The idea of being away from home during Eid al-Fitr, the festival of the breaking of the Islamic fast, may be unimaginable for many Muslims, but Turkish-born Ilhan Avdin believes that home and family come together through common beliefs. THE idea of being away from home during Eid al-Fitr, the festival of the breaking of the Islamic fast, may be unimaginable for many Muslims, but Turkish-born Ilhan Avdin believes that home and family come together through common beliefs."All my family is in Turkey but because people here are open and welcoming, I don't feel a sense of longing to be home during Ramadan and Eid," he said.REMEMBRANCE: A woman places flowers on her son's grave in Damascus yesterday Picture: BASSAM KHABIEH/REUTERS"I do miss my family, but I've met so many people here, especially at the mosque, that I don't feel like I'm missing out."Before the fast is broken, on the morning of Eid, a sacred prayer known as the salat takes place. It is then followed by visits to other Muslims in the community.Avdin, 29, is from the city of Ordu and has been in South Africa for the past six years. Last year was the first Eid he spent at home since he left Turkey in 2010.BIG DAY: Two-year-old Muaath Bassadien is dressed and ready for Eid in Athlone Picture: ESA ALEXANDERHe said being far away wasn't bittersweet because the Muslim community in South Africa had become "like an extended family".Kenyan Aliyah Allie, who has come home to Johannesburg for the celebration, agrees with Avdin, saying that being open and welcoming is common in the Muslim community in South Africa, especially at this time of the year."It's really special and traditional to spend time with family because we celebrate the hard work that everyone has put in over the last month," said Allie, highlighting the significance of unity at this time.As a result there is an open-door policy for those who can't be with their families, which sees many families inviting friends and even strangers to take part in the large feast that is at the apex of the religious festival.POTS OF GOODWILL: Cape Town's needy were fed from 147 pots of food cooked on the eve of Eid Picture: ESA ALEXANDERExplaining the process and significance of Ramadan and Eid, Allie said: "You cannot reach God consciousness without your family and that's why many Muslims return home for Eid."Allie added that the practice of Ramadan was based on a verse in the Koran that speaks on attaining taqwa, which means "God consciousness", and is a part of the five pillars of the religion.Another important aspect of Eid is gift-giving.Children are usually given money or sweets and small trinkets.The older family members give each other ornaments, books, kitchenware and occasionally money as well...