What is Eid ul-Fitr?

Eid ul-Fitr or عيد الفطر is a celebration held by Muslims to mark the end of Ramadan and to thank Allah for the strength he gave them to get through this traditional period of fasting.

Eid ul-Fitr is sometimes called “Lesser Eid” to contrast it with Aid ul-Adha, or “Greater Eid,” another major holiday for Muslims. The holiday is a time for fellowship, socialization, and good wishes, and it is celebrated with a variety of local traditions all over the world. Visitors to nations with large Muslim populations are often caught up in the celebrations, with shouts of Eid mubarak, meaning “blessed Eid,” ringing in the streets.

Ramadan is a very serious holiday for Muslims, taking place during the ninth month of the Islamic holidays. Celebrants fast during the day and pray frequently, meditating upon the nature of faith and Allah. It is traditional to make gifts of alms and food to the poor during Ramadan, and to abstain from sins.

Ramadan officially ends when the crescent moon of the 10th month in the Islamic calender is sighted, marking the start of Eid ul-Fitr.