Eid al Fitr meaning: What is Eid? What does it mean for Muslims and why is it important?

RAMADAN ends this week and Muslims around the world will mark the close of the holy month with a festival called Eid al-Fitr. This is what Eid al-Fitr means and why it is important to Muslims.

Eid al-Fitr is the joyous celebration observed by Muslims at the end of Ramadan. The date of Eid changes every year as the Islamic calendar is lunar. Eid 2019 will start when the new moon is sighted. Most Muslims will celebrate Eid from tomorrow.

What does Eid al-Fitr mean?

“Eid al-fitr” literally means “Festival of Breaking the Fast.”

During the holy month of Ramadan Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset, a practice they believe brings them closer to God.


Eid al Fitr meaning

Eid al Fitr meaning: Eid is the biggest celebration in the Muslim calendar (Image: GETTY)

Muslims are forbidden to fast on Eid, which is a festival of indulgence and celebration.

Why is Eid al-Fitr important to Muslims?

Eid is as important to Muslims as Christmas is to Christians.

Eid al-Fitr is the biggest holiday in the Islamic calendar and is a chance for friends and family to come together and celebrate.

Eid al Fitr meaning

Eid al Fitr meaning (Image: Eid al Fitr meaning: Eid is a joyous celebration at the end of Ramadan)

Muslims celebrate Eid to give thanks to God following a month of abstinence.

While every country celebrates Eid differently it is a time for feasting with friends and family.

Muslims all buy new clothes to wear on the special day, beginning Eid with morning prayers.

After Eid prayers, a specially-prepared sweet dish is eaten and the rest of the day is spent celebrating with friends and family.

Families and friends indulge together and share gifts.

Eid al Fitr meaning

Eid al Fitr meaning: It is forbidden to fast on Eid (Image: GETTY)

How to wish someone ‘Happy Eid!’

The traditional Eid greeting is to say “Eid Mubarak.”

Muslims greet one another on Eid to mark the special holiday.

Muslims follow this greeting which means “Happy holiday” or “Happy celebrations” with a formal embrace, three times.