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Writer's pictureMaaz Shahid

Eid-Ul-Fitr: An Overview

Updated: Nov 16, 2022

The first of the year's two Eids is Eid ul-Fitr, and the second is Eid ul-Adha. Despite being regarded as the lesser of the two Eids due to its connection to Ramadan, the Eid that falls after Ramadan continues to hold significant significance in Islam.


It is believed that the Angel Jibril shared the word of Allah (SWT) with the Prophet (PBUH) on Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Power) in the last 10 days of Ramadan (widely believed to be the 27th night). The Prophet (PBUH) was the one who instigated Eid, which was first observed in Medina following the pilgrimage from Mecca.


The dates of Islamic holidays change every year in the Gregorian calendar due to Islam's calendar, the Hijri calendar. The Hijri calendar is a lunar calendar that calculates how long it will take the moon to go through each phase. Religious officials mark the beginning of any Islamic month by spotting a new crescent moon.


There are 12 months in a lunar year, but there are only 354 days, which is about 11 days less than in a solar year. Consequently, the dates of Islamic holidays are moved back 10 to 11 days each year. The first day of Shawwal, the Islamic calendar's tenth month is always Eid al-Fitr.


During Ramadan, Muslims begin Eid al-Fitr to mark the completion of their sacred responsibilities after a month of prayer, devotion, and self-control. In numerous nations with a significant Muslim population, the festival is observed as a public holiday.


Muslims celebrate Eid al-Fitr by participating in special morning prayers, greeting one another with formal embraces, and wishing one another "Eid Mubarak," or "Have a blessed Eid."They cook and eat special meals, play games with children, and get together with friends and family. The festivities last three days, one day less than Eid al-Adha. As a result, Eid al-Fitr is frequently referred to as "Lesser" or "Smaller Eid."


In short, Eid al-Fitr is a day of celebrating, such that friends and family gather to enjoy each other’s company in prayerful communion. It is a spiritual time of reflection, but also a season for sharing laughter, putting aside differences, and recognizing the joy of being alive. In the end, it is an occasion of thanksgiving for existence itself.



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