Rabat – Muslims in Iraq will officially celebrate the first day of Eid Al Fitr on Sunday, March 30, according to the country’s Dar Al Iftaa.
The country’s moon sighting committee observed the Shawwal(the tenth month of the Islamic calendar) crescent moon this evening, which means that Saturday is the last day of Ramadan.
The Islamic holiday, the festival of breaking fast, marks the end of Ramadan, a long month of spiritual devotion.
Iraqis celebrate Eid Al Fitr with a mix of traditional Islamic customs, cultural practices, and family gatherings.
Before Eid, families clean their homes and decorate them with lights and ornaments. In addition, markets become crowded as people buy new clothes, sweets, and gifts, especially for children.
Iraqi households prepare special dishes such as “kleicha” (date-filled or nut-filled pastries), which is the most famous Eid sweet.
Many in Iraq give Zakat Al Fitr, a mandatory charity for the poor that needs to be given before Eid prayer.
On the morning of Eid, worshippers attend the special Eid prayer (Salat al-Eid) in mosques and open spaces. After the prayer, they greet each other with “Eid Mubarak.”
Families and friends in Iraq often visit each other and exchange gifts and sweets during Eid Al Fitr. Hospitality is an important part of Eid, with guests being served traditional sweets like “kleicha”, baklava, nuts, and tea.
In some areas, locals share large communal meals, featuring dishes like “maqlooba” (layered rice and meat dish), “kubba”, and lamb stew.
