What is Eid Ul-Fitr?

Eid Ul-Fitr, translated to “the festival of breaking fast” is one of 5 pillars of Islam. It is a celebratory event that comes at the end of the Holy month of Ramadan. With 30 days devoted to fasting, Muslims get to reward themselves with a family festival of food and gifts at the beginning of the next Islamic month of Shawwal.

When will it happen?

With each year being different on the Gregorian calendar, Muslims wait for the Shawaal moon to be sighted just a few nights before the end of the month. Shaped like a beautiful thin crescent, the moon’s sighting determines the probability of Eid.

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How is it celebrated?

Muslims all around the world gather with their families and greet them with a polite “Eid Mubarak” hug. Families are expected to look their best with a nice shower, a pair of brand new clothes accompanied by an elegant perfume. The day begins with the early-morning Eid prayer which happens at mosques around the cities, just moments after sunrise. Once the prayer is completed, family and friends greet eachother and begin celebrations.

The most prominent aspect of Eid Ul-Fitr is the money children get from the elders. On this special day, children gather around their uncles, aunts, parents, and grandparents to ask for money. People also decorate their homes with lights and candles to conclude the holy month of Ramadan.

How many holidays will there be?

Each year, the King appoints a 3-day holiday for Eid which changes each year according to the sighting of the moon. This year, it has been announced that the private sector will have a 4-day holiday starting from April 30. University and school students will have a 2-week holiday from April 21 up until May 8 2022.

What’s the different types of Eid in Islam?

Eid Ul-Fitr is explained above and falls on the first of Shawaal and is a celebration of food and looking your best. Eid Ul-Adha is the second type of Eid in Islam which translates to “the festival of sacrifice.” It comes approximately 70 days after Eid Ul-Fitr, and animals like sheep, cows, and camels are slaughtered and given out to the community and charity from all families. Eid Ul-Adha marks the celebration of the end of the holy month of Hajj. This is the month where pilgrims from around the world preform their journey to holy sites in Makkah and Madinah, to complete one of the 5 pillars of Islam.