“Indeed, Eid is a day of joy and happiness for Muslims.”
[Abu Dawood]
The day of Eid al-Fitr is celebratory day for Muslims around the world that concludes the holy month of Ramadan, leading into the 10th month in the Islamic calendar, Shawwal.
Eid al-Fitr is one of the most important and celebrated Islamic holidays worldwide. Not only does it allow people to celebrate the end of the fasting month, but it also gives an opportunity for people to come together to thank Allah for all the blessings he has bestowed upon us.
Usually, Eid al-Fitr is celebrated over the course of one to three days, depending on where you are. For many Islamic countries, Eid al-Fitr is a three-day holiday with all public offices, schools, and banking institutions closed during those three days.
With fasting officially ending on the last day of Ramadan, Muslims are no longer allowed to fast, in fact, it is forbidden to fast on the day of Eid al-Fitr.
The day of Eid begins with Salah al-Fitr, the morning Eid prayer where Muslims around the world come together to stand in prayer.
Eid prayers are organised in open-air public places throughout villages, towns, and cities across the globe. The Takbir is recited, as is Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, La ilaha illa l-Lah wal-Lahu Akbar, Allahu akbar walil-Lahi l-hamd.
The prayer concludes with an Eid sermon known as the Khutbah, delivered by the Imam to the Muslim believers who have attended the prayer.
Before the Eid prayer, the payment of Fitrana, also known as Zakat al-Fitr, must be paid. Fitrana is an obligatory act of giving which must be paid at the end of Ramadan and before the Eid prayer.
This is different from the obligatory Zakat payment, which is based on a person's individual wealth and is due once they meet the Nisab threshold and have held the wealth for a full Islamic year. Unlike Zakat, which is obligatory upon adult Muslims that meet the regulations, Fitrana is a compulsory payment upon every believer, even children. This is because Fitrana helps to feed the hungry across the world in time for Eid al-Fitr, allowing them to participate in the celebrations.
“The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) ordained Zakat al-Fitr (Fitrana) to purify the fasting person from indecent words or actions, and to provide food for the needy. It is accepted as Zakat for the person who gives it before the Eid prayer; but it is a mere sadaqah for the one who gives it after the prayer.”
[Abu Dawud and Ibn Majah]
After prayers, Muslims are reminded about the importance of this type of giving and seeking forgiveness and blessings from Allah (SWT).
There is a custom of wearing new clothes on the first day of Eid al-Fitr. This has become a tradition in communities across the world, with families buying new clothes and dressing up for the morning prayers, and coming together to pray, eat, and reflect after a month of fasting.
Eid al-Fitr is a celebration of the breaking of the fast, where food is an essential element of the traditions of Eid. Many different countries and cultures have their favourite dishes that are prepared and shared with families, friends, and neighbours.
Many families also use the day of Eid as an opportunity to offer gifts to their loved ones, especially to children.
There are two Eid festivals during the Islamic year. Eid al-Fitr, the first day of Shawwal, and Eid al-Adha, the festival of sacrifice inspired by the Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and his willingness to submit and sacrifice for the sake of Allah (SWT). Eid al-Adha takes place on the 10th day of the 12th month of the Islamic calendar, which is called Dhul Hijjah.
In 2027, Eid al-Fitr, the first day of Shawwal, is expected to be celebrated on 10 March. Muslim festivals are celebrated in accordance with the Islamic calendar, which follows the lunar cycle. This means that local dates may vary depending on the sighting of the moon, so please check with your local mosque for the exact date nearer the time.
As previously mentioned, Zakat al-Fitr is an integral feature of Eid al-Fitr. Donate yours to UKIM today.
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