10 things you should know about Eid-el-Fitri

Eid-el-Fitr, the “Festival of Breaking the Fast,” is a sacred and joyous occasion for Muslims worldwide.

It marks the end of Ramadan, a month dedicated to fasting, prayer, and spiritual reflection.

The festival falls on the first day of Shawwal, the 10th month of the Islamic lunar calendar, immediately after the completion of Ramadan’s 29 or 30 days of fasting.

Since the Islamic calendar follows a lunar system, the exact date of Eid-el-Fitr varies each year and is determined by the sighting of the new moon.

Beyond its religious significance, Eid-el-Fitr is a celebration of faith, gratitude, community, and generosity.

Here are ten important things to know about this festival:

1. Eid-el-Fitr Marks the End of Ramadan

Eid-el-Fitr officially concludes the month of Ramadan, during which Muslims fast from dawn to sunset, refraining from food, drinks, and other physical needs.

This fasting period is an opportunity for spiritual growth, self-discipline, and strengthening one’s connection with Allah (SWT). The festival is a reward for completing the month-long devotion.

Fasting during Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, and Eid-el-Fitr serves as a joyous moment of gratitude and accomplishment for Muslims who have observed the fast.

2. Eid-el-Fitr is one of Islam’s two major Festivals

Islam has two primary celebrations:

Eid-el-Fitr, celebrated at the end of Ramadan  and Eid al-Adha, the festival of Sacrifice,” which commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s (Abraham’s) willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah

While Eid al-Adha is associated with pilgrimage (Hajj) and animal sacrifice, Eid-el-Fitr is a festival of breaking the fast, charity, and gratitude.

3. The festival follows the lunar calendar

Islamic months are based on the lunar calendar, meaning they last either 29 or 30 days. As a result, the date of Eid-el-Fitr shifts by about 10–12 days each year in the Gregorian (solar) calendar.

The exact date is determined by the sighting of the crescent moon on the 29th night of Ramadan.

If the moon is seen, Eid is celebrated the next day. If not, Ramadan continues for 30 days, and Eid is observed the following day.

This is why different countries may celebrate Eid on slightly different days, depending on when their religious authorities confirm the moon sighting.

4. Eid-el-Fitr has many different names

Although it is known as Eid-el-Fitr in most places, different cultures have their own names for this festival. Some of the most common include:

Sweet Eid – Because of the delicious sweets and desserts prepared for the occasion

Lesser Eid – To distinguish it from Eid al-Adha, which is known as the “Greater Eid”

Sugar Feast – A term used in Turkey and some other regions due to the emphasis on sweet treats

Hari Raya Puasa – The name used in Malaysia, Indonesia, and Singapore, meaning “Celebration of Fasting”

These names reflect the joy and feasting associated with the holiday.

5. A special Eid prayer (Salat al-Eid) is performed

A key religious observance on Eid morning is the Eid prayer, known as Salat al-Eid.

This prayer consists of two rakats (units of prayer) and is typically performed in large congregations, either in mosques or open fields.

One of the unique features of the Eid prayer is the inclusion of extra Takbirs (saying “Allāhu Akbar” – “God is the Greatest”), which vary slightly depending on different Islamic traditions:

Hanafi Sunni Muslims – 3 extra Takbirs in the first and second rakats

Other Sunni schools – 7 Takbirs in the first rakat and 5 in the second

Shia Muslims – 6 Takbirs in the first rakat and 5 in the second

After the prayer, an Eid sermon (khutbah) is delivered, emphasizing themes of gratitude, unity, and generosity.

6. Zakat al-Fitr: Charity Is required before Eid prayer

Before performing the Eid prayer, every Muslim is required to give a special form of charity known as Zakat al-Fitr (or Sadaqat al-Fitr).

This obligatory donation ensures that even the less fortunate can participate in the celebrations.

The amount given is usually equivalent to the cost of one meal per person in a household and is distributed to the poor and needy before Eid morning.

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) emphasized the importance of Zakat al-Fitr, stating that it purifies the fast and brings blessings to the giver.

7. Fasting on Eid day is forbidden

While fasting is obligatory during Ramadan, it is haram (forbidden) to fast on Eid-el-Fitr.

Eid is meant to be a day of celebration, gratitude, and feasting, and Muslims are encouraged to break their fast early in the morning before heading to the Eid prayer.

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) advised eating dates before the prayer as a symbolic act of breaking the fast.

8. Festive meals and special dishes are central to Eid

One of the highlights of Eid-el-Fitr is the special foods prepared for the occasion. Since Muslims have spent a month fasting, Eid is a time for joyous feasting.

Different cultures have their own Eid delicacies, but some common treats include:

Sheer Khurma (vermicelli pudding) – Popular in South Asia

Baklava and Ma’amoul (sweet pastries) – Common in the Middle East

Biryani, Kebabs, and Samosas – Served in many parts of Asia and Africa

Mafé (peanut stew) – Enjoyed in West Africa

Ketupat (rice cakes wrapped in palm leaves) – Popular in Southeast Asia

Sweets play a major role in the celebrations, which is why the festival is sometimes called “Sweet Eid.”

9. Eid is a time for family, friends, and giving gifts

Eid-el-Fitr is a time for reuniting with loved ones. Many people visit family and friends, exchange gifts and Eidi (money for children), wear new or special clothes and deorate their homes with lights and festive ornaments.

In some cultures, young people visit elders to seek blessings, and elders give them Eidi (money or gifts) as a token of love.

10. Eid celebrations can last multiple days

Although Eid-el-Fitr is officially one day, celebrations in many countries last two to three days, or even longer.

In Muslim-majority countries, Eid is often a public holiday, allowing people to travel, visit relatives, and engage in community festivities.

In countries where Muslims are a minority, they may take a day off from work or school to observe the festival.

Regardless of location, the spirit of Eid remains the same: a time of joy, gratitude, and generosity.