Eid al-Fitr is a significant Islamic holiday celebrated by over 2 billion Muslims worldwide. This festive occasion marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting. So, let's dive deeper into the significance of this holiday and the cultural practices surrounding it.
Eid al-Fitr, also known as the "Festival of Breaking the Fast," is an opportunity for Muslims to come together with family and friends to express gratitude to Allah (SWT) for the strength and patience exhibited during the month of Ramadan. It is a time of joy, reflection, and spiritual growth.
Eid al-Fitr is celebrated with various customs and practices, including congregational Eid prayers, feasting, giving gifts, and donating to the less fortunate (Zakatul-Fitr). The specific traditions may differ based on regional and cultural differences, but the underlying theme of unity and gratitude remains consistent.
To understand when Eid al-Fitr is celebrated, it's essential to comprehend the Islamic lunar calendar and how it influences the timing of this holiday.
The Islamic calendar, also known as the Hijri calendar, is based on the lunar cycle. Each lunar month lasts 29 to 30 days, making the Islamic year about 354 days. This contrasts with the solar-based Gregorian calendar, which consists of 365 days.
The beginning and end of Islamic months, including Ramadan and Shawwal (the month of Eid al-Fitr), are determined by the sighting of the new moon. Local religious authorities confirm the start of each month, which can vary depending on geographical location and weather conditions.
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Eid al-Fitr falls on the first day of the 10th Islamic month, Shawwal, which comes immediately after Ramadan. In 2024, Eid al-Fitr is predicted to occur on or around April 10th. As such, it could be on April 9th, 10th or 11th. The exact date will vary depending on the sighting of the moon in different regions of the world.
As mentioned earlier, the beginning of Shawwal and, consequently, Eid al-Fitr depends on the sighting of the new moon. Islamic scholars and local religious authorities will confirm the exact date based on the moon's visibility in their regions. Therefore, depending on geographical location, the date may differ by a day or two. Below is a table and an interactive map based on the announcements of some of the countries.
| Eid al-Fitr date | Regions celebrating Eid on these dates |
| 9th April 2024 Tuesday |
Angola, Brazil, Canada, Jordan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Mali, Mauritania, Nigeria, Norway, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Somalia, Sweden, Syria, Tajikistan, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Turkiye, UAE, Uganda, UK, USA, Uzbekistan, Yemen |
| 10th April 2024 Wednesday |
Afghanistan, Algeria, Argentina, Australia, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Brunei, Croatia, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Finland, France, Ireland, Hong Kong, Indonesia, India, Iran, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Malaysia, Morocco, New Zealand, Oman, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Tanzania, Taiwan, Thailand |
| 11th April 2024 Thursday |
TBC |
The above table and the interactive map below will be updated as much as possible when countries announce the Eid al-Fitr 2024 dates.
Eid al-Fitr is a joyous occasion that brings Muslims together in the spirit of unity and gratitude. Let's take a closer look at how this holiday is celebrated.
Muslims typically start their Eid al-Fitr celebrations with a special prayer called "Salat al-Eid," held in mosques or large open spaces. This congregational is followed by a sermon, which reminds the congregation of the importance of empathy, gratitude, and maintaining good deeds beyond Ramadan.
After the prayer and sermon, families and friends come together to share festive meals and strengthen their bonds. Traditional dishes and sweets are prepared, and homes are often adorned with decorations to mark the occasion.
One of the key aspects of Eid al-Fitr is the act of giving to the less fortunate. Muslims are encouraged to perform "Zakat al-Fitr," a form of charity given before the Eid prayer. This act ensures that the needy can also partake in the joyous celebrations.
What's the Difference Between all the Zakats?
While the core principles of Eid al-Fitr remain the same, unique traditions and celebrations can be observed in different countries.
In Indonesia, for example, the holiday is known as "Lebaran," where people often participate in a mass exodus to their hometowns to celebrate with family. In Turkey, it is called "Ramazan Bayramı" and is marked by the tradition of visiting the graves of deceased loved ones. In India and Pakistan, it's common to see people wearing new clothes and exchanging gifts and sweets.
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Eid al-Fitr is a significant religious celebration that marks the end of Ramadan and serves as a reminder of the values of empathy, gratitude, and spiritual growth. In 2024, it is predicted to fall on or around April 10th, with the exact date being confirmed by local religious authorities based on the sighting of the new moon.
