What is Eid-al-Fitr and how do people celebrate it?
As Ramadan comes to a close, Muslims around the world prepare for the annual celebration of Eid al-Fitr, or “the festival of breaking the fast”
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The wait is almost over for Muslim communities across Michigan, Eid celebrations will get underway on Friday, March 20.
Eid al-Fitr has been confirmed for Friday, March 20, according to Saudi Arabian moon spotters. The holiday’s date depends on the crescent moon sighting according to the Islamic lunar calendar, and was expected for either Thursday, March 19 or Friday, March 20.
The Islamic holiday will bring the holy month of Ramadan to a close, as Muslims wrap up the period of fasting, nightly prayers, communal gatherings and charity.
Nearly 250,000 Muslims call Michigan home, including considerable populations in metro Detroit cities such as Dearborn, Hamtramck and Warren, and dozens of mosques.
Also known as the festival of breaking the fast, the day will begin with prayers at mosques across the state, with loved ones gathering afterward to indulge in feasts and exchange gifts, and attend local celebrations. Festive decorations and elegant attire add to the Eid atmosphere.
Here’s what to know about Eid al-Fitr.
Is Eid tomorrow?
No, Eid al-Fitr will begin on Friday, March 20, according to Saudi Arabian moon spotters.
Did Saudi Arabia announce Eid 2026?
Yes, Saudi Arabian moon spotters have officially confirmed Eid al-Fitr 2026’s date to be on Friday, March 20, via a post on X, after the Shawwal moon was not sighted.
Many Muslim communities around the world rely on Saudi Arabia and their trained moon spotters to confirm the date of the first day of the month of Shawwal, Eid al-Fitr, according to Middle East Eye.
How is Eid’s date determined?
The date of Eid al-Fitr depends on the moon sighting, and had been expected to occur on Thursday, March 19, or Friday, March 20.
The Islamic calendar, or Hijri calendar, follows the lunar cycle, with the crescent moon sighting marking the start of each new month. Eid will come with the crescent moon beginning Shawwal, the 10th month in the Hijri calendar.
What is the moon phase today?
The moon is currently in its new moon phase, at 0% illumination, according to Space.com.
How to pronounce Eid al-Fitr
“Eid” can be said like the word “feed” without the “f.” But here’s a quick Arabic language lesson if you want to know how to really pronounce it.
“Eid” is “عيد” in Arabic and is pronounced as “‘ayid.” The first Arabic letter of the word, ‘ع’, is a consonant, which is pronounced using the back of your throat.
Eid Mubarak meaning
If you’d like to send Eid wishes to your Muslim friends or loved ones, you can say “Eid Mubarak,” or blessed Eid.
Columbus Dispatch contributed.
Contact Jenna Prestininzi: [email protected].
