Eid ul Fitr, also known as Eid al-Fitr or simply Eid, is an important religious holiday celebrated by Muslims around the world. It marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan, during which Muslims fast from dawn until sunset. Eid ul Fitr is typically celebrated on the first day of Shawwal, the tenth month of the Islamic calendar, and is a time for Muslims to come together with family and friends to offer prayers, exchange gifts, and share meals.
The exact date of Eid ul Fitr varies each year and is determined by the sighting of the crescent moon, which marks the beginning of the new month. It is a time of joy and celebration for Muslims, who use this occasion to express gratitude to God for the blessings and strength provided during the month of Ramadan.
The celebration of Eid-ul-Fitr is a way for Muslims to show their gratitude to Allah for giving them the strength to fast and to seek forgiveness for any sins committed during the year. It is also a time for Muslims to strengthen their relationships with family, friends, and the wider community, and to extend acts of kindness and charity to those in need.
The Islamic lunar calendar is approximately 11 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar, which is the standard calendar used in most of the world.
Because of this difference in the length of the two calendars, the Islamic lunar calendar moves approximately 11 days earlier each year in relation to the Gregorian calendar. This means that the date of Eid can vary by about 10 to 11 days each year in relation to the Gregorian calendar.
Additionally, the exact date of Eid can also vary depending on the sighting of the new moon, which is used to determine the start of the Islamic lunar month. Different countries and regions may use different methods to determine the sighting of the new moon, leading to further variation in the date of Eid.
According to Islamic tradition, the festival of Eid ul Fitr was established by the Prophet Muhammad after he migrated from Mecca to Medina. The first Eid ul Fitr was celebrated in the year 624 CE in Medina, after the Muslims had completed their first month-long fast during Ramadan.
The celebration of Eid ul Fitr has been an important part of Islamic culture and tradition ever since. It is a time for Muslims to come together with family and friends to celebrate the end of Ramadan and to thank Allah for his blessings.
Throughout history, the celebration of Eid ul Fitr has taken on many different forms and traditions depending on the region and culture in which it is celebrated. In some places, it is marked by elaborate feasts and the exchange of gifts, while in others it is a more solemn occasion marked by prayer and reflection.
Also See: Happy Eid-ul-Fitr 2024 Wishes: How to greet ‘Eid Mubarak’ in various Indian languages
Regardless of the specific traditions and customs associated with Eid ul Fitr, the festival remains an important and joyous celebration for Muslims around the world.
Here are some of the common practices that Muslims follow on Eid al-Fitr.
Attend Eid prayers: Muslims usually attend Eid prayers in the morning, which is a special congregational prayer performed in a mosque or open field. The prayer is led by an Imam, and it consists of two Rak’ahs (units of prayer).
Exchange greetings: Muslims greet each other with the phrase “Eid Mubarak” which means “blessed Eid.” They also hug and give gifts to one another, especially to children.
Wear new clothes: Muslims often wear new clothes on Eid al-Fitr as a symbol of renewal and celebration.
Give charity: It is customary to give charity (known as Zakat al-Fitr) on Eid al-Fitr to help those in need. This charity is usually in the form of food, and it is given to the poor and needy so that they can also celebrate the occasion.
Feast with family and friends: Muslims often celebrate Eid al-Fitr by having a festive meal with family and friends. This meal usually includes traditional dishes and sweets.
Why is Eid-ul-Fitr celebrated?
Eid ul Fitr is a celebration of the successful completion of this month-long fast and is a time for expressing gratitude to Allah for His blessings and for the strength to observe the fast. It is a time for forgiveness and reconciliation, for strengthening family and community ties, and for performing acts of charity and kindness towards those in need. Muslims around the world celebrate Eid ul Fitr with prayer, feasting, and festivities that may last for up to three days. It is a joyous occasion that brings people together and reinforces the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood that are at the heart of Islam.Why Eid’s date changes every year on the Gregorian calendar?
The Islamic lunar calendar is approximately 11 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar, which is the most widely used civil calendar in the world. As a result, the Islamic calendar shifts about 11 days earlier each year compared to the Gregorian calendar.When is Eid-ul-Fitr 2024?
Eid Ul-Fitr is expected to be celebrated from Wednesday, 10 April 2024, to Thursday 11 April 2024,What do Muslims do on Eid-ul-Fitr?
On Eid Ul Fitr, Muslims wake up early in the morning, take a bath, wear new or clean clothes, and offer special prayers, called Eid prayers, in congregation in mosques or open fields. After the prayers, Muslims greet each other with “Eid Mubarak” (which means “blessed Eid”) and exchange gifts, sweets, and other delicacies.Families and friends gather together to celebrate the occasion, and a special Eid breakfast is usually prepared. Some Muslims also engage in acts of charity and give Zakat al-Fitr (a charity given at the end of Ramadan) to the poor and needy. Throughout the day, Muslims visit their relatives and friends, and some may also visit cemeteries to offer prayers for their deceased loved ones.What is the difference between Eid ul-Fitr and Eid ul-Adha?
Eid ul-Fitr is celebrated at the end of the holy month of Ramadan, which is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. It is a celebration of the end of the month-long fast and is a time of thanksgiving, forgiveness, and giving to those in need. Muslims gather in mosques or other places of worship to perform the Eid prayer in congregation, exchange greetings and gifts, and share meals with family and friends.On the other hand, Eid ul-Adha is celebrated during the 12th month of the Islamic calendar, known as Dhul Hijjah. It commemorates the willingness of the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son, Ismail (Ishmael), as an act of obedience to Allah (God). However, Allah ultimately provided a ram to be sacrificed in place of Ismail. During Eid al-Adha, Muslims perform the Eid prayer and sacrifice an animal, such as a sheep, goat, or cow, to remember the story of Ibrahim’s sacrifice and to distribute the meat to the poor and needy.In summary, Eid ul-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, a month of fasting, while Eid ul-Adha commemorates the story of Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to Allah.