Eid al-Fitr: What is it and why is it celebrated?

Eid Mubarak! Eid-al-Fitr has began for millions of Muslims around the world.

Eid-al-Fitr means 'festival of the breaking of the fast'. It is one of the biggest celebrations in the Islamic calendar.

Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, a holy month where Muslims refuse food and drink between dawn and sunset. This is known as fasting.

Fasting is important during Ramadan as Muslims believe it allows them to focus on their faith and become closer to Allah, or God.

The date Eid al-Fitr falls on is decided by the cycle of the Moon.

Why is Eid al-Fitr celebrated?

Ramadan is a time for spiritual reflection, prayer, doing good deeds and spending time with family and friends.

Eid al-Fitr is a celebration which marks the end of Ramadan.

Muslims will not only celebrate the end of fasting, but will also thank Allah for the help and strength they were given throughout Ramadan.

Watching for the Crescent Moon is a key part of the Muslim festival of Ramadan

When does Eid al-Fitr start?

Eid al-Fitr begin when a new crescent moon appears in the evening sky, which means that Eid can be on a different day each year.

In 2024, Eid al-Fitr falls on Wednesday 10 April, following the sighting of the crescent moon by religious leaders.

Celebrations take place at sunset on the night of the first crescent moon sighting.

If the crescent moon is not seen, then the celebrations take place the next night.

What are some Eid al-Fitr traditions?

Many Muslims will go to set prayer times at their mosque in the morning before school or work to begin Eid al-Fitr celebrations.

It's traditional to wear new clothes and recite a short prayer called a takbeer on the way to the mosque as well as eat something sweet like a date.

Eid is a time to spend with friends and family, sharing meals and exchanging gifts.

Children are also often given money, called Eidiyah or Eidi.

Muslims greet each other with "Eid Mubarak", which means "Blessed Eid".

What happens if Eid falls on a Friday?

Friday congregational prayers are special prayers for Muslims.

Muslims attend a communal prayer on Fridays known as Jumu'ah prayer, which is held just after noon at the mosque.

Eid prayers take place in the morning - so what happens if they fall on the same day?

Some Muslims believe you should attend both prayers but others believe you can miss Friday prayers if you performed the Eid prayer.

This year, Eid falls on Wednesday 10 April, so there's no chance of this happening in 2024.