Eid al-Fitr (Eid ul-Fitr) marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month during which Muslims fast from dawn to dusk. Celebrated at the start of Shawwal, it is a joyous occasion spent with family, loved ones, and community gatherings. Eid al-Fitr in 2026 is expected to begin on the evening of Friday, 20th March, subject to the sighting of the crescent moon.

Unlike the Gregorian calendar, the Islamic calendar follows the lunar cycle, causing important dates to shift earlier by around 10-11 days each year. As a result, the exact timing of Eid is determined by the sighting of the moon, which marks the end of Ramadan and the start of Shawwal.

Eid

“Eid” translates to “festival” or “feast” in Arabic. In the Islamic calendar, there are two major Eids each year, Eid Ul-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, celebrated at different times. 

Eid Ul-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan, is often referred to as the “smaller Eid” and is typically celebrated over three days or one day depending on the region. Eid al-Adha, known as the “greater Eid,” lasts around four days and commemorates the spirit of sacrifice and devotion.

Eid Ul-Fitr

Eid al-Fitr 2026 is an Islamic religious holiday celebrated worldwide by the Muslim community to mark the end of Ramadan, a month-long fast. In the month of Shawwal, this religious Eid is the only day Muslims are not allowed to fast. There might be variations in the date for the beginning of any Lunar Hijri based on when the local religious authorities have sighted the new Eid moon. Therefore, there might be changes in the day of celebration in each locality.

History of Eid al-Fitr

Eid al-Fitr is believed to have originated during the time of the Prophet Muhammad. According to Islamic tradition, the festival was established after his migration from Mecca to Medina.

A well-known narration mentions that when the Prophet arrived in Medina, he found people celebrating two days of festivity and recreation. He then informed them that Allah had replaced these with two significant occasions: Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, which were to be observed as days of celebration and gratitude in Islam.

This account is widely accepted in Islamic teachings and highlights the religious foundation of both Eid festivals.

Celebration of Eid al-Fitr

Eid al-Fitr is typically celebrated over one to three days, beginning with a special congregational prayer held in the morning. This prayer consists of two rakats and includes additional takbirs and is usually performed in mosques, large halls, or open grounds. After the prayers, people greet one another with “Eid Mubarak,” exchange gifts, especially with children and those in need, and enjoy festive meals, often featuring traditional sweets. The occasion also emphasises gratitude, charity, and seeking and offering forgiveness.

Celebrations may vary across countries, but the spirit remains the same. In many Muslim-majority nations, Eid is a public holiday, with offices, schools, and businesses closed to allow people to celebrate with family and friends. In countries like the UK and the US, many Muslims take time off to observe the festival. Homes and public spaces are often decorated with lights and festive décor, markets become lively with shopping for clothes and gifts, and families come together to share meals and celebrate the occasion.

General Rituals

Eid al-Fitr begins at sunset with the sighting of the first crescent moon, marking the end of Ramadan. If the moon is not visible on the 29th day due to cloudy conditions, the festival is observed the following day. While Eid itself is a one-day religious observance, celebrations often extend to two or three days depending on regional customs.

A special congregational prayer is performed on the morning of Eid, and fasting is strictly prohibited on this day. Before offering the Eid prayer, Muslims give a mandatory form of charity known as Zakat al-Fitr to those in need, ensuring that everyone can take part in the celebrations.

Celebration of Eid al-Adha

Also known as the “Festival of Sacrifice,” Eid al-Adha is observed at the end of Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia undertaken by millions of Muslims. The festival commemorates the devotion and willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son in obedience to God. Key rituals include offering prayers, reciting the Takbir, and performing Qurbani (the ritual sacrifice), with the meat shared among family, friends, and those in need. People dress in their finest attire, and families come together to prepare and enjoy special festive meals.

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