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Date, Prayer Time & Complete Celebration Guide
Eid al-Fitr 2026 marks the joyous conclusion of Ramadan. Find out exactly when Eid falls, what time the prayer is, and how to prepare for this blessed celebration.
Friday, 20th March 2026 (1st Shawwal 1447 AH). Celebrations begin at sunset on Thursday, 19th March.
After sunrise, typically 15-30 minutes after. Check your local mosque for exact timing.
Pay Zakat al-Fitr, perform ghusl, wear best clothes, eat dates, recite takbeer.
Expected Date: Friday, 20th March 2026
Islamic Date: 1st Shawwal 1447 AH
Eid al-Fitr 2026 is expected to fall on Friday, 20th March 2026, marking the end of Ramadan and the beginning of Shawwal. The celebration officially begins at sunset on Thursday, 19th March, when the new crescent moon is sighted.
Note: The exact date depends on moon sighting and may vary by one day. Different communities may follow local sighting, Saudi Arabia's announcement, or astronomical calculations. Always confirm with your local mosque.
Eid al-Fitr, which translates to "Festival of Breaking the Fast," is one of the two major Islamic holidays. It celebrates the completion of Ramadan—a month of fasting, prayer, reflection, and spiritual growth.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ established Eid al-Fitr as a day of celebration, joy, and gratitude to Allah. After a month of restraining our desires and increasing our worship, Eid is our divinely-sanctioned reward.
| When | What |
|---|---|
| 18th-19th March | Pay Zakat al-Fitr (deadline: before Eid prayer) |
| Thursday 19th March evening | Moon sighting, Eid announced, begin takbeer |
| Thursday night (Chaand Raat) | Prepare clothes, henna (optional), food |
| Friday morning | Ghusl, best clothes, eat dates, recite takbeer |
| After sunrise (~7:30-8:30 AM UK) | Eid prayer at mosque or prayer ground |
| After prayer | Greetings, family visits, gifts, festive meals |
Muslims recite the takbeer from Maghrib on the night of Eid until the Imam begins the Eid prayer:
اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ وَاللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ وَلِلَّهِ الْحَمْدُ
Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, La ilaha illallah, Wallahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Wa lillahil hamd
Translation: "Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest, there is no god but Allah, and Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest, and to Allah belongs all praise."
The Eid prayer (Salat al-Eid) is a special congregational prayer that marks the beginning of Eid day celebrations.
Eid prayer is performed after sunrise—typically 15-30 minutes after the sun has fully risen. In the UK on 20th March 2026, this will likely be between 7:30 AM and 8:30 AM. Check with your local mosque for exact times.
Exchange warm greetings with fellow Muslims:
While the core elements remain the same, Eid celebrations vary beautifully across cultures:
While we celebrate with abundance, spare a thought for those who have nothing. In Gaza, children wake up on Eid morning with no new clothes, no special food, no gifts. In Yemen and Sudan, families struggle to survive.
The obligation of Zakat al-Fitr exists precisely to ensure everyone can celebrate. But beyond this minimum, your generosity can transform a child's Eid from despair to joy.
Eid al-Fitr 2026 is expected on Friday, 20th March 2026 (1st Shawwal 1447 AH). Celebrations begin at sunset on Thursday, 19th March. Exact date depends on moon sighting.
Eid prayer is performed after sunrise, typically 15-30 minutes after. In the UK on 20th March 2026, expect between 7:30-8:30 AM. Check your local mosque for exact times.
Pay Zakat al-Fitr (before prayer), perform ghusl, wear best clothes, eat something (preferably dates), apply fragrance (men), and recite takbeer from Fajr.
Yes, unlike Eid al-Adha. The Prophet ﷺ would eat an odd number of dates before going to Eid al-Fitr prayer.
No, fasting is prohibited on Eid day. The Prophet ﷺ explicitly forbade fasting on Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.
Eid al-Fitr is officially one day (1st Shawwal), though celebrations often extend for 2-3 days in many cultures.
While you celebrate, thousands of children have nothing. Your donation brings Eid joy to families in need. 100% of your donation goes to programmatic costs to supercharge helping those in need. We're ALL in. 100%.
