When is Eid al-Fitr?

Eid al-Fitr is held immediately after Ramadan,

Celebrations can last up to three days,

Muslims begin Eid day celebrations by partakingin the prayer service that takes place shortly after dawn, followed by a shortsermon.

On their way to the prayer, which istraditionally held in an open area, Muslims recite takbeerat, praising God bysaying “Allahu Akbar”, meaning “God is great”.

It is customary to eat something sweet prior tothe prayer such as date-filled biscuits known as maamoul.

Eid al-Fitr is one of two major festivalscelebrated by Muslims each year, the other being Eid al-Adha, which falls laterin the summer and honours Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son to Allah.

It is seen as a spiritual celebration ofAllah’s gift of strength and endurance. It is also a time for charity, known asZakat al-Fitr, when people are expected to give and show kindness.

Fasting is forbidden on the day of Eid, incontrast to the 30 days that came before.

People congratulate one another as they headhome after Eid prayers. They spend the day visiting relatives and neighbours,and accepting sweets as they move around from house to house.

Each country has traditional desserts andsweets that are prepared before Eid or on the morning of the first day. Thesefoods range from special biscuits and bread to cakes and puddings.

Children, dressed in new clothes, are offeredgifts and money to celebrate the joyous occasion.

In some countries, families visit graveyards tooffer their respects to departed family members.

It is common for the capitals ofMuslim-majority countries to decorate their cities with lights


and holdfestivities to commemorate the end of Ramadan

| Takbirat Al Eid Mohamad Kendo