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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- Eid al-Fitr is an Islamic holiday that marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan.
- The date of Eid al-Fitr is determined by the sighting of the crescent moon.
- Many Muslim communities rely on moon spotters in Saudi Arabia to confirm the date.
During the holy month of Ramadan, the Muslim community fasts from dawn to sunset, abstaining from food and drink, spending time in prayer and worship. At the end of the month, when a waxing crescent moon is spotted, Muslims celebrate with Eid al-Fitr.
2 billion Muslims are awaiting the confirmation of the Islamic holiday, Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan.
Many Muslim communities rely on Saudi Arabian moon spotters to confirm Eid. Have they found the Shawwal moon yet? Has Saudi Arabia confirmed Eid al-Fitr 2026? Here’s what to know.
When is Eid al-Fitr 2026? Saudi Arabia confirms Eid al-Fitr date
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.
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.
Does Eid al-Fitr have a definite date?
Eid al-Fitr 2026 was expected to fall on either Thursday, March 19, or Friday, March 20. But the date of the celebration depends on when spotters see the waxing crescent moon, according to Islamic Relief. Now we know Ramadan will end and Eid will begin on Friday, March 20.
Shawwal, the Islamic month that succeeds Ramadan, begins immediately upon the sighting of the crescent moon, or “Shawwal moon.” The first day of Shawwal brings Eid al-Fitr and the end of Ramadan.
Imagine explaining to your boss that you need a day off, but you are not sure if Eid is going to be on Thursday or Friday. You won’t know for sure until the night before, since you must wait to see if the crescent moon is actually spotted. Once it is sighted, Muslims prepare for one of the largest celebratory days in Islam.
What is Eid al-Fitr?
Eid al-Fitr is the first of two celebratory days in the Islamic calendar, both observed every year. The Eid al-Fitr is marked on one day, but some Muslims celebrate the festival for as long as three days. Eid al-Fitr is celebrated on the first day of Shawwal, the 10th month in the Islamic calendar.
Eid is not on the same date every year. Like Ramadan, the date of the holiday is determined by the Islamic Hijri calendar, which follows a lunar cycle. Each year, the start and end of Ramadan and both Eid holidays fall about 11 days earlier than the year before because of the lunar cycle. The sighting of the crescent moon determines the start of these holidays.
What does Eid mean?
Eid in Arabic means “festival” or “feast,” and Fitr means “breaking the fast.” In other words, Eid al-Fitr literally means “festival of breaking the fast.”
How do you pronounce Eid?
“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 actually pronounced as “‘ayid.” The first Arabic letter of the word, ‘ع’, is a consonant, which is pronounced using the back of your throat.
How is Eid al-Fitr celebrated? What do people do on Eid?
Muslims will wake up early in the morning, preparing food and getting ready to attend Eid prayers at local masjids. It may feel strange for Muslims to eat during daylight hours after a month of fasting between dawn and sunset, but it is actually forbidden for Muslims to fast on Eid al-Fitr.
On Eid, Muslims will follow the way of Prophet Muhammad, also known as “Sunnah” in Islam. Sunnah is not followed just on Eid, but every day. Specific Sunnahs on Eid include:
- Taking a bath or shower
- Wearing one’s best clothes and perfume
- Saying “Takbeer” or praising God on the way to Eid prayers
- Taking a different path home from attending Eid prayer
Eid traditions vary from country to country, but friends and families commonly gather and spend time together at each other’s homes, enjoying sweets and other delicious food after Eid prayers in the morning. Children will receive gifts and money, also known as “Eidi.”
How do you wish someone a happy Eid?
Muslims will hug their friends and family and greet them with “Eid Mubarak,” meaning “blessed festival” in Arabic.
When is Eid al-Adha, the second Eid in the Islamic calendar?
The second Eid of the Islamic calendar, Eid al-Adha 2026, will fall on the 10th day in the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah, which is predicted to fall on the evening of May 26, and end on the night of May 27.
