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Marrakech – Qatar Calendar House has announced that Eid Al Fitr 2026/1447 AH is expected to fall on Friday, March 20, based on precise astronomical calculations conducted by its specialists. The date marks the first day of Shawwal, the tenth month in the Islamic lunar calendar.
Eid Al Fitr, which translates to “the festival of breaking the fast,” is celebrated immediately after Ramadan. It is one of the two major Eid holidays in Islam, alongside Eid Al Adha, which marks the end of Hajj about two months later. Each Eid stretches over four days and carries its own historical significance.
In Qatar, the celebrations begin early in the morning with Eid prayers held in mosques. Men gather without the usual call to prayer, followed by a brief sermon by an Imam. Women traditionally offer their prayers from home. Everyone wears their best attire. Men often tailor new thobes, while women dress in beautiful kaftans and dresses.
After a small breakfast at home, families venture out greeting everyone with “Eid Mubarak,” meaning “Blessed Eid,” or “Kul ‘am wa enta bi-khair,” meaning “May every year find you in good health.” Children roam the neighborhood collecting “Eidiya” money, chanting traditional songs and phrases as they knock on doors.
Charity holds central importance during Eid Al Fitr. Families across Qatar make donations to favored causes, and zakat Al Fitr is distributed ahead of the prayers.
Eid Al Fitr is a national holiday in Qatar. Schools, offices, and businesses close in the mornings so families and neighbors can celebrate together. In 2025, Qatar granted a nine-day Eid holiday.
Special events, family-friendly activities, and interactive exhibits pop up in malls and public spaces across the country. Live shows, stage performances, and traditional music add to the festive atmosphere.
Some Muslim-majority countries, including Turkiye, rely solely on astronomical calculations to determine Eid dates. Most Arab and Islamic countries, however, depend on the official sighting of the Shawwal crescent moon before making formal announcements.
