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The Eid ul-Fitr Holiday

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[Editors note: This was originally published in Jan. 2001. This year the first day of Ramadan begins on Nov. 17, 2001. Eid ul-Fitr begins Dec. 16, 2001.]

The beginning of the Islamic holiday called Eid ul-Fitr or "feast of fast breaking" marked the completion of the month-long period of fasting during the blessed month of Ramadan. The holiday, which began on December 27th this year, takes place on the first day of the month of Shawwaal, the 10th month in the Hijra calendar that begins with the sighting of the new moon.

Eid ul-Fitr is the first of two holidays in Islam. The second holiday is called Eid ul-Adha and falls on the 10th day of Thul Hijjah, which is the 12th month and occurs during the Hajj.

Eid ul-Fitr is a joyous occasion among the 1.2 billion Muslims worldwide and is usually celebrated for about 3 days. During Eid ul-Fitr Muslims rejoice over a month-long achievement, which was performed for the sole purpose of pleasing and serving Allah. For a Muslim, Eid is a day of thanksgiving and gratitude, and marks personal triumph over one's desires. On the day of Eid, there a few recommended practices that Muslims perform. These acts are prescribed as sunnah, or practice according to the tradition of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).

During Eid ul-Fitr, Muslims greet and hug each other with the phrase "taqabbalallah ta'atakum," or "may God accept your deeds" and "Eid Mubarak", meaning "blessed Eid." Gifts are given to children and loved ones, Muslims exchange social visits, and strengthen bonds of brotherhood in the community. Muslims celebrate Eid by expressing thanks to Allah through the giving of alms to the needy and by offering a special Eid prayer. On Eid day this special prayer is performed in congregation and consists of two rak’at. Though the prayer is not obligatory, Muslims are encouraged to attend the mosque to perform the Eid prayer to join with other Muslims in the celebration of the holiday. The prayer is then followed by a khutba, or sermon.

On the morning of Eid ul-Fitr, normally before the start of prayer, Muslims are to pay Zakat ul-Fitr to the needy of the community -- an alms for the month of Ramadan. Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) used to give Zakat ul-Fitr, also known as Sadaqat-ul-fitr, before the Eid day. Though this is normally given to those in need prior to the start of the Eid prayer, it can be given anytime during the month of Ramadan. However, many give the zakat early so that all Muslims can be provided with the means to enjoy the celebration of Eid. Zakat -ul- Fitr is given to purify a Muslim from their errors committed while fasting, to help the poor and needy, and to strengthen bonds within the Islamic community.

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