Eid al-Fitr (Breaking of the Fast) is a holiday at the end of Ramadan, the month of fasting. It falls on the first of Shawwal, the tenth month of the Islamic calendar. On Eid al-Fitr, Muslims celebrate the end of a month of dawn-to-sunset fasting, charity, and blessings. During Ramadan and Eid, Muslims heighten their connection to the community as a whole, through experiencing the hunger, thirst, and greater consciousness of others' needs that comes through fasting, as well as through worshipping together and donating to those in need. On the first day of Eid, Muslims gather in the morning for the Eid prayer, which involves a khutbah (sermon) followed by a short congregational prayer. Congregants then celebrate together in their community, often sharing a special meal and exchanging gifts with family and friends. Many countries celebrate Eid for three days as an official government and school holiday while fewer celebrate it as a one-day official holiday.

To Name this Day:

Personal Exploration

Read questions and answers regarding Islamic jurisprudence on Eid al-Fitr.

Book

The Last Night of Ramadan by Maissa Hamed is an informative children's book about Muslim celebrations during the Holy Month of Ramadan.

Book Excerpt

Read an excerpt from What You Will See Inside a Mosque by Aisha Karen Khan on Muslim worship and tradition focusing on the spiritual practice of kindness and sharing.

Article

Enjoy Celebration of Eid al-Fitr by 11-year-old Saim Alam from KidSpirit Online.

Spiritual Practice

This holiday is a time to practice charity, devotion, gratitude, kindness, joy, and service.

Follow the expert guidance on acts of worship and following the example of Prophet Muhammad on Eid al-Fitr in The Night of Eid and Sunnahs of Eid al-Fitr.