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What is Eid Al-Fitr?
Eid-al-Fitr (also written and read as Eid-ul-Fitr) is the first of two Eid festivals according to the Islamic (lunar) calendar. It marks the end of Ramadan, a festival observed annually by Muslims to express gratitude for Allah's revelation of the Quran to the Prophet Muhammad.
Don't confuse this festival with Eid-al-Adha. This Eid-al-Fitr comes after Ramadan – a fasting month during which many Muslims abstain from eating or drinking during the day for 29 to 30 days. It's part of the Sawm (fasting) commitment – one of the five pillars of Islam.
When does Eid-al-Fitr take place?
There is no exact date for Eid-al-Fitr because religious authorities in various countries rely on the appearance of the Eid crescent moon to inform people when the festival officially begins. It may be delayed if the sky is too bright, if the moon is obscured, or if clouds obstruct the view. This is also why Ramadan can begin on different days in different parts of the world. People are not allowed to fast during this time of year, even if they wish to continue their earlier Ramadan celebrations. This year's Eid-al-Fitr took place on the evenings of June 3rd and 4th.
Why is Eid-al-Fitr celebrated?
Eid-al-Fitr is considered a time for celebration. Muslims gather with their friends and family to express gratitude to God after the preceding month of Ramadan. This holiday serves as a wonderful reminder to Muslims to be grateful for what they have and to share with those who may be less fortunate.
How is Eid-al-Fitr celebrated?
As a token of gratitude, Muslims will donate a certain amount of money to charity (zakat al-Fitr). This is a smaller donation, less than 2.5% of the usual amount that wealthy Muslims are taxed, and is one of the five pillars of Islam that must be followed. In addition to these donations, some Muslims also volunteer at soup kitchens and donate their food to those in need.
Countries around the world often hold large events to celebrate Eid-al-Fitr. Special fireworks displays are particularly popular in the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, as people have the opportunity to spend time together and enjoy the holiday.
What does the greeting "Eid Mubarak" mean?
You will hear Muslims greeting each other with "Eid Mubarak," meaning wishing everyone a lucky day during the Eid festival (both holidays). Muslims will greet each other with this phrase when they first meet during Eid. Many non-Muslims who are familiar with the phrase and understand its meaning will also say "Eid Mubarak" as a greeting to Muslim friends and colleagues on this day.
Eid prayer service
Muslims typically dress formally to attend Eid at their local mosque and perform prayers. This is the time for people to eat their first breakfast after the month-long Ramadan fast. Before dawn, the Salaat ul-Fajr prayer takes place, followed by a time for bathing before the Eid prayer, also known as the Eid prayer.Salaat al-Eid.
Because Salaat al-Eid is only performed twice a year, the Imam (leader) of the congregation will usually explain in detail how to perform this special prayer before it officially begins.
