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Arife - the day when Muslims prepare for Eid

Photo: grandmufti.bg

Today is once again the day of Arife, which precedes every Bayram, no matter whether it is Ramadan or Eid.

Muslims today pay tribute to their deceased loved ones, with women in every home kneading dough, which is made into Mekitsi (Bulgarian fried dough breakfast) and handed out to relatives and neighbours, regardless of their religion or faith.


The significance of this day is closely linked to the preparation of the sacrificial animal to be offered on the following day - Eid - as an expression of gratitude to God. It is essential that the animal - be it a sheep, goat, cow, calf or camel - is healthy.

It is believed that on the Day of Judgement, this animal will meet man on the bridge that spans Hell and leads to Heaven. If the kurban is accepted by the Almighty and the man has lived righteously, he will confidently ride the animal and it will take him to Paradise.


So on this day the sacrificial animal is prepared for the feast. To make it look beautiful, the lady of the house paints its forehead, back and tail with henna.

In some villages in Bulgaria, on the day before Eid, the fiancé sends a ram to his fiancée's house, painted with henna and decorated with ribbons and a gold coin. 


One of the most important aspects of the Bayram Kurban is its distribution, which emphasises sharing. The meat of the animal is divided into three parts: one portion is kept for the family, another for relatives and friends, and the third is given to the poor, regardless of their religion or beliefs, ensuring that everyone can share in the feast.


In certain villages in the regions of Kardzhali, Burgas and Silistra, a tradition known as the "distribution of sweets" takes place on Arife Day. Adults gather in the village square and hand out sweets to children, who line up one by one to receive a handful of sweets.

Photos: grandmufti.bg, BNR - Kardzhali
Translated and posted by Elizabeth Radkova

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Radio Bulgaria History and religion    arife bayram muslim tradition

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