebrated by French Muslims to wear new clothes.

Petit fete

Petit fete or small party is a term to describe the moment of Eid al-Fitr in France. As explained earlier, Muslims will eat sweet foods and cakes.

Therefore, Eid al-Fitr is also referred to as fete sucree or sweet celebration. Eid celebrations there last up to three days. According to tradition, on this occasion Muslims pay their zakat.

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The Covid-19 pandemic is still worrying in France. The government expects collective action from all residents to prevent an increase in cases by avoiding crowds.

This is also true in the celebration of Eid al-Fitr. Permission to gather at the stadium intended for Eid al-Fitr was not granted due to health crisis reasons.

The Grand Mosque of Paris had requested the lifting of the curfew to allow the Mosque to be opened, but was rejected by the Conseil d'Etat or the Council of State. considering the rate of spread of the virus is still high throughout the region.

In response to this decision, the Grand Mosque of Paris asked Muslims to respect the move.

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