Eid al-Fitr, also known as the Festival of Sweets, is the earlier of the two official holidays celebrated within Islam. The religious holiday is celebrated by Muslims worldwide because it marks the end of the month-long dawn-to-sunset fasting of Ramadan. This year it is expected to be celebrated April 21-22, but the exact timing depends on the sighting of the moon.
Ramadan is observed during the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. At the end of the month of Ramadan, Muslims worldwide gear up to welcome Eid al-Fitr. This is a joyous day where faithful individuals claim the ultimate prize: a return to a state of purity. On this day prayers are offered, kinships are strengthened, and donations for the poor are given.
Celebrations include mouth-watering feasts which are held and shared with family, friends, neighbors and anyone else in need of sustenance. It is believed that absolutely no soul shall go unfed on this day.
Eid al-Fitr is a significant Muslim religious holiday and is enthusiastically observed. It marks the beginning of Shawwal, the tenth month in the Islamic calendar, and the conclusion of Ramadan’s one-month fast. In addition to fasting from dawn to dusk throughout the month of Ramadan, Muslims try to completely break harmful habits, as well as to abstain from evil thoughts and deeds. Eid al-Fitr is also known as the “Festival of Breaking the Fast.”
On this holiday, Muslims thank Allah for giving them the stamina to observe a month-long fast and refrain from engaging in vices. The festival begins at sundown on the evening of the first crescent moon sighting. If the moon is not visible for any reason, such as overcast weather, the festival is observed the following day. People are not allowed to fast on this day, but following a special prayer, they begin feasting to celebrate! Donations are also typically made following a special prayer. Gifts are also exchanged with friends and loved ones.
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