After the fasting month of Ramadan, Muslims all over the world celebrate Eid al-Fitr. This year, it begins on April 10 and, like Ramadan, the start of the festival is based on the lunar calendar. The Islamic year therefore only has 354 days, not 365 days as in our countries according to the Greogorian calendar. This is the reason why Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr are moved forward 11 days every year. Traditionally, the festival begins after the sighting of the crescent of the new moon.

Holiday preparations

For Eid, people bake sweets or buy them from the patisserie or bakery. It’s a tradition for many people to buy new shoes and clothes for the festival. The house is also cleaned, tidied and decorated. And it’s customary for Muslims to go to their families and celebrate together.

The Eid prayer

In the early morning of the first day of the festival, the 1st Shawwal (Islamic calendar), Muslims perform the Eid prayer. The prayer takes place about an hour after sunrise. Naturally, there is a large crowd on such an important festival, as everyone should participate in prayer on this day if possible.

Traditions

After the prayer, the Muslims congratulate each other on “Eid Mubarak”, which means “blessed festival”. Afterwards, everyone goes home for a delicious breakfast, the first breakfast after the fasting period. There are usually delicious sweet dishes. Children are given sweets and some money. This is also the reason for the name “Sugar Feast”.

Before the end of Ramadan, at the latest in the morning before the festive prayer, the so-called “Zakat al-Fitr”, the fast-breaking zakat, is paid. It’s intended for the poor and needy. It consists of a gift of basic foodstuffs such as grain, milk, rice and dates.

TL;DR: After the fasting month of Ramadan, Muslims worldwide celebrate Eid al-Fitr.

• Holiday preparations involve baking sweets, buying new clothes and shoes, and cleaning and decorating homes. Families gather to celebrate together.

• On the morning of the first day of Eid, Muslims perform the Eid prayer about an hour after sunrise. After the prayer, they congratulate each other on “Eid Mubarak” before enjoying a festive breakfast, marking the end of the fasting period.

How are you celebrating Eid this year?

Wishing you a peaceful and happy Eid!

The Inclusivity Group