Eid al-Fitr, Festival of Breaking the Fast.

Eid al-Fitr, “Festival of Breaking the Fast“.

Eid al-Fitr is also called the “Festival of Breaking the Fast“, is an Arabic term and also a religious holiday celebrated by Muslilms worldwide that marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting. This religious Eid is the first and only day in the month of Shawwal during which Muslims are not permitted to fast. The holiday celebrates the conclusion of the 29 or 30 days of dawn-to-sunset fasting during the entire month of Ramadan. The day of Eid, therefore, falls on the first day of the month of Shawwal. The date for the start of any lunar Hijri month varies based on when the new moon is sighted by local religious authorities, so the exact day of celebration varies by locality.

Muslims believe that they are commanded by God, as mentioned in the holy Quran, to continue their fast until the last day of Ramadan and pay the Zakat al-Fitr before offering the Eid prayers..

People traditionally greet each other on the day with the phrase “Eid Mubarak”, which means “blessed celebration”.

The aim of the celebration is to promote peace and bring oneself back to the normal course of life after the long month of self-restraint and religious devotion.

New clothes will be bought for the occasion, as well as presents for friends and family, while cities in Muslim countries often hold festivals.

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