The Islamic holy month of fasting, Ramadan, began on April 2, 2022 and will end on May 2, 2022. During this month, Muslims will fast from dawn until sunset. Fasting during Ramadan is one of the five holy pillars of Islam, which also includes professing faith, praying five times a day, paying alms, and making the pilgrimage to Mecca at least once. At the end of Ramadan, Muslims celebrate Eid al-Fitr, the Festival of Breaking the Fast. Also known as Lesser Eid, or just Eid, the festival falls on the first of the month of Shawwal in the Islamic lunar calendar, Hijri.
Religious Traditions
Muslims mark Eid al-Fitr with prayers known as Salat al-Eid. These prayers are said in Arabic, with no calls to prayer, as there are on every other day of the year. Muslims get together in mosques or open spaces to recite two blocks of prayers called Rakat. These prayers include six to twelve additional Takbirs, where the congregation raises their hands to their ears repeating “Allāhu ʾAkbar,” which means “God is Great.” After these prayers, there is a sermon, wherein the imam—a religious leader in the mosque—prays for forgiveness, peace, and mercy for everyone around the world.
Traditionally, Muslims wear new clothes on Eid al-Fitr and eat something sweet on the way to the mosque, usually a date. Another tradition is giving alms to the poor— alled Zakat al-Fitr—with the amount varying depending on personal wealth. Muslims also send Eid greetings to one another and feast with their families.
Eid al-Fitr is a festival that gives thanks to Allah for giving Muslims the strength and self-control to maintain their fast during Ramadan. The proper greeting on Eid al-Fitr is “Eid Mubarak,” meaning “blessed festival.” The appropriate response is “Khair Mubarak,” wishing goodness to the person who bestowed the greeting.
Practices of Celebrating Eid al-Fitr in Different Countries
In Russia, there are large Muslim populations in several states. There, Eid al-Fitr is a public holiday. Russian Muslims attend Eid services in the morning, then visit older relatives to show them respect. In some northern states, children will go door-to-door asking for candy. Classes are given throughout Muslim communities to teach families about different activities, such as making clay and embroidery.
The United States has several pockets with large numbers of Muslims, including New York City and Houston. In New York, alternate side parking is suspended for Eid al-Fitr, and schools close for the day. In Houston, annual prayers are offered at the convention center.
The USPS has issued several Eid postage stamps over the years. They honor both Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, which celebrates the day Ibrahim showed his willingness, after being asked by Allah, to sacrifice his son, Ismail.
In the Middle East, customs vary. Men may buy new Kandoras, long white robes, or dye their old Kandoras with walnut oil. Women wear special clothes, perfumes, and braids in their hair. Women may also don henna designs on their hands and feet. In addition to going door-to-door asking for candy, depending on the region, Muslim children may line up in front of older relatives, who give them money as a gift.
No matter where in the Middle East you look, Eid al-Fitr is chiefly focused on charity and generosity. This can include paying alms to the poor and needy and giving money to children. Sweet treats are also almost universally shared.
In some African countries, including Nigeria and Tunisia, Eid al-Fitr is celebrated for three days instead of just one. Preparations start several days in advance, including baking, cleaning the entire house, and putting up decorations.
Eid al-Fitr is a celebration anywhere you find Muslim communities. While details may differ from place to place, it’s a festival marking the breaking of the Ramadan fast. It includes praising Allah, sharing sweets, and gathering together in families and congregations, knowing Muslims elsewhere are doing the same.