Eid al-Fitr means "festival of breaking the fast," and it comes after the holiest month of the Islamic calendar, Ramadan, marking the end of it.
This year (2024), Eid al-Fitr will take place on Tuesday, April 9th.
During Ramadan, Muslims all over the world fast with their families from dawn to sundown for a month. In the daylight hours, no food or drinks can be consumed, including water!
Fasting during the holy month is one of the five pillars of Islam, which is why it carries great significance for Muslims.
Eid al-Fitr is celebrated for one to three days (depending on the country) by gathering with family and friends, wearing nice clothes, feasting on delicious meals, and sometimes giving gifts to children and those in need.
The celebration starts with prayers at dawn, usually at a mosque, followed by a short sermon. Traditionally, Muslims eat something sweet prior to the prayer such as date-filled biscuits known as maamoul.
In some countries, families visit their departed loved ones in graveyards to offer their respects.
If you want to wish a loved one a “Happy Eid," the most common greeting is “Eid Mubarak” (Blessed Eid) or “Eid sa’id” (Happy Eid).
Challenge your French skills with this reading exercise about what a typical day during Ramadan is like, based on an original interview with our very own Hajar Alami!
Eid Mubarak from the Kwiziq team!
