Eid ul Fitr is one of the most widely celebrated Islamic festivals, which marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan. On this day, Muslims show their gratitude towards Allah for offering them health and endurance to get through the long fasting period of Ramadan. Muslims offer prayer and thank Allah for His blessings and rewards. Eid ul Fitr 2024 is highly anticipated festival as it is celebrated to promote brotherhood and togetherness among the Muslims. On Eid ul Fitr, people organize delicious feasts, wear new and vibrant clothes, visit family members and exchange Eid greetings.
Eid al Fitr meaning
As per Eid ul fitr definition, it means the ‘Feast of Breaking the Fast’. Eid ul Fitr is the first of the two official holidays in Islam. Falling on the first day of the Islamic calendar’s month of Shawwal, Eid ul Fitr is a festival organized with massive feasts all around the world to celebrate the gifts and blessings of Allah.
Eid ul Fitr 2024 date
The exact date of Eid ul Fitr is different every year, varying according to the sighting of the crescent moon, which is the night next to the new moon. Eid ul Fitr 2024e will begin on the evening of 9th April 2024 and end on the evening 10th April 2024.
Eid ul Fitr history
The festival was first started by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in 624 CE to celebrate the victory in the battle of Badr. Since then, Eid ul Fitr has become one of the most significant days in Islam. Stories about the origin of Eid ul Fitr suggests that the festivities spread during the migration of Prohpet Muhammad (PBUH) to Madinah from Makkah.
Significance of Eid ul Fitr
Eid ul Fitr symbolizes virtues like patience, piety, godliness and fortitude. It is a day of celebration as those who observe the fast during Ramadan receive the rewards of rigorous spiritual discipline and month-long worship. On this holy day, Muslims also show their gratitude to Allah for opening the doors of forgiveness and mercy through the sacred month of Ramadan.
In addition to being a time for reflection, fresh beginnings and rejoicing with loved ones, Eid ul Fitr is also a reminder to be kind to those who are less fortunate. The day reminds Muslims to embrace people from social and economic circles and share the joy of festivities with the underprivileged, the poor and the neglected. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) himself used to make sure that all the needy, the downtrodden and widows were able to share the joys of Eid ul Fitr. The day is when all Muslims should count their blessings and help those who are in need of it.
Purpose of Eid ul Fitr
Eid ul Fitr is a celebration of completing a month of fasting, praying and abstaining from all negative actions and thoughts. On this auspicious day, Muslims worldwide thank Allah for giving them the strength, will, and endurance they needed to observe the month-long fast and obey His commandments during Ramadan. They pray to Allah to help them stay on the right path and seek blessings for good deeds performed during the holy month.
How to celebrate Eid ul Fitr 2024
1. Perform Eid prayers
Also known as Eid salah, Eid prayers are performed by all Muslims on Eid ul Fitr when the fast is broken. This prayer includes two Rakaat units along with six or twelve additional takbeers. The first rakaat has 7 takbeers while the second rakaat has 5 takbeers. The purpose of these prayers is to show gratitude to Allah for blessing Muslims with the holy month of Ramadan and enabling them to do Ibadah during the sacred month. It also allows Muslims to begin the holy day with dutifulness to Allah and show their obedience to Him. Eid prayers are usually performed in congregation with friends, family and other fellow Muslims.
2. Enjoy feasts
It is forbidden for Muslims to fast on Eid ul Fitr. The festival starts with a light breakfast that traditionally includes dates and some sweets. Then, during lunch, families and friends gather and enjoy various local delicacies like kahk, kunafa and qatayef. The feast is considered incomplete without a large spread of food, including dishes like haleem, biryani, kebabs, nihari and the traditional dessert called sewayin. After performing their Eid prayers, Muslims get together with their friends, relatives and acquaintances. They often hold massive celebrations at homes, community centers or rented halls.
3. Pay zakat al-Fitr and do charity
Eid ul Fitr is also considered as a day of charity. In addition to showing gratitude to Allah, Muslims pay Zakat al-Fitr, which is an obligatory payment in charity. Many Muslims volunteer at soup kitchens and food banks, handing out food to those in need. Eid ul Fitr also serves as a day of introspection for Muslims when they reflect on their actions and assess whether they have contributed to the well-being of those less fortunate.
4. Exchange gifts and greetings
Exchanging gifts, greetings, and wishes is a big part of Eid ul Fitr celebrations. Muslims around the world wear new clothes, distribute sweets and exchange greetings with each other by saying “Eid Mubarak”, meaning “have a blessed Eid”. Elders give children money and gifts, which is called Eidi. Friends, neighbors, colleagues, loved ones and even strangers exchange sweet treats like dates and cookies. Family members buy presents for one another. Typically, most presents are given to the families’ youngest members. Also, Muslims decorate their homes and workplaces into colorful settings.
Suggested Read: Top 40 Eid Mubarak Wishes 2024 For Family, Friends, And Loved Ones
Facts about Eid ul Fitr
Here are some interesting facts about Eid ul Fitr:
- In different parts of the world, Eid ul Fitr is referred to by names like ‘Ramazan Bairami’ in Azerbaijan, ‘Korite’ in Senegal, ‘Lebaran’ in Indonesia and ‘Hari Raya Puasa’ in Malaysia.
- Eid is celebrated two times a year. First, Eid ul-Fitr is celebrated at the end of Ramadan, closely followed by Eid al Adha.
- Eid ul Fitr is known for being one of the biggest religious festivals in the world and is celebrated by more than 2 billion Muslims globally.
- Traditionally, Eid ul Fitr lasts for three days. However, depending on when it falls in a particular year, the celebrations can last even longer.
- The date of celebration of Eid ul Fitr is dependent on the sighting of the crescent moon.
Eid ul Fitr 2024 is a day of happiness, forgiveness, prayers and excitement for Muslims across the globe celebrated in the month of Shawwal. Everyone from kids to adults and senior citizens eagerly waits for the day that marks the end of fasting and brings festive cheer.
Suggested Read: The Month Of Shawwal 2024: Significance, Traditions And Facts
Eid Ul Fitr 2024 FAQs
What is the Eid ul Fitr meaning?
Eid ul Fitr means the feast of breaking the fast.
Are Eid prayers performed only during Eid ul Fitr?
No, Eid prayers are performed twice a year- once on Eid ul Fitr and the second time on Eid al Adha.
Is it mandatory to have breakfast on Eid ul Fitr?
Yes, Muslims are forbidden from observing fast on Eid ul Fitr. They are required to break their month-long fast on this day.
Is it obligatory to do charity on Eid ul Fitr?
Yes, all financially-able Muslims must pay zakat al-Fitr on this day.
Does any other Eid celebration occur during the year?
Muslims also celebrate Eid al Adha, which closely follows Eid ul Fitr. It is believed that on Eid al Adha, Allah appeared in Ibrahim dream and asked him to sacrifice his son to prove his faith.
