What is Eid al-Fitr and how is it celebrated?

Shahed is a Egyptian student currently studying at Kaplan International College (KIC) London. She has shared with us the traditions of Eid al-Fitr and why it’s such an important holiday.

Eid al-Fitr, also known as the “Festival of Breaking Fast”, is the Muslim festival marking the end of the fast of Ramadan. Eid al-Fitr typically lasts for 1–3 days, depending on the country, and is celebrated by Muslims worldwide.  
 
Usually if you miss a day of fasting you must make up for it after Ramadan. However, it is forbidden to fast on the day of Eid. A specific prayer called “Salat al-Eid” (Eid prayer), which happens after the first prayer of the day (Fajr), is said on this day.

A common greeting used by Muslims during Eid is “Kol aam wa enta bikhar”, which means “Wishing you wellbeing every year”. 

Eid al-Fitr is important in Islam because it was a festival started by our Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him). It is also a time when families wear new clothes and gather to catch up and spend quality time together. Parents or grandparents tend to give gifts, such as money, to the children.
 
Eid also allows many Muslims to reflect on what they have accomplished during the holy month of Ramadan. Before the Eid prayer many people carry out an act called “Zakat al Fitr”, which involves giving back to the community by donating money, food, clothes and many other items that can benefit people in need.  

The way I plan to celebrate Eid this year is by getting dressed up in some new clothes and spending time with my family who will be visiting from Egypt, as I haven’t seen them in a couple of years due to COVID-19. I plan to pray “Salat al-Eid” in a masjid (mosque) with my family and then have breakfast. Later that night I plan on going to a restaurant to enjoy a wonderful dinner.  

I hope you enjoyed learning what Eid al-Fitr is all about and why it’s such a special celebration for Muslims across the world.