Eid Al-Fitr

Eid Al-Fitr

Sweet fruit jellies made for Eid al-Fitr in Iran. Image credit: Hamed Saber.

'Id Al-Fitr or Eid al-Fitr (Arabic, "Feast of the Breaking of the Fast") is one of Islam's two major festivals. It is a joyful celebration marking the end of Ramadan.

Meaning of Eid al-Fitr

Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, the month of fasting. It is a time of celebration and thankfulness to God for the self-control practiced during Ramadan.

Eid al-Fitr Rituals

Rituals and practices of 'Id al-Fitr are characterized by joyfulness, togetherness and thankfulness. They include the following:

  • communal (mosque) prayer at dawn on the first day
  • social gatherings and official receptions
  • gift-giving
  • eating sweets
  • wearing new clothes
  • visiting graves of family
  • the greeting 'Id Mabarak ("May God make it a blessed feast")

Dates of Eid al-Fitr

'Id al-Fitr is celebrated during the first three days of the Islamic month of Shawwal, which is the 10th month of the lunar Islamic calendar. The holiday may fall in any season and occurs earlier every year on the Gregorian calendar.