Eid al-Fitr is a three-day festival celebrated by Muslims worldwide to mark the end of the fasting month of Ramadan. The date of Eid is determined by the sighting of the crescent moon, marking the start of the month of Shawwal. Muslims typically wait until the night before Eid to verify the date by looking for the new moon. Once the sighting has been verified, Eid is declared and celebrations begin.
Muslims celebrate Eid by partaking in a prayer service shortly after dawn, followed by a short sermon. They recite takbeerat, praising God by saying “Allahu Akbar”, and eat something sweet before the prayer, such as date-filled biscuits. It is common for Muslims to spend the day visiting relatives and neighbors, accepting sweets, and exchanging gifts. Children, dressed in new clothes, receive gifts and money to celebrate the occasion. Women often decorate their hands with henna the night before Eid, and in some countries families visit graveyards to pay their respects to departed loved ones.
In countries with Muslim-majority populations, Eid is typically celebrated as an official holiday lasting for three days. However, the number of holiday days can vary by country. Traditional desserts and sweets are prepared before or on the morning of Eid, and cities are decorated with lights and hold festivities to mark the end of Ramadan. Common Eid greetings include “Eid Mubarak” and “Eid sa’id”, with variations in different languages and countries.
In Gaza, where more than 33,000 people have been killed in Israeli attacks, the atmosphere for Eid al-Fitr is somber. With little food aid and limited water, Palestinians in Gaza will be celebrating amidst destruction and ongoing attacks. Despite the challenging circumstances, Muslims in Gaza and around the world will still come together to observe Eid and mark the end of Ramadan.
Overall, Eid al-Fitr is a joyous occasion for Muslims to celebrate the end of the month of fasting and reflect on the spiritual growth achieved during Ramadan. It is a time for prayer, gratitude, family gatherings, and spreading joy and kindness within the community. Muslims celebrate with traditional foods, sweets, gifts, and decorations, as they come together to observe and participate in the festivities of Eid.
