The first of two Eids in the Islamic (lunar) calendar year is Eid-al-Fitr (also written and pronounced as Eid-ul-Fitr). It marks the end of Ramadan, the Muslim holy month in which Muslims commemorate Allah’s revelation of the Quran to the Prophet Muhammad.This Eid, which is not to be confused with Eid-al-Adha, occurs after the holy month of Ramadan, during which many Muslims refrain from eating or drinking during the day for 29 or 30 days. It’s part of the Sawm (fasting) pledge, one of Islam’s five pillars.
On the first day of Shawwal, the celebration commemorates the breaking of the dawn-to-dusk fast (the 10th month). Using the Gregorian (solar) calendar is roughly 11 days sooner than the previous year.
When is Eid-ul-Fitr?
Religious authorities in many nations depend on the appearance of the Eid crescent moon to proclaim when it will officially begin since the precise date is seldom known long in advance. If the sky is excessively bright while the moon is out, or if clouds obscure it, it might be delayed by a day. This explains why Ramadan may begin on various days in different regions of the globe.
On this day of the year, people are not permitted to fast, even if they do so. See our post on Ramadan customs from throughout the globe for more information.
What is the significance of Eid-ul-Fitr?
Following a month of meditation, Muslims gather with their friends and family to express thankfulness to God on Eid-al-Fitr. The occasion reminds Muslims to be thankful for what they have and to share with those who are less fortunate.
What is Eid-ul-Fitr, and how is it observed?
Muslims donate a required contribution to charity (zakat al-Fitr) in addition to offering gratitude. However, this is lower than the customary 2.5-percent zakat on which wealthier Muslims are taxed. This is another of Islam’s five pillars. In addition to these contributions, some Muslims volunteer at soup kitchens and distribute their food to people in need.
Gifting is a critical component of Eid festivities, just as during Eid-al-Adha. Eidi’s contributions are placed in money bags for children, and sweet goods like cookies and dates are distributed among loved ones, neighbors, coworkers, acquaintances, and even strangers.
Family members will also exchange gifts, albeit most of these will be reserved for the family’s youngest members. Eid-al-Fitr is celebrated in a variety of ways across the globe. Fireworks display days are prevalent in the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, as individuals take advantage of spending quality time with their families.
What does the greeting ‘Eid Mubarak’ mean?
Muslims will greet one another with ‘Eid Mubarak,’ which means a happy day during Eid. It is the anticipated greeting upon meeting a fellow Muslim for the first time on Eid, and it is uttered on both Eid days. When they visit Muslim friends and coworkers today, many non-Muslims who are acquainted with the word and its meaning greet them with ‘Eid Mubarak.’
Eid Prayers
Muslims frequently dress up to go to their local mosque, where they may participate in prayers and have their first meal in a month during daylight hours. The Salaat ul-Fajr prayer is said before dawn, followed by a bath before the Eid prayer, also known as Salaat al-Eid.
Salaat al-Eid is only done twice a year. Thus the imam leading the gathering will generally explain how to execute it before it starts.