Eid al-Fitr
The Festival of Breaking the Fast, celebrating the end of Ramadan.
Eid al-Fitr falls on 1 Shawwal in the Islamic lunar calendar, the day after Ramadan ends. It moves about 11 days earlier each Gregorian year, cycling through all seasons over about 33 years. The exact day can depend on the sighting of the new moon.
When Is Eid al-Fitr?
Eid al-Fitr falls on 1 Shawwal in the Islamic lunar calendar, the day after Ramadan ends. It moves about 11 days earlier each Gregorian year, cycling through all seasons over about 33 years. The exact day can depend on the sighting of the new moon.
Because the Gregorian date changes from year to year, check a calendar published by the tradition or your local community for this year's date.
Why It Matters
Eid al-Fitr is one of the two major Islamic holidays, marking the joyful end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting. Muslims celebrate the spiritual growth achieved through fasting, prayer, and reflection.
How It Is Observed
Eid prayer in congregation, zakat al-fitr (charity given before the prayer), festive meals with family and community, new clothes, visiting loved ones, exchanging gifts.
Sacred Text
“The month of Ramadhan [is that] in which was revealed the Qur'an, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion. So whoever sights [the new moon of] the month, let him fast it.”
, Quran 2:185 ↗