Judging from the atmosphere of Eid in Mecca, there is no convoy

The atmosphere of Eid in Mecca is certainly different from the atmosphere of Eid in Indonesia. As a country with the largest Muslim population in all of Indonesia, the Eid celebration in our country is very lively.

Starting from the end of sunset until evening, takbir is echoed in all mosques and prayer rooms. This was followed by an explosion of fireworks throughout the area. That’s why the night of Eid is the most eagerly awaited.

Each region has its own celebratory traditions, everyone is happy. The echoes of takbir everywhere soothe the soul, reassure the heart. However, you may not find it if Eid in Mecca.

Lebaran night

The night of the Eid al-Fitr takbiran in Mecca, there is no echo of the takbir accompanied by a drum, either in the mosque or mosque. Takbir is only echoed without drum and other accompanying tools. You might think that the atmosphere of Eid in Mecca will be quieter than in Indonesia.

For centuries Eid night activities were not carried out by parades or convoys. Takbir is indeed pronounced using loudspeakers in mosques and that is the time after dawn prayers, 1 Shawwal.

Unlike in Indonesia, which starts after breaking the last fast or at night. Even though it was the last night of fasting, then getting ready for the day of victory, activities continued as usual. No crowds on the streets.

After sunset and evening in mosques all over Mecca carry out activities according to routine. The echo of takbir is not spoken, but most of the people there worship as usual in the mosque and reflect on all the mistakes or deeds that have been done for a year.

Street atmosphere

In Indonesia, the streets are very crowded with trucks, cars or motorbikes in convoys of performing the takbir with loudspeakers and drum. In Mecca, you will not find that. All people carry out activities like normal days.

Bus or taxi drivers carry out their usual activities. Vehicles run smoothly without long traffic jams like in our country. Likewise the police apparatus and the Muslim community in other professions. They work according to their fields, including the Umrah pilgrims.

All of them continue to carry out routines, worship and draw closer to Allah. Unlike those of us who have had a long holiday, then go home to our hometown and prepare for the Eid celebration.

Eid serving

So far, when Eid arrives, we always enjoy ketupat, chicken opor and fried chili sauce. Plus the crackers, taste delicious and incomparable delicious. Eaten with loved ones after apologizing to each other.

In Mecca, the Eid offerings are the same as during the fasting month of Ramadan. Dates are a must-have menu as well as several other specialties. There is no chicken opor or fried chili sauce, people in Mecca do not have a special menu.

Apart from dates, they also provide chocolate and several other sweet foods. If you do umrah, you can enjoy zam-zam drink. That is what makes the moment of Eid in Mecca more memorable and unforgettable.

Heavy meals will be served in large containers, then eaten together with family, relatives and friends. One of the mandatory foods is kunafa, which is a type of dry noodle overwritten by condensed milk. For us, it might feel strange but for people it’s delicious.

Eid clothes

Because they were doing their usual activities on the eve of Eid, so were the clothes. They don’t really care about new clothes or not. But, most importantly the clothes for the Eid prayer must be clean, holy and neat.

The day before the Eid prayer, the people of Mecca will prepare their clothes for washing. If there are tears or tears, start stitching until they are completely back. They usually wear white robes.

Mosque atmosphere

According to several Umrah pilgrims who are celebrating in Mecca, they saw the mosque filled with worshipers. Ied prayer congregation, very busy. If you want to get to the front row, you have to go very early.

Not only filled the indoor space, but every corner near the mosque was also full of worshipers. Even if the highway was full of worshipers, it seemed that there was not the slightest gap. This condition also occurs during Eid al-Adha prayers.

The congregation has been there since the dawn prayer, which is at 04.45 local time. After completing the morning prayer, the takbir began to be chanted. All the congregation is solemnly reciting the words of Allah until the time for the Eid prayer arrives at 06.10 local time.

After the Eid prayer, the high priest delivered a sermon for 1 hour. His sermon contains about reminding Muslims to always increase their piety and keep the ties of friendship at any time.

After the Eid Prayer

After performing the Eid prayer, all the congregation shook hands with each other and apologized. All sins are melted away by shaking hands. After that, people distributed gifts to the children there.

Then, some took to the streets to show their generosity. The men there, before Eid, will buy staple food in large quantities. Then, they distributed it to the poor by placing it in front of the house at random.

The tradition of celebrating Eid is very different from Indonesia. After the Eid prayer, we usually go straight home, then apologize to the family. Next visit neighbors and close relatives.

Actually, the Eid tradition in Mecca and Indonesia is different, but the most important thing is the meaning of Eid. As individuals who have returned to fitrah, we must become closer to Allah.

In addition, we must also prioritize togetherness and unity, especially between all Muslims. However, we must also not forget other people, we will continue to maintain tolerance between religious communities.