What's Eid al-Fitr? What to know about this Muslim holiday and how it is celebrated

Krys'tal Griffin, Delaware News Journal
·2 min read
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As we near the end of Ramadan, the holy month of Islam, many in the Muslim community are gearing up for Eid al-Fitr celebrations.

Eid al-Fitr, also known as the Festival of Sweets or Festival of Breaking the Fast, is celebrated by Muslims worldwide and marks the end of the monthlong dawn-to-sunset fasting that took place during Ramadan.

When is Eid al-Fitr?

The Islamic calendar is tied to the lunar cycles, meaning Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha — the Holiday of Sacrifice — are celebrated on different days each year.

This year, Ramadan began on March 22 at sundown and will end on April 20 with the holy holiday of Eid al-Fitr beginning at sundown, which is celebrated during the first three days of Shawwal, the 10th month in the Islamic calendar, according to the Pluralism Project.

Eid al-Fitr does not begin until the new moon is seen, which means it starts at different times around the world. Some Muslims choose to celebrate when the new moon appears over Mecca.

The United Kingdom's HM Nautical Almanac Office claims the birth of the new moon will be visible at 04:13 GMT on Thursday, April 20.

The moon will only be visible in North America under certain conditions Thursday, but the majority of the world should be able to see the new moon with the naked eye on Friday, April 21. This means the first full day of Eid will be Saturday, April 22, according to Al Jazeera.

All about Ramadan: The holy month of Ramadan begins for Muslims in Delaware

What is Eid al-Fitr?

Aside from marking the end of the monthlong fast, common celebrations for Eid al-Fitr include Eid prayers, festive meals, social gatherings, dressing up, visiting the graves of relatives, charitable and gift-giving.

The day begins with a special prayer service at the mosque, known as salat al-Eid, and includes the performance of the Eid salat, followed by a sermon from the imam.

A box is passed around on the last day of Ramadan to collect donations for those in need in 2021.
A box is passed around on the last day of Ramadan to collect donations for those in need in 2021.

After the prayer service, mosques are known to host carnivals and festivals with food and activities for children, bazaars and vendors.

In addition to paying zakat al-Fitr, a unique alms-tax for the needy that is required on Eid, some perform additional acts of charity on the day. Zakat is one of the five pillars of Islam.

Imam Hadi Shehata leads Friday prayers Friday, April 2, 2021, at Masjid Ibrahim mosque in Newark.
Imam Hadi Shehata leads Friday prayers Friday, April 2, 2021, at Masjid Ibrahim mosque in Newark.

While celebrating with family over the three-day period, children often receive gifts like toys, clothes and jewelry. Parents reiterate the importance of fasting and serving Allah during the month, along with participating in celebrations and festivities with family, friends and their local Islamic community.

Gift ideas: The best Eid gifts for kids in 2023

All celebrations serve as a way for the community to show their gratitude to Allah after fasting and reflecting during Ramadan.

A common greeting to wish other Muslims well during Eid al-Fitr is “Eid Mubarak,” meaning “blessed Eid.”

Got a tip or a story idea? Contact Krys'tal Griffin at kgriffin@delawareonline.com. 

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: What is Eid al-Fitr and how is it celebrated?