SUNDOWN, TUESDAY APRIL 9, Ramadan ends with Eid al-Fitr starting WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10—That’s the schedule most Muslim communities in the U.S. are counting on in 2024. Muslim groups at major universities, for example, are pointing to Wednesday the 10th for their big Eid al-Fitr celebrations.
However, Ramadan traditionally is marked by sightings of the moon in regions around the world, so the dates could vary somewhat. One example is India, where The Times of India recently reported that the Eid al-Fitr is likely to begin on April 11 this year—at least in some regions of the country.
Also varying around the world is the length of the Eid celebration, which can be observed for between one and three days—and some parts of the world continue the Eid for up to a week!
This is usually a joyous time, starting with huge communal prayers on the first morning of the Eid. At many mosques and Muslim community centers, huge trays of sweet treats are passed around—because just as fasting is mandated during the day during Ramadan, eating is required after the fast ends. The good cheer and good eating traditionally continues through gatherings with family and friends—and big daytime meals for the first time in a month.
One Muslim leader likes to say: “Think of American Thanksgiving extended across a couple of days.”
EID AL-FITR: FROM SUNRISE TO SUNSET
Before sunrise on Eid al-Fitr, Muslims pray, bathe and put on their best clothing. A small breakfast—usually including dates—is consumed before heading to a nearby mosque (or, in some cases, an open square or field). In the mosques, open squares and fields, Muslims pray in unison; following prayers, feasting commences.
Zakat (charitable giving) has been completed, and many adherents spend ample time enjoying the company of family and friends, attending carnivals and fireworks displays, giving gifts and expressing thanks to Allah.
Did you know? The first Eid was observed by the Prophet Muhammad in 624 CE.
The grand holiday of Eid al-Fitr is referred to in many ways: the Sugar Feast, Sweet Festival, Feast of the Breaking of the Fast and Bajram, to name just a few.
AROUND THE WORLD: FROM THE UK TO ASIA TO AFRICA
With nearly one-quarter of the world’s population observing the Islamic faith, countries around the world are preparing their banks, airlines, shops, business hours and public services for the major holiday.
Unlike most Muslim holidays, which may or may not be observed by all Muslims each year, the two Eid holidays—Eid al-Adha and Eid al-Fitr—are commemorated universally.
In the UK, some of the largest festivals of the year will take place for the Eid holidays.
Did you know?
In Egypt, Eid ul-Fitr is an occasion for neighborhood carnivals; in Asia, a celebratory dish contains toasted sweet vermicelli noodles and dried fruit; in Saudi Arabia, wealthy families buy large quantities of rice and other staples and leave them anonymously on the doorsteps of those less fortunate.
Looking for Eid recipes?
Sweet and savory selections are available courtesy of the BBC. For sweet recipes, check out NPR.org.
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