What's Eid al-Fitr? What to know about the Muslim holiday as Ramadan ends

Aaron A. Bedoya, El Paso Times
Updated ·1 min read
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As Ramadan, the Islamic month of fasting, draws to a close, Muslims worldwide prepare to celebrate Eid al-Fitr, Arabic for “the celebration of breaking the fast."

During the month of Ramadan, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset and spend time in self-reflection and prayer.

What's Eid al-Fitr?

Eid al-Fitr marks the first day Muslims return to their regular lifestyles. In fact, it's forbidden to fast on this day.

The holiday starts once the crescent moon signifying the start of the month of Shawwal in the Islamic Hijri calendar is spotted.

When is Eid al-Fitr 2024?

Eid al-Fitr is expected to fall on or around Wednesday, April 10.

How to wish someone a happy Eid

Muslims will wish each other "Eid Mubarak," or a blessed holiday.

What do Muslims do on Eid al-Fitr?

The Eid prayer is a cornerstone of celebration. Muslims will congregate in their local mosques in the early hours of the first day of Eid to perform this prayer.

Muslims are also obligated to pay Zakat al-Fitr, a mandatory charity of food that must be given before the Eid prayer.

Every Muslim who can afford to do so is required to donate what is roughly a plate of food.

Family members exchange gifts or money, sometimes called "Eidi". It's also not uncommon for community members to give out "eidi" to the young children in their communities.

USA Today and the Arizona Republic contributed to this report.

This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: When does Eid start 2024? What to know about Islamic holiday