What is Eid ul Fitr?
عِيدُ الْفِطْر
Learn about Eid ul Fitr — the festival of breaking the fast at the end of Ramadan, its significance, prayers, and practices.
The Festival of Breaking the Fast
Eid ul Fitr is one of the two major Islamic festivals, celebrated on the 1st of Shawwal — the first day after the end of Ramadan. It is a day of gratitude, joy, communal celebration, and increased worship. Muslims around the world gather for the Eid prayer, visit family, give Zakat al-Fitr (charity), and share food.
When is Eid ul Fitr?
Eid ul Fitr falls on the 1st of Shawwal in the Islamic lunar calendar. The date moves approximately 10–11 days earlier each year in the Gregorian calendar. The beginning of Shawwal is confirmed by the sighting of the moon.
What is Zakat al-Fitr?
Zakat al-Fitr (also called Sadaqat al-Fitr or Fitrana) is a mandatory charity paid before the Eid prayer on behalf of every member of the household. Its purpose is to purify the fasting person from any shortcomings and to ensure the poor can celebrate Eid. It should be paid before the Eid prayer, ideally a day or two in advance.
The Eid Takbeers
On the eve and morning of Eid, Muslims recite the Takbeer: "Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, La ilaha illallah, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, wa lillahil hamd." This is recited quietly when travelling to the Eid prayer ground. Unlike Eid ul Adha, the Takbeer of Eid ul Fitr is not recited after each Salah.
Sunnah Acts on Eid Day
The Sunnah acts include: waking early, performing Ghusl (full bath), wearing best clothes, applying perfume, eating something before the Eid prayer (to distinguish it from fasting), reciting Takbeer quietly on the way to prayer, going by one route and returning by another, and congratulating fellow Muslims with "Eid Mubarak" or "Taqabbalallahu minna wa minkum."
How to Perform Eid Prayer
Eid ul Fitr prayer is 2 Wajib Rakats with extra Takbeers. Get the complete step-by-step guide:
How to Pray Eid ul Fitr (Hanafi) →Frequently Asked Questions
Is Eid prayer obligatory?
In the Hanafi school, Eid prayer is Wajib (obligatory at a level just below Farz). In the Shafi'i, Maliki and Hanbali schools it is Sunnah Muakkadah (strongly emphasised). It is prayed in congregation and cannot be prayed alone.
What do you say to someone on Eid?
"Eid Mubarak" (Blessed Eid) or "Taqabbalallahu minna wa minkum" (May Allah accept from us and from you) are the most common greetings. The second is the greeting of the Companions of the Prophet ﷺ.