Gâteaux de l'Aïd el Fïtr | Sweet treats of Eid al-Fitr 2012

بِسْــــــــــــــــــــــمِ اﷲِارَّحْمَنِ ارَّحِيم

السلام عليكم و رحمة الله و بركاته

Millions of Muslims celebrate Eid al-Fitr, the celebratory breaking of the fast of Ramadan. Eid, as it is affectionately called, starts when the new moon is sited or according to scientific calculations of when the moon will appear. Eid is celebrated on the first day of Shawwal--the month following Ramadan on the Islamic calendar--for the Eid prayer to worship and thank the God (the word for God in arabic is Allah) for completing their month-long fast, blessings bestowed upon them, and renewed faith.

Aicha (Allah be pleased with her) said that the Prophet (peace be upon him) forbade to observe fasting on two days – the day of Fitr and the day of Adha.
[Sahih Muslim, Book 6:2538. The traditions of the sayings and doings of the Prophet Muhammad as narrated by his companions and compiled under the title Al-Jami’-Us-Sahih by Imam Muslim]

As with any joyous occasion, food is a big part of the Eid; And Algerians go all out! The night before or early in the morning, all the family bathes, as this is the Sunnah of our Prophet Mohammed (peace upon him) Algerians, much like other Muslims around the world  dresses in new clothes. Children sometimes are also given gifts. And the alms of Eid called "zakaat al Eid" is required to be paid before this day so that even the poor may be able to enjoy this holiday. 

In the morning after Fadjr prayer families enjoy the first breakfast (during the daylight hours) together. Traditionally, Brioche de l'Aïd (see picture below) is prepared for each child in the family. Each family has their own special recipe and shape for the brioche. In our family, my late mother-n-law was preparing brioche shaped like a bird called "Hanounas" (click here for the recipe) The brioche are usually always topped with a egg, symbolizing the 'new beginning' and washing away of sins after the fast of Ramadan.
The practice or sunnah of the Prophet eating before the Eid prayer is still followed by Muslims today and signifies the intention that they are no longer fasting. 

After breakfast families (but in some regions only men) go to the mosque to pray the Eid mass prayer called "Salaat l'Aïd". Attendance of this prayer is usually recommanded but by some scholars manadatory for all Muslims.. It is also customary to give your family, friends and neighbours a plate of the Algerian sweets and that the women were busy preparing days before. . Eid al-Fitr is a holiday where generally families celebrate for at least two days. If not more depending on the region. People who haven't seen each other for a while had a chance to chat and have fun. Great family ambiance and a fun day. 

“O you who believe! Eat of the good things wherewith We have provided you, and render thanks to Allah if it is (indeed) He whom you worship.”
[Quran 2:172]

Here I would like to share with you all the sweets I prepared for my family, relatives, neighbours and friends!

Raffaello truffes  - No bake coconut balls <<>>

Demi - lunes - Algerian sablé cookie with dulce leche and peanut filling)

Les Hérisson - Hedgehog cookie

Mechouek choco & coco  - Algerian chocolate and coconut balls

Arayeche - Algerian starfish shaped sweet

M'khabez - Algerian almond sweet with royal icing glace and flower décor

Sablé - French style shortbread cookie sandwich with jam

Ghribas - Algerian shortbread in flower form

How did you spend your Eid al Fitr this year?

Do you prepare any special meals or treats for Eid? Do you have any traditions for celebrating Eid al Fitr?
Share your Eid recipes and traditions in the comments below.

Let's keep in touch! Sign up for  posts delivered right to your e-mail inbox or subscribe to my feed. You can also 'like' me on Facebook, pin posts on Pinterest or follow me on Twitter for all the latest recipes and updates.

share this on