Non-Muslims Guide to Eid Al Fitr

Because not every country or community has a large Muslim population, there may be some unfamiliarity about the significance of Ramadan and the celebrations that occur during the ninth month of the Islamic calendar.

Eid Al Fitr, also known as the “small Eid,” “the breaking of fast,” or more simply put “Eid” is expected to begin this weekend for Muslims across the world. The joyous celebration marks the end of the fasting period Muslims observe during the month of Ramadan.

Eid celebrations typically last three days, with schools and businesses closing for multiple days in countries with a Muslim-majority population.

Islam follows the lunar calendar, meaning phases of the moon determine the beginning and end of Ramadan. The dates of the holy month are determined once a crescent moon is spotted.

In most countries, once the authorities spot a crescent moon, they will announce the official start of Eid Al Fitr celebrations. Usually, this happens the day before Eid Al Fitr.

Eid Al Fitr is one of the two most important holidays in Islam. Eid Al Adha is the other important holiday that occurs on the tenth day of the final month in the Islamic calendar, which honors the lamb sacrificed by Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham).

Significance of Eid Al Fitr

Eid Al Fitr was started by Prophet Mohammed, and Muslims celebrate the holiday to thank Allah for the Quran.

The holy month of Ramadan is celebrated to signify the month that the first chapters of the Quran were revealed to Prophet Mohammed by the Angel Gabriel.

During Ramadan, Muslims abstain from eating, drinking, and sexual activity from sunrise to sunset and dedicate extra time to their faith. “Ftour/Iftar” is the fast-breaking meal. It is followed by a larger dinner, while “suhoor” is the meal served in the early morning hours before the exhausting day of fasting that lies ahead.

Traditions and Celebrations

While each country differs in its celebrations to mark the end of the fasting period, many Muslims will begin the Eid celebration by attending “khutba,” an early morning prayer followed by a religious sermon.

After the Eid khutba, a large breakfast or brunch-style meal is served with traditional foods of the country of origin. Muslims are prohibited from fasting during Eid Al Fitr.

Muslims must also complete the obligatory Zakat al Fitr, which consists in donating money to charity so that the economically disadvantaged can still celebrate Eid Al Fitr. For this year’s Ramadan, Morocco’s High Council of Ulemas set the cash value of Zakat Al Fitr at MAD 20 ($1.98).

Arguably, the most important aspect of Eid Al Fitr is the emphasis on spending time with family and friends and calling relatives to wish them “Eid Mubarak!” When visiting relatives, usually a family will visit the husband’s parents first, and later the wife’s family.

New clothes are worn on the Eid day, and photos are taken as the holy month of Ramadan ends. The holiday is especially exciting for children, who may receive new toys or money as gifts.

Eid Al Fitr in Morocco

In Morocco, Eid Al Fitr looks different for every family, but generally, universal traditions are followed throughout households.

Men will adorn their djellaba as they attend Eid prayer before breakfast is served with friends and family.

The breakfast feast is accompanied by a selection of Moroccan favorites such as Bagrir, traditional pastries, m’semen, and tea.

In the afternoon, lunch is served with more Moroccan specialties such as couscous, tagines, pastilla, and kefta dishes.

Bottom Line

While traditions and celebrations differ between families and cultures, Eid Al Fitr is an exciting time for Muslims as the holy month of Ramadan winds down.

Being in a Muslim-majority country or neighborhood offers a window of fresh,unique insights into different regions or countries’ distinct yet shared celebrations of one of the two biggest holidays in Islam.

Expect several days-long celebrations worldwide as Muslims come together and celebrate the end of the month-long fasting period.