Eid

Eid al-Fitr (“Festival of Breaking the Fast”)

• When: Eid al-Fitr is celebrated at the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting, which lasts 29 or 30 days depending on the sighting of the moon.
• Significance: It marks the end of Ramadan, a time of fasting from dawn to sunset. Eid al-Fitr is a day of celebration, gratitude, and charity after a month of spiritual reflection and self-discipline.
• Traditions:
  • Special Prayer: Muslims gather early in the morning for a special Eid prayer at mosques or large open spaces.
  • Charity: Before the prayer, Muslims give a donation called Zakat al-Fitr, which ensures that even the less fortunate can join in the celebrations.
  • Celebration: After prayers, families and friends gather for festive meals, give gifts (especially to children), and visit loved ones. Traditional foods and sweets, like baklava and samosas, are shared.
  • New Clothes: Many people wear new or their best clothes to mark the occasion.