What is Eid ul Fitr?

Eid ul Fitr, which translates to "Festival of Breaking the Fast," is one of the two major Islamic holidays celebrated by Muslims worldwide. It marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting, and falls on the first day of Shawwal, the tenth month of the Islamic lunar calendar.

This joyous occasion is a gift from Allah to the Muslim Ummah. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: "For every people there is a feast and this is our feast." (Bukhari) Unlike celebrations that may have been observed before Islam, Eid ul Fitr and Eid al-Adha are the two festivals prescribed by Allah for Muslims.

When is Eid al-Fitr 2026?

Expected Date: Friday, 20th March 2026

Islamic Date: 1st Shawwal 1447 AH

Eid ul Fitr begins at sunset on the last day of Ramadan, following the sighting of the new crescent moon marking the start of Shawwal. In 2026, this means Eid celebrations will begin at Maghrib (sunset) on Thursday, 19th March, with the main Eid day being Friday, 20th March.

Note: The exact date depends on moon sighting and may vary by one day. Different communities may follow local moon sighting, Saudi Arabia's announcement, or astronomical calculations. Always confirm with your local mosque.

The Spiritual Significance of Eid ul Fitr

Eid ul Fitr carries profound spiritual meaning for Muslims:

Gratitude for Completing Ramadan

The word "Fitr" comes from the Arabic root meaning "to break" or "to open." Eid ul Fitr is a day of gratitude to Allah for giving Muslims the strength, health, and opportunity to complete the month of fasting. Not everyone who began Ramadan lives to see its end—those who do have much to be thankful for.

Celebration of Spiritual Achievement

Completing Ramadan is a significant spiritual accomplishment. Muslims have spent 29-30 days restraining their desires, increasing their worship, and drawing closer to Allah. Eid is the reward—a day to celebrate this achievement with joy, food, and community.

Unity of the Ummah

On Eid day, Muslims around the world—from Jakarta to London, from Cairo to New York—gather for the same prayer, exchange the same greetings, and celebrate in unity. This global celebration reinforces the bonds of the worldwide Muslim community.

How to Prepare for Eid ul Fitr 2026

Before Eid (Last Days of Ramadan)

• Pay Zakat al-Fitr – This is obligatory and must be paid before Eid prayer. Pay 1-2 days early to ensure distribution.
• Prepare clothes – It's Sunnah to wear your best clothes, new if possible
• Plan visits – Arrange to visit family and friends after the prayer
• Prepare Eidi – Get gifts/money ready for children
• Complete any remaining fasts – Note down any missed fasts to make up after Eid

Night Before Eid (Chaand Raat)

• Perform Maghrib prayer and begin takbeer
• Many cultures celebrate with henna, shopping, and family gatherings
• Prepare food for Eid day celebrations
• Early night if possible—Eid morning comes early!

Eid Morning

• Perform ghusl (full bath) – Ritual purification before Eid prayer
• Wear best clothes – New or your finest garments
• Apply fragrance – For men (women should avoid in public)
• Eat before prayer – Unlike Eid al-Adha, you should eat before Eid ul Fitr prayer. The Sunnah is to eat an odd number of dates.
• Recite takbeer – Continue from Fajr until the Eid prayer

The Eid Prayer

The Eid prayer (Salat al-Eid) is a congregational prayer typically performed in an open area or large mosque. It is considered Wajib (obligatory) by most scholars.

Timing

Eid prayer is performed after sunrise, typically 15-20 minutes after the sun has fully risen. There is no Adhan (call to prayer) or Iqamah for Eid prayer.

The Prayer

Eid prayer consists of two rak'ahs with additional takbeers:

• First rak'ah: 7 takbeers before Surah Fatiha (in addition to the opening takbeer)
• Second rak'ah: 5 takbeers before Surah Fatiha (in addition to the takbeer for standing)

The Khutbah

Unlike Friday prayer, the khutbah (sermon) comes AFTER the Eid prayer. Listening to it is Sunnah, though some scholars say it is obligatory.

Takbeer of Eid

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."

(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.)

After Eid Prayer: Traditions and Celebrations

Greetings

Exchange greetings with fellow Muslims:

• "Eid Mubarak" – Blessed Eid
• "Taqabbal Allahu minna wa minkum" – May Allah accept from us and from you

Visiting Family and Friends

Eid is a time to strengthen family bonds. Visit relatives, especially elders. Reconnect with friends. If there are strained relationships, Eid is an opportunity for reconciliation.

Eidi (Gifts)

Giving gifts, especially to children, is a beloved Eid tradition. Cash gifts (Eidi) are common in many cultures. The joy on children's faces is part of what makes Eid so special.

Festive Meals

After a month of fasting, Eid is celebrated with special foods. Each culture has its traditions—from Middle Eastern sweets to South Asian biryanis to Indonesian rendang.

Eid ul Fitr Around the World

While the core elements of Eid remain the same, celebrations vary beautifully across cultures:

• Middle East: Elaborate feasts, ma'amoul cookies, visiting graves of deceased relatives
• South Asia: New clothes (especially for children), henna, seviyan (vermicelli pudding)
• Southeast Asia: Open houses where anyone can visit, ketupat (rice cakes)
• Africa: Community celebrations, traditional clothing, special dishes
• Western countries: Mosque gatherings, Eid fairs, community events

Remembering Those in Need

While we celebrate, we must not forget those for whom Eid brings little joy. In Gaza, Yemen, Sudan, and many other places, families struggle to put food on the table. Children wake up on Eid morning with nothing to wear and nothing to eat.

This is why Zakat al-Fitr is obligatory—to ensure even the poorest can celebrate. But beyond this obligation, consider giving extra charity on Eid to bring joy to those who would otherwise have none.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Eid ul Fitr 2026?

Eid ul Fitr 2026 is expected on Friday, 20th March 2026 (1st Shawwal 1447 AH). Celebrations begin at sunset on Thursday, 19th March. The exact date depends on moon sighting and may vary by one day.

What does Eid ul Fitr mean?

Eid ul Fitr means 'Festival of Breaking the Fast.' It marks the end of Ramadan and celebrates the completion of a month of fasting. 'Fitr' comes from the Arabic root meaning to break or open.

Is Eid prayer obligatory?

Most scholars consider Eid prayer to be Wajib (obligatory) or highly emphasised Sunnah. It is a congregational prayer performed after sunrise, consisting of two rak'ahs with additional takbeers.

What should I do before Eid prayer?

Before Eid prayer: pay Zakat al-Fitr (obligatory), perform ghusl (full bath), wear your best clothes, eat something (preferably dates), and recite takbeer from Fajr until the prayer.

Is fasting allowed on Eid day?

No, fasting is PROHIBITED on Eid day. The Prophet ﷺ forbade fasting on the two Eid days. Eid is a day of celebration and eating—it's Sunnah to eat before the Eid prayer.

What is the difference between Eid ul Fitr and Eid al-Adha?

Eid ul Fitr comes after Ramadan and celebrates completing the fast. Eid al-Adha comes during Hajj season and commemorates Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son. Eid al-Adha involves Qurbani (animal sacrifice).