Eid ul-Fitr

Eid ul-Fitr (Eid al-Fitr) often abbreviated to Eid, is a three-day Muslim holiday that marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting (sawm). It is a religious holiday that is celebrated by Muslims from all over the world and involves a range of celebrations as friends, family and the entire Muslim community come together.

Eid is an Arabic word meaning “festivity”, while Fiṭr means “conclusion of the fast”; and so the holiday celebrates the conclusion of the thirty days of dawn-to-sunset fasting during the entire month of Ramadan. The first day of Eid, therefore, falls on the first day of the month Shawwal.

About Eid-ul-Fitr

Eid ul-Fitr is sometimes also known as the “Smaller Eid” as compared to the Eid al-Adha, which lasts four days following the Hajj and is casually referred to as the “Greater Eid”. Although in Southeast Asian countries, Eid-ul-Fitr is considered “greater” than Eid al-Adha and is the most important feast for Muslims there. Muslims are commanded by God in the Qur’an to complete their fast on the last day of Ramadan.

Celebration

On the first day of the month of Shawwal, Muslims attend communal prayers and listen to a khutba or sermon. The prayers are held in large open venues, such as sports arenas. Some communities organize different festivities, such as communal meals or events for children, on this day.
If a Muslim has not given zakat al-fitr during Ramadan, he or she can give this on Eid-al-Fitr. Zakat al-fitr is a form of charity consisting of a quantity of food, such as barley, dates, raisins or wheat flour, or its monetary equivalent given to the poor. Many Muslims may also prepare festive meals to share, wear new clothes, visit relatives and give presents or candy to children.