Eid al-Fitr

Eid al-Fitr celebrates the end of Ramadan, the Muslim holy month of fasting.

Eid al-Fitr

Eid al-Fitr celebrates the end of Ramadan, the Muslim holy month of fasting.

Melanie Mannarino

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Lauren Embling

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Names: Eid al-Fitr, Festival of Sweets, al-ʿĪd al-Ṣaghīr, Ramazan Bayramı Pronunciation: eed el FEE-dr

Eid al-Fitr celebrates the end of Ramadan, the Muslim holy month of fasting.

Origin

The name Eid al-Fitr means “festival of breaking fast” in Arabic. It is one of two holidays that all Muslims celebrate. Eid al-Fitr is commonly referred to simply as “Eid”, as is Eid-al Adha.

When it is celebrated

Eid al-Fitr is celebrated during the first three days of Shawwal, the 10th month of the Islamic calendar.

Who observes this holiday

Muslims around the world celebrate Eid al-Fitr, and it is a national holiday in many countries with large Muslim populations.

Traditions

Eid al-Fitr celebrations begin with communal prayer at daybreak on the first day, known as salat al-eid. Some mosques hold festivals after salat al-eid with food and vendors. During the next three days, friends and family may visit with one another, exchange presents, visit the graves of loved ones or participate in acts of charity.