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Eid-ul-Fitr

photo by Tony Hisgett

Muslims all over the world celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr on 1st Shawaal, the tenth month of the Islamic calendar. The Eid is an expression of gratitude to Allah for enabling the Muslims to observe fasting in Ramadan. Eid Al-Fitr means "the festivity of breaking the fasting (routine)". In Arabic, the word "'Eid" literally means "that which returns" and "Fitr" means "breaking". In other words, it is a day that returns every year in the Islamic calendar to break the routine of fasting.

Eid-ul-fitr is a day of blessed celebration for all the Muslims. Lots of arrangements are made to celebrate it in the best possible way. It is usually preceded by frenzied shopping for clothes, accessories and food stuff. Men, women and children usually wear new clothes. Houses, mosques and markets are decorated to create an atmosphere of vibrant festivity. On the day of the Eid, special Eid prayers are held in the morning followed by a short sermon by the imam. The rest of the day is spent visiting neighbors, friends and family members. Feasts are conducted in almost every household and it is a joyous occasion for all Muslims.

Muslim holidays and festivals : Eid ul-Fitr

by Sadaf Farooqi

After the culmination of the month of worship - Ramadan - the first day of the next month, Shawaal, is the day of `Eid Al-Fitr. "`Eid Al-Fitr" means "the festivity of breaking the fasting (routine)". ...More>
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Poetry: Eid ul-Fitr

by Bibi .W Kaudur

Fêted via singular names with proverbial rites Mutually in Muslim and cosmopolitan homelands Whether dubbed as Idul Fitri, Shemai Eid, choti Id Hari Raya Puasa or Ramazan Bayrami Eid ul Fitr cul...More>
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Why do Muslims celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr

by Marie Drucker

How better to celebrate the end of a period of sacrifice than with a feast? That’s the simple reason behind the Islamic celebration of Eid-ul-Fitr, which means “the Feast of the Fast-Breaking.” The three-day celebration Eid-ul-Fitr... More>

Islamic festivals: How Muslims celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr

by Gulrukh Tausif

The significance of the Muslim holiday Eid ul-Fitr

by Mouhcine Azizoun

Eid ul-Fitr is one of the two holidays Muslims celebrate. In some parts of the Muslim World, people call it "the Small Eid" and call the second holidays (Festival of Sacrifice) "the Big Eid" since the celebration of the latter is much bigger than th... More>

How Muslim families celebrate Eid-ul-fitr in UK

by Caroline Fynn

The ninth month of the Islamic calendar is known as Ramadan, the holiest month of the year in which the fasting, known as sawm, takes place. Eid-ul-fitr is the term used by Muslims worldwide to celebrate the end of the holy month of Ramadan. It sign... More>

Eid-ul-fitr traditions from around the world

Eid-ul-Fitr is observed as a public holiday in all the Muslim countries.
Millions of Muslims travel to their respective hometowns to be near their loved ones for Eid.
In many parts of the world, women, especially young girls, paint each others' hands with traditional "henna" and wear colorful glass bangles.
In US, Muslims invite their Muslim and non-Muslims friends, colleagues and family members to share in their celebration in the form of a banquet or potluck in community centers.
In the Middle East and the sub-continent, children get money gifts called "Eidee" from their grandparents, parents and other relatives.
In Turkey, an important Eid custom is to kiss the right hand of elderly citizens and placing it on one's forehead while expressing eid wishes. This is done as a mark of respect towards old age.
A common custom is to visit friends, neighbors and relatives and then host them in return. Sweetmeats and other refreshments are served in great quantities.
Many Muslims visit the graves of their deceased relatives on Eid and pray for them.

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Quick Facts: Eid-ul-Fitr

Eid-ul-Fitr is a day of thanksgiving and jubilation as it signifies the successful completion of the sacred month of Ramadan.
It is strictly forbidden to fast on the day of Eid-ul-Fitr.
It is preferred to take a bath, perfume one's self and wear the best clothes on this occasion.
It is sunnah, tradition of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), to eat an odd number of dates before going for Eid prayers. Alternatively, any other sweet dish can also be eaten.
It is also the sunnah to recite the takbeer "Allahu Akbar" continuously until the 'Eid prayer commences.
Eid prayers are usually offered in big, open spaces rather than inside mosques.
Muslims pay zakat-ul-fitr or 'fitrana' before offering Eid prayers. This charity is distributed among the poor and needy by the head of the household so that they may also join in Eid celebrations.

Muslims exchange Eid greetings with these words: "May Allah accept [the fast and the worship] from us and from you" or "Eid Mubarak."

Eid-ul-Fitr Links

Eid ul Fitr traditions
EID-UL-FITR is celebrated on the first day of Shaw'waal, at the completion of Ramadan. Shaw'waal is the 10th month of the Islamic calendar. The Eid-al-Fitr ...
Send Free Eid-Ul-Fitr E-cards
Eid-ul-fitr is the time to celebrate, a time to thanks Allah and all those who matters ! Send free online electronic greeting cards from eidulfitr.com to ...
How is Eid al-Fitr Celebrated?
At the end of Ramadan, Muslims throughout the world have a joyous three-day celebration called Eid al-Fitr (the Festival of Fast-Breaking).
Eid-al-Fitr Feasting
Eid-ul-Fitr is a festival of joy, family reunion and thanksgiving to Almighty Allah. For Eid feasts try mixing up your menus with these recipes from around the world.